Tag: Rocca

That U of M Victory was exactly what this State needed.  Maybe the best game of the day and we're all able to sing Hail to the Victors after it was over.  Even on the banks of the Red Cedar.  OK, maybe not there, but everywhere else.

And while we're talking about things the state really needed (THAT, boys and girls, is what we call a smoooooth transition.  No.  Sorry.  I can't teach you... you've either got it or you haven't), the Ivory Tower this morning published an op-ed by Attorney General Mike Cox calling on state government to publish online her full budget.  That's a move that's about as common sense as running the Michigan offense through Manny Harris.  

Recently, the emergency financial manager for Detroit Public Schools, Robert Bobb, announced that he will put all of the Detroit Public Schools' spending online for everyone to see. Moreover, Bobb promises to accomplish this task within one year. Given all the other challenges that Bobb faces, such as the district's large deficit and dwindling student body, his willingness to embrace transparency in spending is nothing short of amazing...

But why should transparency be limited to Detroit Public Schools and not the State of Michigan? How is it that a struggling school system is able to implement transparency while the governor cannot implement it at the state level? And how can DPS get this done in less than 12 months while Michigan has been unable to make any progress on this for years?

Because, Mr. Attorney General, big-government liberals are always better served when they're able to operate in the dark.  They don't call transparency bills "sunshine" legislation for no reason.

I'm reminded of the classic Rankin Bass animated version of The Hobbit.  Check out the 3 minute mark in this clip (because residents of the lower peninsula know everything is better with trolls):

For his part, Cox is walking the talk.  The AG's office was the first in the state to publish its entire budget online, including all contract information.  The House Republican caucus is following suit and every member but Representative Rocca (shame, and eternal shame on him, by the way!) has pledged to do the same.  

The House Democrats and the Governor should pledge to do the same with their office and the entire state budget.  And then they should do it.

As long as they obfuscate and avoid and keep voters in the dark its fair to ask... what are they hiding?