State Split In Debate Over Pricing Law

LANSING (WWJ) - New poll numbers shows that Michigan residents are split over the repeal of the state's item pricing law.

Since the late 1970's most items in stores have been required to have an individual price tag. Governor Rick Snyder supports doing away with the so-called "vintage" law, as does Tricia Kinley with the Michigan Chamber of Commerce.

Kinley spoke, Tuesday, at a  hearing in Lansing on behalf of Chamber members.

Simply put, she said, the current law unnecessarily adds to the cost of doing business in Michigan.

"We feel it is long overdue that we modify Michigan policies to be more reasonable and workable, and in a way that makes it easier, not more difficult, to create jobs. We are positive that you can do this while still maintaining the protections that our residents expect," Kinley said.

"We understand that, for many people, change is hard, and we are sensitive to this.  That's why, at the Michigan Chamber, we believe that the consumer protections and the safeguards that have been built into House Bill 4158 are imperative," Kinley said.

A new poll shows 45 percent of likely voters favor the repeal of the item pricing law, while 45 percent want to keep it in place.

Republican Rep. Lisa Posthumus Lyons of Alto introduced the legislation late last month, about a week after Gov. Snyder proposed the idea in his State of the State speech.

The Michigan Retailers Association says the state's item pricing law is a hidden tax on consumers and results in higher prices at stores.

However, the United Food and Commercial Workers union supports the current law, saying  jobs would be lost in grocery stores if it's repealed.