LANSING, MI-- State Representative John Kivela has been honored by the Michigan Association of Counties for his work on “dark store” legislation.
The Marquette Democrat was given the 2017 County Advocate Award on Tuesday. Last year he introduced a bill to close a property tax loophole that let “big box” stores be assessed as though their buildings were empty and unused. It passed the House but died in Senate Committee.
Communities around Michigan have felt the sting of less revenue because of the issue. The bill has been reintroduced this session, and Kivela is once again a co-sponsor.
MAC Director of Governmental Affairs Deena Bosworth says Kivela’s dogged support for the legislation helped propel a favorable vote in the house, setting the stage for more progress this year.
