The controversy over extending special tax incentives to attract a large “cloud” data storage center to west Michigan continues at the state Capitol. The state House could vote very soon on the tax breaks.
Supporters say the incentives will help seed a modern, growing industry in the state. But opponents say the incentives are designed primarily to benefit Las Vegas-based switch, which is eyeing a location in west Michigan for a server farm.
But other data center operators across the state say it will put them at a disadvantage.
Chuck Warner is the president of Kalamazoo-based Secant Technologies.
This is going to impact my business. This is going to hurt my business.”
Warner says he’s added 20 new jobs so far this year without any special tax treatment.
But supporters say it’s no different than tax advantages offered to manufacturers, farmers, and insurance companies in Michigan.
I’m Rick Pluta at the state Capitol