LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan Association of REALTORS(R) and the Michigan Chamber of Commerce today unveiled a TV ad addressing Governor Granholm's 2% excise tax on services that will result in a $1.4 billion tax increase on families and job providers. The ad began airing today and highlights just some of the services the administration wants to tax.

"With the housing industry already in trouble, this proposal will make it more expensive to build, buy, or sell a home in Michigan, said Brad Ward, Director of Public Policy and Legal Affairs for the Michigan Association of REALTORS(R). "This proposal will further impact realtors who, as business owners and job providers, will have to pay a tax for the use of business services like accountants and legal assistance."

The Governor's plan calls for a 2% "excise" tax on hundreds of personal and business services such as home sales and home repairs, tax preparation, movie tickets and TV services, janitorial services, insurance and employment services, and more. The 30-second TV spot is aimed at educating and informing the public about the proposal.

"The Granholm Administration has called for a major tax increase that will hit every family pocketbook and every job provider in Michigan by taxing the daily necessities that run households and business operations," said Tricia Kinley, Director of Tax Policy & Economic Development for the Michigan Chamber of Commerce. "The sheer number of layoffs, home foreclosures and families and businesses leaving Michigan says it all.

"Michigan cannot afford a tax increase. We urge legislators to reject this idea," Kinley concluded.

The Michigan Association of REALTORS(R) is a professional trade organization for real estate professionals. It serves its members by advancing the interest of REALTORS(R) and promotes and protects private property rights of Michigan citizens.

The Michigan Chamber of Commerce is a statewide business advocacy organization representing over 7,000 employers, trade associations and local chambers of commerce. The Michigan Chamber was established in 1959 to be a strong advocate for Michigan's job providers in the legislative, political and legal process.

It's a new year and if you're like me, you've looked in the mirror and thought, I need to drop a few pounds.

Plenty of people turn to health clubs to help them loss weight. Unfortunately, they often just pick a name out the phone book and plop down their money.

Here's 10 tips for making sure that the weight you lose isn't just from your wallet.

1. Make sure you talk to your doctor before you start any weight loss program.
   
2. If you have more than one health club in your area, don't visit them one after the other. Visit one a day, and make sure you go at the same time that you would be going to workout. That way you'll be able to see how crowded they are at the time you'll want to be using the equipment. overcrowded during that time.
   
3. Look the place over closely. Is it clean? What kind of shape is the equipment in?
   
4. What kind of training does the staff have? Don't be afraid to ask. Just because they work there doesn't mean they know what they are doing.
   
5. Find out what services come with the membership and what you have to pay extra for. Many times things like aerobics and tanning are an additional charge.
   
6. Evaluate the cost of membership. Are you sure you can afford to make the payments?
   
7. Contact your state consumer protection department, every state has one, and the better business bureau to find out if there have been any complaints.
   
8. Read the contract CAREFULLY before you sign it.
   
9. Make sure you understand the cancellation and refund policies before signing the contract. Remember, no matter what the salesman may tell you, it's what's in the contract that's binding.
   
10. Shop smart -- be an informed consumer.