Michigan “Sin Taxes” Outshine the Business Community [VIDEO]

Boozehounds and nicotine fiends across Michigan coughed more tax dollars last year than the collective income tax imposed on statewide commerce, according to report from the Detroit News.

They are called “Sin Taxes,” which is how the state generates revenue from the sale of alcoholic beverages and tobacco products. The latest report finds that sin taxes generated over $290 million in 2014, while the total business community only brought in $137.6 million. This is mostly due to Governor Rick Snyder’s 2011 business tax relief that credited Michigan businesses to the tune of almost $769 million.

However, it is interesting that recreational substances seem to be keeping the state above water, especially considering the possibility of a cannabis industry in 2016. Marijuana legalization in Michigan would undoubtedly increase the sin taxes exponentially, giving way to, perhaps, and additional $60 million or more in revenue for the state.