A rescheduled hearing of the Michigan Tourism Task Force will take place at Crystal Mountain on Friday, Nov. 30.

The task force originally planned the hearing in September, but was forced to reschedule because of the state budget crisis. The Nov. 30 hearing will be held from noon to 2 p.m., and include participation from northwest Michigan tourism and business officials on how best to strengthen the state’s tourism industry.

“A major issue of discussion will likely be the new sales tax on services, especially how it relates to tourism,” said Rep. David Palsrok (R-Manistee), a member of the task force who represents Leelanau County in the state House. “The new tax affects the skiing industry, which is an important draw for our area. The task force will welcome all comments concerning the direction of our state relating to tourism.”

Palsrok said the task force is part of a statewide effort by Republican members of the state House to gather input and ideas from taxpayers, public policy experts and government officials in developing new initiatives

Other topics that could be discussed at the hearing include environmental issues, invasive species, wineries, charter boat fishing, tourism marketing, and how state and local government can work together to help the tourism industry and create local jobs.

Other tourism task force members include Reps. Ken Horn of Frankenmuth, Goeff Hansen of Hart, Tom Casperson of Escanaba, Arlan Meek of Olive Township, and Tonya Schuitmaker of Lawton.

Anyone interested in addressing the task force can call Jordan Hankwitz in Palsrok’s office at (517) 373-0825.