The U.S. could lift sanctions against Iran if a nuclear agreement comes through, but Michigan might not go along with that.
Chad Selweski writes in Bridge magazine:
While the U.S. may soon lift important economic sanctions, Michigan is among roughly two dozen states that have imposed their own, state-level sanctions against Iran.
With a Republican majority in Lansing largely hostile to the deal being promoted by the White House, state sanctions will likely remain in place for the foreseeable future, even if the Iran agreement ultimately survives an upcoming congressional vote.
Indeed, if legislative leaders in Michigan have their way, Michigan will join Kansas and Mississippi in considering additional sanctions to discourage companies doing business in the state from entering Iran’s potentially lucrative markets.
In 2012, Michigan passed legislation that prohibited companies with economic relationships with Iran from submitting bids on government contracts. In addition, the state divested $185 million of its pension funds from companies including Royal Dutch Shell, Vodafone, HSBC and Nokia, for their activities in Iran.
Bridge reports that state Sen. Jack Brandenburg (R-Harrison Township) last week proposed a ban on Michigan grants, tax breaks and tax credits for companies with ties to Iran.
