Michigan

Hearts In The Right Place But

There are definitely better ways to leverage the [accounting trick] found money into a better revenue generating machine.

Watch the video below, then recall that the rate was supposed to return to 3.9% by 2015 anyhow. And in the end we still must fill out a tax form. (MI Fairtax would take care of that)

Truthfully, if the legislature really wants to make this state job friendly, and presumable spend off that pretend surplus of a billion bucks, there is another place far more suitable. They might consider attacking something that raises that much, and is a business punisher.

ELIMINATE a whole tax infrastructure.  Finally rid the scourge that is the personal property tax, levied on businesses.  Quit talking around the edges and looking to exempt one type of industry or another.  Just break out the eraser and do Michigan business owners justice and make it disappear.

It would encourage manufacturing to return, and make the state more appealing to potential start ups.

But, perhaps some might think we are whistling in the wind.

Is it because income tax reductions are more sexy than solid business inviting policy

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Feds: “Maybe If You Were A Democrat”

Not stated directly, but it would probably help him out.

Implied by Tim Skubick, and more directly stated by a commenter; “Snyder is a Republican, so he will not get the $250 million for the customs plaza necessary to complete his end-around bridge play.”  Tim says:

Can’t you see it now? The governor shows up with shovel in hand, let’s say in October, one month before the election, for the launch of the bridge project. He could boast – although he says he does not take credit – that 20,000 jobs are being created with a whole host of them aimed at union workers in vote-rich southeast Michigan.

The Democrats want this state back.  And even though Michigan’s Governor Rick Snyder has ‘progressed’ their goals in many ways, he still wears the R flag, and is by association to it; the enemy.

A solution of course, would be for Mr Snyder to own up to his meandering left of center on so many issues, and simply switch.

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Grassroots Support for Dave Agema

Dear Fellow Patriots,

The attacks on Dave Agema have weighed heavy on my heart for Dave, his wife Barbara, and for those interested in seeing freedom and liberty prevail in our state and nation.

Dave Agema has been standing up for fiscal and social conservative values and Constitutional freedoms for many years – first as a fighter pilot, then as a State Representative, and now as Republican National Committeeman. He has been a strong and solid conservative voice within the Michigan Republican Party and also a strong supporter of the TEA party and grassroots movement in our state. He has spoken to TEA Party groups all around Michigan in support of founding principles and the core values that separate the Republican Party from the Democrat Party. Recently, I attended the MRP State Committee Meeting in Lansing where Dave’s speech on standing firm on our Republican Platform’s core values resulted in a standing ovation and resounding applause unmatched by any other speaker that day. These core values are not just talking points to Dave, but values he has spent a lifetime defending and fighting for.

Over the years I have learned how the media and the progressive movement will do whatever they can to silence conservatives through threats, intimidation, and attempts to destroy a person’s life and credibility, even making things up if necessary. I have learned how dirty politics can get, but I understand the reason behind it – it is because of what is at stake. This battle that we are in is a battle for the heart and soul of our nation, it is ultimately a spiritual battle and the stakes are high.

You Betcha! (1)Nuh Uh.(0)

Unconstitutionality Of Energy Mandates

Conveniently, the bigger power concerns in the state capitulated to ridiculous 10% energy mandates during the Granholm administration.

In 2012, an even MORE ridiculous 25×25 requirement was promoted (and failed) as a constitutional amendment, in a state which has a monstrous electricity appetite as a leader in manufacturing.  Now as the legislature approaches the crossroads of [Oh gosh we can’t meet the 10%!] and [What the hell happened to electricity prices?] in Michigan, another 35% ‘mandate’ pusher shows up with a ‘conservative’ emphasis and the useful idiots who have already signed on.

As soon as Michigan State Representative Mike Shirkey announced a solid-as-steel return to electricity competition in our state, the rust of cronyism began eating away at the plan. Snyder stepped up the call for increased renewable energy in the midst of the current mandate meltdown, and a new shadow group was formed with friendly ‘conservative’ faces to front it. (see useful idiot mention above)

Sometimes however, its worth looking to other experts who have a different take on such things.

Are the mandates even legal?

Thanks to the TB912, and Dining Room productions for another useful and informative video.

And On a related note: Cap Con today, has another take on this.

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Don’t Bail Out Detroit

Apparently, there is a caveat to recent ‘good news’ for the DIA.

Reposted from The Mackinac Center for Public Policy in time for Rick Snyder’s State of the state address tonight:

 

Don’t Bail Out Detroit with State Tax Dollars

By Michael Lafaive
The recent announcement that philanthropic foundations may donate $330 million to help the Detroit Institute of Arts, which would also help city pensioners avoid the consequences of Detroit government mismanagement, sounds like great news.

Unfortunately, there may be a hook: A requirement that the state treasury contribute, which would convert voluntary private generosity into a coerced taxpayer bailout.

A state bailout of Detroit is a terrible idea. It creates moral hazard and adds to the overly generous financial support the city has for years received from state taxpayers.

And it’s unfair.

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Hellooooo, John Rakolta

“You’ve heard of the bridge to nowhere?  Welcome to the jail for no one.”

Told ya.  You’re getting warmer, Ross.  However, that jail for no one will be gobbled up by Dan Gilbert for pennies on the dollar.

And, you’ve got a whole gaggle of MI-GOP bootlickers who watched Rakolta line his pockets, main one being, the State AG.  Next question would reasonably be, what did the wife of former State AG (Commissioner Laura Cox) know, and when did she know it?

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