We are very concerned with the expansion of new and increased fees impacting agriculture because:
- Fees constitute taxation without representation.
- Fees may not be in relation to service provided and generate revenue exceeding the cost of service.
- Fees might be interpreted as a replacement for General Fund dollars.
- Fees are a cost on a select and limited sector of the economy.
We oppose any revenue-generating fees imposed by the State of Michigan that are based on a history of past violations rather than new or current violations.
Compliance monitoring and enforcement that benefit the general public should be funded through the General Fund. Likewise, general administration and operational costs should be supported by the General Fund, not by fees or fines.
Departments that rely on fee- or fine-based revenue should remain subject to annual legislative review and oversight.
An economic impact statement should be completed on the permitted entities before the fee is implemented.