Tag: bipartisan

If Michigan's tax and regulatory structure continues to drive small, medium and big businesses, from mom-and-pops to major manufacturers, scurrying for the borders then it only stands to reason that we address Michigan's tax and regulatory structure.

On the same token, we've heard from the Governor and a seemingly unending parade of Democrats at the federal level these last few weeks, each of them insisting that Congress pass the Pelosi stimulus package because it gives billions of dollars to job makers, allowing them to invest that money and grow the economy.  

An overwhelmingly bi-partisan majority of the Michigan State Senate (one-third of the Democrats joined every Republican) beat Congress to the punch and did them one better last week, passing a spending-free stimulus plan that gives $1.235 billion to local businesses... Michigan companies creating Michigan jobs.  

Senate Bill 1 repeals the hated, job-killing MBT surcharge, not only stimulating the economy with a massive infusion of desperately needed capital, but sending an even more desperately needed signal to the business community that Michigan is finally ready to make some tough decisions and to step out of the economic dark ages.

The Democrat controlled House and Speaker Andy Dillon specifically, haven't bothered to even give the bill a hearing.  

House Democrat obstruction to serious job creating stimulus currently sits at six days.  And the question isn't how soon will they give common sense, bipartisan legislation a hearing and a vote... its how long will they continue to ignore the devastating economic reality gripping their own constituents?

Sure, they've been six of the most disastrous years for any one state in economic history but he argues that it's a strong record and something he'll apparently embrace during his bid to secure the state's top executive spot in 2010.

Imagine then that headlines this morning announcing that homeless numbers are expected to spike across the state positively warm John Cherry's heart.  According to the Kalamazoo Gazette, families suddenly without a bread winner are finding themselves on the streets, kids and all.

In 2007, 692 homeless people were recorded, of which 235 were children.

The 2009 numbers won't be known for weeks, but Michelle Schneider, assistant program officer for LISC, said this year's count should be higher than last year.

Think Cherry will use that blurb on his first piece of campaign literature?

No, of course not.  Maybe the second or the third but that first piece that screams "VOTE FOR CHERRY" will undoubtedly want to address his deft handling of the state's financial crisis and the way tax and regulatory policy have sent bills skyrocketing across the state.  He might reserve line or two for today's Detroit News which highlights a newly expected massive hike in water rates for Detroit Water and Sewage customers.  That's 125 communities in South East Michigan.  

Read on...