Good news from Northern Michigan Republicans.
About a week ago, someone told me that first congressional district Republicans were considering passing a resolution in support of Proposal 15-1.
I thought it strange, and frankly I had my doubts on how long I could tolerate such craziness if it was true. Especially given the resolutions saying “NO” to 15-1 by delegates for most of the county parties which make up the first district. In fact, Grand Traverse County passed a resolution that was voted on by delegates and passed unanimously Feb 5.
My first instinct was spot on.
No worries in the first district. Following the lead by the county parties within, and several other Republican districts without, the passing of a “NO” statement on 15-1 was easy at a 21 to 2 vote count. Well done first district Republicans.
The resolution as passed is below the fold.
Resolution in Opposition to Proposal 15-1
Sponsor: Luke Londo
Co-Sponsor: James HoggeWHEREAS: The National Republican Platform advocates lowering taxes, reducing the size and scope of government, and decreasing spending, and
WHEREAS: The State of Michigan, through taxation, is responsible for upkeep andmaintenance of our roads, and
WHEREAS: Proposal 15-1, which would raise approximately $2 billion annually, would only allocate $1.3 billion towards roads, a meager 65%, and
WHEREAS: Of that $1.3 billion, only $400 million the first year, and $800 million in the second year, would actually go toward improving our decaying roads, and
WHEREAS: A proposal sold to the public as fixing our roads should exclusively contain funding for that purpose, and
WHEREAS: Alternative proposals, which do not raise taxes nearly 20% on Michigan citizens,
are feasible andWHEREAS: Proposal 15-1 would give Michigan the highest gas tax in the nation, and
WHEREAS: Michigan’s budget has grown by over $5 billion since 2011, a quarter of which would solve fixing our roads.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
That the First Congressional District Republican Committee stands in firm opposition to proposal 15-1, encouraging citizens to vote no, andBE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That this body encourages the State Legislature takes up an alternative proposal that doesn’t raise taxes, utilizes existing spending, and allocates funding strictly for the improvement and maintenance of our roads.Adopted by a 21-2 vote of the First Congressional District Republican Committee at a meeting held on April 20, 2015.
Signed,
Jesse Osmer
Chairman, First Congressional District Republican Committee
And the First congressional district joins many others.
The Saginaw GOP sent out this press release:
County Republican Parties and Republican Congressional District organizations from across Michigan are lining up against the Proposal for a variety of reasons. The list of Republican organizations and elected officials announcing opposition to the Proposal continues to grow, with over 25 announced so far. Saginaw County Republican Party Executive Committee Chair, Amy Carl, notes that the reasons include:
General opposition to tax increases, the bulk of the increase in sales tax revenue in the first year is earmarked to pay off previous debts and will have no immediate affect on road funding, the sales taxes are not actually earmarked for road purposes and therefore can be spent for any other purposes at any time by simple legislative votes, and the proposal language hides its intents because it does not detail the actual changes to various state laws that will occur automatically if the proposal is passed.
Additionally, the Michigan House of Representatives passed a bill during 2014 that would have raised the same amount of money for roads as the current Proposal claims to, without raising taxes at all. This is proof that the legislators can prioritize Michigan’s existing funds. The Michigan Senate failed to follow through on that bill, but many of those Senators have been term limited out of office and the new Senate should have a chance to come up with a plan for road funding.
At the Saginaw County Republican Party Executive Committee meeting of January 21, 2015, the Party passed a resolution urging the citizens of Saginaw County and the State of Michigan to register a NO vote on Proposal 15-1 at the May 5, 2015 election. This was the first Republican organization to oppose Proposal 15-1. The list of Republican organizations and elected officials announcing opposition to the Proposal to amend the Michigan Constitution at this writing are:
Saginaw County Republican Party – January 21st
Antrim County Republican Party – February 5th
Grand Traverse County Republican Party – February 5th
Washtenaw County Republican Party – February 12th
Emmett County Republican Party – February 19th
Ronna Romney McDaniel – Michigan Republican Party Chair – February 20th
Norm Hughes, candidate for Michigan Republican Party Chair – February 20th
Kim Shmina, candidate for Michigan Republican Party Chair – February 20th
Bill Schuette – Michigan Attorney General – March 4th
Macomb County Republican Party – March 9th
12th Congressional District Republican Committee – March 10th
Lake County Republican Party – March 16th
13th Congressional District Republican Committee – March 17th
Gratiot County Republican Party – March 18th
5th Congressional District Republican Committee – March 19th
7th Congressional District Republican Committee – March 24th
Tuscola County Republican Party – March 25th
Alcona County Republican Party – March 26th
Republican Committee of Northern Macomb County – March 30th
Livingston County Republican Party – April 9th
Kalkaska County Republican Party – April 10th
11th Congressional District Republican Committee – April 14th
St. Clair County Republican Party – April 20th
Arenac County Republican Party – date uncertain
Benzie County Republican Party – date uncertain
Eaton County Republican Party – date uncertain
Genesee County Republican Party – date uncertain
Houghton County Republican Party – date uncertain
Iosco County Republican Party – date uncertain
Lapeer County Republican Party – date uncertain
Presque Isle County Republican Party – date uncertain
10th Congressional District Republican Committee – date uncertainThese results are not surprising, as polling done at the Michigan Republican Party Convention in February found that fewer than a quarter of the delegates who responded support Proposal 1. Also, in a news conference on February 5th, Michigan House Speaker Kevin Cotter stated the Republican Party legislators’ caucus would not endorse the sales tax hike. This is likely because many newly elected Republican legislators have publicly opposed the measure. At least a dozen legislators have already introduced bills to fund road improvements by alternate means should Proposal 1 fail.
Yeah. Like that.
(9)Nuh Uh.
(1)
Score is now 7 of 14 Districts and 20+ Counties against...Time for the State Committee to show some spine...
Uh-huh. 14 days out and, if the figures are correct above, there's only half of the Districts and, only roughly 1 in 4 of the counties Rah-rah Team R players against this boondoggle to be amended into our state constitution. And, I don't see Oakland, Wayne, or Kent, on the "vote no" list.
Remember, 50% + one stinking vote = it passes.
Another misnomer that seems to carry the day in politiHo circles is that it was a bunch lame duck legislators that are no longer in office who foisted this crap onto the public, which is pure bullshit, as Cotter and Meekhof are now overseeing a bulk of the slugs still there from the travesty of Team R leadership that was Bolger and Richardville.
Add Wayne to the list (in addition to CDs 11-14, which cover all of Wayne).
https://www.facebook.com/WayneCountyRepublicanCommittee/posts/819820114768287
So, what do you think U.S. Rep. Lawrence is going to vote? How about the foreclosure King Trott?
Getting the idea adding Wayne isn't that impressive?
It is interesting to note that even in TC, the guy who voted for, and is backing this mess (Schmidt) remained silent while the delegates voted 'unanimously' to oppose.
So kind of a good question. Especially now that Snyder has such wonderful allies as Carl (the IRS punisher) Levin.
Exactly. If one believes this guy isn't out stumping for Prop 1 in Detroit, and throughout Wayne Co., then they really haven't a clue about what is going on.
I mean, who in the hell was just yesterday handing out 3/4 of a billion dollar$ with the Nerd?
And, don't even get me started about about the dupes of Metro Detoilet who went for this crap.
Funny you bring up the IRS. Has one thing changed since Levin got caught red-handed using the IRS to attack TEA/Conservative folks? Nope. As much as I loathe people like Karl Rove, not one damn thing has changed in .FEDGOV as those in .FEDGOV will target their perceived political opponents by any means necessary.
Yep, this is why Levin decided to *retire* instead of being drug through the wringer, not that a dunce like Terri Hibma would be able to string together a cohesive thought about that if she had ran against Levin, instead of a buffoon like Peters.
Now, we see that Levin is Snyder's last ace in the hole for carrying his Prop 1 water to woo the Progressive Left's vote. They both most likely laugh their asses off about the gullibility of Michigan voters when together at U of M football games.
It was no bullshit when a flaming liberal like Schwarz said, "Rick is about as apolitical a guy you can find to get the job done."
The only problem I have with Schwarz's assessment is that he did not truthful state what an amoral snake he is, too.
Agree on all points.
OABTW, then there is this: http://www.northjersey.com/news/nj-state-news/bill-would-peg-u-s-fuel-tax-to-inflation-1.1311336
Same bifarceisan crap from PA 221 of 2007, which I suspect will yield same results at the .FEDGOV level (see top of page 9).
Notice there is never any mention of removing the waste and outright fraud in government roadway funding? Ya, me too.
Kalamazoo County:
Passing out "No" signs at the GOP headquarters...yet no public commitment from either of our two GOP legislators (one is rumored for; one against).
Pretty pathetic (in my opinion) that the grassroots (at least here) aren't LOUDLY seizing this opportunity to FORCE sitting GOP leadership in every single district to take a position on this WELL before May 5th. Even a publicly forced 'no position' is a valuable tool in 'any' campaign when it involves literally billions in potential taxes (pass or not).
By the way, 'somebody' (GOP elected) stood up to Snyder and in no uncertain terms corrected him here in Kalamazoo when he started insisting ('twice' evidently) that all road money would be distributed purely at the Township level (what Snyder exactly said, I don't know).
I'd love to have a tape of this...as it could possibly be the first time in Michigan recorded history that a sitting GOP leader intentionally 'rained' on a sitting Governor's multi-billion dollar dog and pony show...intentionally.
The Kalamazoo GOP voted to take no position.
Margaret O'Brien voted to put the proposal on the ballot. Aric Nesbitt voted against. As far as I know, Brandt Iden and David Maturen (who weren't in office then) have not taken a public position.
Mmmnnyaaaa, here's your K-zoo in action: https://www.facebook.com/MPTAOnline/photos/a.10150205706833254.331408.117532588253/10153344676993254/?type=1
Add Wayne CD12 Republicans to this list.
NO on 15-1
It also passed the 8th District unanimously on April 18th. For those wondering, it was unanimous in Livingston County as well.
Nice!
Via Darwin Lane Jiles
Add to this a lone U.S. Representative voting NO.
Looking at the new campaign finance reports.
http://miboecfr.nictusa.com/cgi-bin/cfr/com_det.cgi?com_id=517218
Late Contribution Reports - (after deadline period)
$75K from Detroit Chamber ("Powering the Economy")
$50K from Alticor
$18K from the Self Proclaimed Business "Leaders" for Michigan
Also:
MITA - Over 5 Million
Michigan Townships Association - $100,000
Blue Cross - $100,000
ITC Holdings - $250,000
MI Laborers - $200,000
Michigan Concrete - $148,000
MGM Grand - $50,000
And a lot of other contractors, etc.
Add this:
Otsego GOP Executive Committee Meeting.
___________________________________________________________
Submitted: March 31, 2015 by Tammy Labouef - approved by majority.
The 2012 Republican Party Platform states: "We reject the use of taxation to redistribute income, fund unnecessary or ineffective programs, or foster the crony capitalism that corrupts both politicians and corporations."
We are therefore compelled to oppose the ballot proposal to be decided by voters on May 5, which uses taxation to redistribute income, funds unnecessary and ineffective programs, and fosters the crony capitalism that corrupts both politicians and corporations.
The proposal massively raises taxes on Michigan citizens by raising the Michigan sales tax to 7%, which would make it one of the highest state sales tax rates in the nation. It also replaces retail gas taxes with a higher wholesale tax that is estimated to increase the price of gas by 10 cents per gallon.
These laws include tax credits for low-income wage earners, affirmative action rules in certain state transportation contracting, funding for reading programs, and $102 million in new federal income tax liabilities for vehicle registration by changing annual registration fees so they no longer depreciate with the value of your vehicle, making them no longer federally tax-deductible.
The proposal's backers insist Michigan's roads need to be fixed, but less than half of the new tax money would be spent on roads in the first two years. The rest goes to various other non-road interests that benefit from the new tax money.
Statement of Opposition to the May 5, 2015 Ballot Proposal due to its inconsistency with the Republican Party Platform
Resolved by the Otsego County Republican Committee
Be it resolved:
1. We oppose Proposal 1 in its present form, both its policy and its politics, for the numerous reasons cited below.
2. We call upon the legislature to act immediately to offer an alternative plan that does not raise taxes to fix roads. In the event that is impossible, we call on the legislature to put forth a plan where every dollar taxed for the roads is dedicated solely to roads.
We, the members of the Otsego County Republican Committee cite our grievances to the May 5 Ballot Proposal as follows:
We are therefore compelled to oppose the ballot proposal to be decided by voters on May 5, which uses taxation to redistribute income, funds unnecessary and ineffective programs, and fosters the crony capitalism that corrupts both politicians and corporations.
The proposal massively raises taxes on Michigan citizens, while corporate welfare schemes such as the Michigan Economic Development Corporation continue unabated. The proposal raises tax money for the "School Aid Fund," which is reportedly being looted to build a new Detroit Red Wings arena for private profit at public expense.
The Michigan Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) was rolled back to its present 6% of the federal EITC in 2011. The proposal would restore the EITC to the previous 20% level. The tripling of the state Earned Income Tax Credit would redistribute an estimated $260 million per year of new tax money taken from the general population of Michigan and given over to qualifying low-income individuals. This is the very definition of wealth redistribution.
It is unethical to pit selected groups of taxpayers against the general public by saying one group's taxes will be reduced if they help raise taxes on everybody else. Such class warfare games have no place in Republican Party politics.
Of the $2 billion per year estimated to be collected from state taxpayers annually by the tax increases in the proposal, once the $340 million reduction in general fund road funding from fiscal year 2014 to the proposed 2016 budget is accounted for, approximately half of that money would be dedicated to road funding.
We note that the state House passed a plan last year that would have allocated an additional $1.2 billion for roads without raising taxes. We concur with then-Speaker Jase Bolger when he opined in the Detroit Free Press last year: "Fixing roads without raising taxes makes sense."
Voters are being asked to enact a massive legislative package that implements 11 legislative acts that include many policies not even mentioned in the ballot language. This includes such programs as: affirmative action requirements in transportation contracting; special school funding programs, and $102 million in new federal income tax liabilities for vehicle registration by changing annual registration fees so they no longer depreciate with the value of your vehicle, making them no longer federally tax-deductible. These have nothing to do with roads. These policies were rushed through the legislature so fast that no one had time to read them, almost all of the provisions in the proposal could be reversed by lawmakers with a simple majority vote.
It's wrong for lawmakers to abdicate their responsibility to voters by asking the voters to approve a constitutional amendment which then authorizes a 46,000 word legislative package. Road funding should be a normal, ordinary, completely standard aspect of budget negotiations, and it is the legislature's job to pass budgets that address Michigan's most pressing needs without waiting for or relying on a ballot proposal which will cost the taxpayers even more.
Voters deserve to know with certainty what the actual effect of passing the May 5 proposal would be. Right now, all that's certain is that non-road interests would profit enormously from the new taxes collected by the state of Michigan from taxpayers, with an average of $200 would be extracted from every man, woman, and child in Michigan annually. Although many of the programs for which funding is intended if proposal one passes have value, their value should be judged based on their own merit and not included in a road funding package.
Yet to hear a peep out of the MIGOP State Committee...(sound of crickets...)...
The two state committee members from my county are outspokenly against it. One of them in fact introduced the resolution for County and 8th District that passed.
So outspokenly against it you dare not name them in your comment?