By Laura Weber
Larger fireworks and firecrackers could be on sale in Michigan next summer.
The Legislature could vote soon to allow higher-powered fireworks to be sold in the state.
For the past several years, a handful of lawmakers have complained the state loses tax revenue to Ohio and Indiana because Michigan bans the sale of fireworks that explode in the air.
State Senator Rick Jones said some businesses from the neighboring states have lobbied to keep Michigan's fireworks rules. But Jones said it's time to allow sales of bigger display fireworks in the state.
"We need to have to get all of the licensing and regulation people ready so we need to pass it now if we're to have any hope to be ready for July 4th."
Jones said safety is always a concern with fireworks. But, he said, people in Michigan already use the higher-powered fireworks they have purchased in other states, and Michigan should be collecting the revenue and regulating the industry.
Copyright 2010, MPRN
Larger fireworks and firecrackers could be on sale in Michigan next summer.
The Legislature could vote soon to allow higher-powered fireworks to be sold in the state.
For the past several years, a handful of lawmakers have complained the state loses tax revenue to Ohio and Indiana because Michigan bans the sale of fireworks that explode in the air.
State Senator Rick Jones said some businesses from the neighboring states have lobbied to keep Michigan's fireworks rules. But Jones said it's time to allow sales of bigger display fireworks in the state.
"We need to have to get all of the licensing and regulation people ready so we need to pass it now if we're to have any hope to be ready for July 4th."
Jones said safety is always a concern with fireworks. But, he said, people in Michigan already use the higher-powered fireworks they have purchased in other states, and Michigan should be collecting the revenue and regulating the industry.
Copyright 2010, MPRN