Casperson introduces bills to attract firearms manufacturers
LANSING, Mich.— Sen. Tom Casperson recently introduced a measure to create Arms Related Manufacturing (ARM) zones. ARM zones are modeled after tool and die zones to create tax incentives to attract firearms manufacturers to locate in Michigan. Due to recent restrictive legislation being proposed and enacted in their home states, some gun manufacturers are increasingly looking to other states as a possible new home for their respective businesses.
“Officials in some states are pushing unfriendly and in many cases unnecessary policies that are providing real incentive to arms manufacturers to relocate,” said Casperson, R-Escanaba. “The companies provide many good jobs and valuable economic activity for the communities where they are located, so we’re saying that Michigan embraces the Second Amendment and it is open for business, so please come to Michigan.”
Casperson has already had discussions with several manufacturers, including Colt and Stag, about the prospects of their locating in Michigan.
“We’ve actually asked for insight from the manufacturers and invited them to tell us what they would be looking for to relocate here; what would be a good incentive; what are some of the things that would entice you to a state to do business. They are very interested in the proposed legislation and, because of it, are considering Michigan as a possible destination to relocate.”
Senate Bills 429 and 430 were recently introduced and referred to the Senate Committee on Economic Development.