March 25, 2009 (AP): A Michigan lawmaker wants to exempt newspapers from paying the state's business tax.

Republican Rep. Brian Calley of Portland said Wednesday he's worried residents will have a difficult time getting local news without newspapers.

The Ann Arbor News will close in July and be replaced by a Web site. AnnArbor.com plans print editions twice a week.

The Flint Journal, The Bay City Times, and The Saginaw News will cut their print editions from seven to three days a week in June.

The Detroit Free Press and Detroit News next week will cut home delivery to three days a week.

Calley says newspapers help keep government honest and transparent. His legislation would exempt newspapers that publish in a printed format from paying the Michigan Business Tax.