Although it may be "free," that's not stopping some legislators from attempting to tax it.
State Rep. Mark Meadows, D-East Lansing, has introduced House Bill 6214, which would tax free meals employees get while working at restaurants and food establishments.
State Rep. Pete Lund, R-Shelby Township, said the bill amazes him.
Currently, restaurants are allowed to provide free or reduced-cost meals to employees without the employees having to pay sales tax. That would end Oct. 1 if Meadows' bill passes.
Lund said it amazed him Democrats were willing to give millions of dollars to subsidize Hollywood filmmakers, but then go after waiters and waitresses — many of whom are working for minimum wage — for more money.
"The idea of taxing teens who work at Taco Bell to pay for Michael Moore's fat-cat meals is no way to solve Michigan's problems," Lund said. "All the problems in this state, and the Democrats think this is going to solve our problems?"
The original version of this story was posted online on June 23, 2010.
Michigan Capitol Confidential is the news source produced by the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. Michigan Capitol Confidential reports with a free-market news perspective.