By Laura Weber, Michigan Public Radio Network
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wkar/local-wkar-888225.mp3
LANSING, MI –
The state Senate is expected to vote this week on funding the "Pure Michigan" ad campaign.
AUDIO:
The "Pure Michigan" campaign has asked for $33 million to expand the reach of the commercials featuring picturesque scenes from around the state, and narrated by Michigan-native Tim Allen. Governor Granholm proposed finding new revenue for the campaign through an increased tax on rental cars. Granholm says that would bring in money from out-of-state tourists.
But a tax hike is unlikely to be approved by the Republican-led state Senate. And the money recently approved by a Senate panel would come from the state's General Fund and cover just less than half of what the Michigan Economic Development Corporation requested.
The Senate could vote on funding for the "Pure Michigan" campaign this week.