LANSING — Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel joined a bipartisan coalition of 15 attorneys general calling on Congress to pass legislation supporting local journalism.

“As stated in our letter, local journalism is absolutely critical to our communities and our democracy,” Nessel said. “This industry has struggled for many years and this pandemic has only exacerbated these challenges. I am urging Congress to support local journalism and pass this legislation.”

The letter calls on key leaders to support and pass the Local Journalism Sustainability Act of 2021 (H.R. 3940 and S. 2434). The act would provide:

— Up to $250 in tax credits to local newspaper subscribers to offset subscription fees;

— Up to $5,000 in tax credits to some local businesses for buying ads in local newspapers; and

— Up to $25,000 for local newspapers to hire local journalists.

The letter reads: “Local newspapers are responsible for half of our country’s original reporting, although they only account for one-quarter of media outlets. In many rural communities, local news organizations provide the only information and updates about issues impacting the community.”

“Regional journalism is critical, as is journalism by and for Black, Indigenous, and people of color, including ethnic media organizations,” the letter continues. “These organizations are best positioned to identify, investigate, and report on issues of concern to their respective communities, and Congress should take action to support and strengthen them.”

Joining Attorney General Nessel in sending this letter are the attorneys general of Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Guam, Illinois, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, and Washington.