MichiganRadio

'Pure Michigan' Showdown LANSING, MI (MPRN) -

At the state Capitol, the House and the Senate are fighting over how much to spend on the Pure Michigan tourism promotion campaign. Tourism officials say they want to see the campaign back in the air soon as people around the country start to make summer travel plans.

Democratic state Representative Joel Sheltrown chairs the House tourism committee. He says the campaign also helps bring new business to Michigan by promoting it as an attractive place to live and work.

"One of the things that we have a problem with in Michigan is image," says Sheltrown, "You hear that on the talk shows and the comedians, and whatever. Pure Michigan campaign does provide a positive image for Michigan, which is something that we do need."

Sheltrown's committee has approved 20 million dollars for the ad campaign - paid for by a new tax on airport car rentals. But last week, Senate Republicans refused to support a new tax. Instead, they allocated less than half that amount - nine and a half million dollars -- for the campaign. That money would come out of the state's general fund.

"One third of the year is already gone on ads, two thirds remain," says Senator Nancy Cassis, "We believe that nine-point-five was appropriate and within reasonable bounds given all the deficits and budget constraints that we face."

Leaders of Michigan's tourism industry say they want to see the ad campaign back on the air by early April as people start making summer vacation plans. © Copyright 2012, MPRN