Despite headlines, the 2012 Michigan budget signed into law on June 22 actually hikes state spending by $758 million. In addition, a Senate Fiscal Agency analysis released last week understated this increase by leaving out so-called "one time" spending items (for example, $25 million for film subsidies, a figure that some lawmakers are already trying to increase).

Given all the news stories about "draconian cuts," many might be surprised by this news. Yet only after accounting for the winding down of federal stimulus money does the state's bottom line show a less costly government. In other words, when a new fiscal year starts in October, the state will be spending more money that's taken directly from taxpayers here, and less that comes from the federal government.

All for a budget $609 million less than the MoleRattler's?  And we get to maintain her Income Tax Rate just a scintilla less too?