Michigan

Fees, Michigan, Taxes

Fear The Stupid

by Jason • January 3, 2017 • 2 Comments

No matter how crazy some tax scheme is, never underestimate the power of stupidity in large groups.

So we thought Michigan’s newly implemented gas tax was bad?

Sure, the road tax puts us at the most expensive gas tax level in the country. And because of the idiocy of OUR large groups in Lansing, it even protects itself for inflation! But even so, our absurd taxation scheme has been relegated to second place in absurd tax schemes.

If Michigan were to follow the lead of Philadelphia (which I think could somehow happen), every six pack of coke 16.9oz bottles would have $1.52 tacked on. Every Pepsi 8 pack would have $2.03 added on.

And Gatorade?

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Fees, Michigan, Rent Seeking, Republicans, Taxes

26 Cent Gas Increase?

by Jason • January 2, 2017 • 5 Comments

We expected the gas tax increase to bring about a $0.07 gas, and $0.11 diesel bump, but ..

We are getting reports from around the state show increases are a little higher. In Traverse City, Gasoline that was at $2.33 per gallon jumped to $2.47, and stations with $2.35 gas jumped to $2.59. It seems there is some confusion caused by the GOP led legislature’s ‘Christmas’ present of 2015.

What is happening where you are at?

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Michigan

Happy New Year 2017

by Jason • December 31, 2016 • 0 Comments

2017

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Cronyism, Democrats, Detroit, Government Incompetence, Michigan, Michigan Politics

Kwame’s Sinkhole

by Jason • December 28, 2016 • 5 Comments

The former Mayor of Detroit's "impact" lives on.

Kwame Kilpatrick is the gift that keeps on giving.

Long time readers might remember that our outgoing president once lauded praise upon the once venerated Detroit Mayor. Barack Obama who in the video here was speaking about the “great mayor” responsible for Detroit’s “renaissance” etc.

The as-yet-to-be-elected Senator Obama speaking at the Detroit economic club could little imagine how Detroit’s political crime syndicate was about to crash with Kilpatrick at the wheel. And the As-yet-to-be-dismissed president Obama might be less inclined to offer the intransigent former mayor felon a pass on future political relevance.

Kilpatrick’s current crib will likely remain occupied by the big K. His legacy is a thing of legend. From the Ivory Tower:

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Michigan, Philosophy

Behold the Bared Arm of God!

by Kevin Rex Heine • December 25, 2016 • 1 Comment

The LORD laid bare his arm, in plain view of the nations, to ensure our salvation.

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of a herald,
who announces peace and preaches good news.
He announces salvation and says to Zion, “Your God is king!”
The voice of your watchmen – they lift up their voices.
Together they shout for joy,
because with both eyes they will see it
when the LORD returns to Zion.
Break out, shout for joy together, you ruins of Jerusalem,
because the LORD is comforting his people.
He is redeeming Jerusalem.
The LORD lays bare his holy arm before the eyes of all the nations,
and all the ends of the earth will see the salvation from our God.

Isaiah 52:7-10 (EHV)

(In advance, I’ll credit my good friend Aaron Frey, who originally preached this sermon on Christmas Day 2006, as the source of much of what is written following the break, and as the inspiration for the rest of it.)

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Fees, Fees, Government Incompetence, Michigan, Michigan Politics, Opinion, Rent Seeking, Taxes

More Trouble With TIF

by Jason • December 22, 2016 • 3 Comments

Traverse City enables more cronyism in its latest money grab.

Does a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) scheme really work?

It seems that each year, special TIF districts are set up throughout our state in order to promote growth or development of a particular economy or industry. The revenues raised through a TIF scheme are theoretically targeted, specifically for the district raising the value of that district over a specified period of time.

But does it work well enough and is it worth the effort, and goodwill lost, as it continues to be abused by those who hold the authority? As voters look at the millage requests on the ballot, they now see the language that reminds them that not-all-of their voted in millage will go where it is intended.

A TIF scheme is done by

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Fees, Fees, Government Incompetence, Michigan, Michigan Politics, Taxes

Renew Your Plates Now!

by Jason • December 21, 2016 • 5 Comments

With Michigan's upcoming confiscatory registration hikes, its time! - Save 20% by renewing early.

Michigan vehicle owners can renew their registrations up to 6 months ahead of time.

If your tabs are going to be due from now till June, its time to act to save a few bucks. Using Express SOS, you can avoid the 20% markup this year that our tax hungry legislature and governor have in store as-of Jan 1, 2017.

You’re welcome.

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Democrats, Detroit, Elections, Government Incompetence, Michigan, Michigan Politics

Human Error?

by Jason • December 19, 2016 • 5 Comments

Plausible deniability of the year tale comes with "machines bumping up against each other"

I probably could have commented on this several times since the recount nonsense.

The unintended consequences of the Jill Stein recount, was to officially put the Michigan Secretary of State on notice that there are irregularities with the voting in the motor city. Of course the unspoken truth has always been known, but proof of such shenanigans was elusive and considered inconsequential for most elections.

Given the revelation of fraud, and the incredible magnitude which it has appeared, it would seem only proper to fully investigate all of those who are entrusted with our voting responsibility in these precincts. Criminal sanctions are likely warranted in some cases revealed by Stein’s efforts, yet the players caught with their hands in the cookie jar are not going to admit culpability too easily. From the New American

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