Archive for July, 2010
The Bain Report: “Special Pre-Primary Edition” for Monday, August, 2, 2010
Posted by rabman13 in Bain Report on July 30, 2010
Republican Senators accepted donations from SEIU, MEA, (ACORN FAMILY) Unions
Kahn, Nofs and Richardville have each received political donations from the MEA in recent years. GOP Bill Authorizing State Money for SEIU Introduced Following Union Campaign Contribution [Mackinac Center] also see The MEA Money Tree [Mackinac Center] also see 2009 Senate Bill 731 (Authorize unionization of home personal assistance providers ) Michigan Votes also see Analysis: Government Employee Political Clout Obstructs Budget Reform [Mackinac Center] Also see School Pension Reform Stalls in Senate [Mackinac Center] Also see GOP Bill Authorizing State Money for SEIU Introduced Following Union Campaign Contribution [Mackinac Center] On Aug. 5, 2009, Sen. Jason Allen, R-Traverse City, introduced Senate Bill 731, which would give statutory cover to a scheme transferring approximately $6.6 million in taxpayer money annually to the SEIU government employee union, one of the parents of ACORN. Richardville onboard with this as a sponsor!
Composition of the Senate: Most Conservative and Most Liberal In 2009
As of November 2009, Republicans hold a majority with 23 seats, and Democrats hold 15 seats. Sen. Randy RICHARDVILLE (R-Monroe) had the most liberal voting record finishing 21st out of 23 Republican Senators! Only Mike Nofs and Jim Barcia finished below him. http://www.mirsnews.com/capsule.php?gid=3234#22345 “subscription required” If not subscribed to MIRS the Mackinac Center for Public Policy gives a great explanation in their article “The Lowdown”
Here We Go Again With Our Elected Officials in Lansing
This should shock no one. Lawmakers did nothing over their 14 day 4th of July recess to resolve the budget impasse. Didn’t they say some of the committees might meet? They did. Didn’t they say progress would be made? Right again. Did that happen? Nope. Our elected officials were to busy campaigning for re-election as to retain power, control, and to continue feeding at the public trough!
Richardville votes in favor of drivers license renewal for unpaid tickets
Senator Randy Richardville votes in favor of banning drivers license renewal over unpaid parking tickets. 2009 House Bill 4726 (Ban drivers license renewal if three unpaid parking tickets ) (Senate Roll Call 338). The majority of Republicans in the Senate voted against this Bill but not Richardville who voted in favor of it! http://www.michigancapitolconfidential.com/13237Citizens with unpaid parking tickets would have to pay before the Secretary of State will renew a driver license. In addition to the tickets a person would have to pay a $45 “clearance fee.” This representative is all about fees, surcharges, mandates, and tax increases, SAY NO TO RICHARDVILLE IN 2010!
Leadership, Race in Senate in The Shadows – Opinion By R. Al Bain
While everyone realizes that no one wants to talk about leadership races in the House and Senate in the midst of an election year. Contenders will all tell you it’s the farthest thing from their thoughts. Oh really?
Sen. Randy Richardville (R-Monroe) is putting money into key races; which is always a pretty good sign that someone is serious about running for leadership. It’s not unusual for caucus members and would-be caucus members to tell more than one side that they’re “onboard.” Let’s take a look at some recent revelations in Senator Richardville’s desire for more power and money at the expense to the taxpayers!
Michigan Legislators Salaries are the second highest paid in the country! Alarming is the fact that Senator Richardville as a State Senator receives $79,650 per year plus a $12,000 expense account. He also receives supplemental salary for each committee he sits on such as Speaker Pro Tempore $5,513 per year, $184,500.00 for staff salaries not counting his “District Director’s” salary. Now he’s aligning himself with leadership behind the scenes as Senate Majority Leader which is an additional salary of $26,000 per year on top of all the current salary as well! This would amount to, assuming he gets the Senate Majority leader position to $295,675.00 per year at the cost to Michigan taxpayers! WOW! Is he or any other representative worth that? You make the call?
Consider the condition of our State of Michigan and the “Dire Straits” we are in, plus the fact that the same ones have been in office who have guided and helped to create the mess we are in, I think a change in leadership is warranted! I am of the mind that this current Senator is more in tune with his own political future and the advancement of it than with what’s in the best interest of his constituents and state! Can you say self serving?
Michigan Senator scorecard out Richardville 4th from bottom with 29%
Common Sense in Government is a non-partisan organization that works to hold politicians accountable by educating their constituents about what they are up to in Lansing. Click the link below to see just what your getting from your Senator.
Outrageous promises, pandering, and distortions in Michigan’s election
With a little more than a week before the primary, it’s kind of like a sad version of the runup to Valentine’s Day. Instead of offering chocolates, roses or adorable teddy bears, candidates try to woo voters with empty-calories promises or crack-like distractions. Michigan is in the toilet and has been for the last 10 years. Our current politicians have been a huge part of the problem with only self serving solutions and not what is in the best interest of their constituents or the State of Michigan! If it weren’t for the Michigan Economic Development Corp. and its tax incentives for Jennifer Granholm’s love affair with green jobs at the expense of real small business, we’d still be in the boom from the ’90s. Senator Randy Richardville in on board with Jennie on this one!
You Do It in Michigan? They Have a Tax For It
Septic tanks. Toll lanes. Vacant houses. High school athletic contests. Marriage. Beverage bottles. Nurses. What do they have in common? All were pitched by state legislators as a way to raise money for state government. Since 2009, Americans for Prosperity has tracked 39 different bills that would levy a fee or tax on variable aspects of life. “Lansing has a spending problem. Politicians have spending problem,” said Scott Hagerstrom, director of the Michigan chapter of Americans for Prosperity. “The only way they can spend money is to find it from somewhere else. What they’ll do is try to find a little money here and there. What they don’t understand, anytime you take money out of the economy, that’s less money for citizens to spend. Politicians feel they have first rights to those dollars.” “That’s just not acceptable anymore.” If we keep electing the same ones over again and again this will continue!
Michigan: Auditor General Sees Dead People… Getting Paid
This is what we as taxpayers get for re-electing the same incumbents over and over again and expecting a different result! They are so concerned about campaign contributions from the lobbyist and special interest, their career’s, and moving up the political ladder, they aren’t watching out for their constituents and taxpayers best interest!
2009 Senate Bill 500 (Authorize Industrial Plant “Rehabilitation” tax break for existing facility ) (Senate Roll Call 579)
Authorize Industrial Plant “Rehabilitation” tax break for existing facility
This Bill is to authorize the granting of an Industrial Plant Rehabilitation personal property tax break for a particular “existing facility.” Under current law such tax breaks may be granted to new and speculative buildings, and to replacement facilities.
Mlive.com Article: Richardville faces R. Al Bain in Primary, Disgusting
In an interview with Jackson Citizen Patriot reporter Chris Gautz published Monday, July 19, 2010, “Senator Randy Richardville faces Monroe resident R. Al Bain in 17th District State Senate GOP primary.” Senator Randy Richardville try’s to discredit with snide comments about his “United States Air Force” Veteran opponent R. Al Bain which should show the voting public that his focus is more on slanderous comments about his opponent than moving Michigan forward in a positive direction or on what accomplishments he has had in his 10 years in politics. This just shows why we need better representation out of our elected officials! Vote out this incumbent!
2007 Senate Bill 622 (Allow privatization of prison mental health services ) (Senate Roll Call 396)
Passed in the Senate (22 to 16) on September 30, 2007, to concur with the House-passed version of the bill, which “tie bars” it to a state income tax hike (House Bill 5194) and a new 6 percent tax on many personal and business services (House Bill 5198), part of a deal to avoid spending cuts in the Fiscal Year 2007-2008 budget.
Find Out Who Works for YOU in the Michigan Legislature
Richardville’s staff members salary’s reveled, at the taxpayer’s expense! The Freedom of Information Act does not apply to our Michigan legislators. However, In late June, Michigan Capitol Confidential requested this information from the Michigan House, Senate and Office of the Governor. The House and Senate voluntarily and promptly provided the information during the first week of July. Notably missing from this report was District Director John Manor of Senator Richardville’s staff! Does anyone thinks he works for free? Wonder why this was omitted? This is on and above what the good Senator receives in the $79,000.00 per year salary, the $12,000.00 per year expense allotment, and the various extra additional salary that comes with each committee he sits on and he sits on several! Oh, lets not forget a medical and retirement package that we citizens can only dream about!
Conservative Candidate Smacks Allen On SEIU
We’ve been hearing for weeks that Sen. Jason ALLEN (R-Traverse City) could be vulnerable on the so-called Service Employee International Union (SEIU) forced unionization issue. The brain trust for Allen’s top opponent in the 1st Congressional District race, physician Dan BENISHEK, apparently thinks the issue is worth exploiting. Senator Randy Richardville (R) Monroe is on board with Allen’s legislation! The Benishek campaign sent out a mailing that refers to Allen as “the SEIU/ACORN’s favorite Republican.” The mailing is a slick, glossy red-and-white foldout covered with acorns and photos of Allen. In 2009 Mr. Allen accepted a $2,000 campaign contribution from that infamous architect of ACORN, the Service Employees International Union. This gift arrived suspiciously close to the time frame in which the SEIU asked Allen to introduce a bill (SB 731) that would have unionized some 42,000 bewildered Michigan home health care workers.
Lawmaker Says Special Tax Favors Are ‘Cronyism’
State Rep. Justin Amash, R-Kentwood, recently called out his colleagues for submitting bills that created tax advantages for single businesses. “Essentially, it’s just cronyism,” Amash said. “It’s an abuse of legislative power. We are not supposed to be passing bills that help one person or one company at the expense of everyone else.” But it’s not an uncommon occurrence, according to Michiganvotes.org. “Both parties have abandoned any pretense that the growing state corporate welfare empire doesn’t include funneling favors to the owners of particular firms,” said Jack McHugh, senior legislative analyst at the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. Senator Randy Richardville of Monroe voted if favor of this legislation.
Excellent Article: America’s Ruling Class — And the Perils of Revolution
This is a must read for all! This sums up what we citizens are truly faced with an out of control government! This article explains why your current elected officials would spend million’s of dollars to get elected!
Michele Bachmann Forms ‘Tea Party Caucus’ in Congress
Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.) has officially formed a congressional caucus for the Tea Party movement, giving the small-government movement a formal presence on Capitol Hill. Bachmann has been a leading advocate for Tea Party activists in the halls of Congress.
Pete Hoekstra joins Michele Bachmann in House Tea Party Caucus
What a joke! A black eye for the Tea Party movement! Pete Hoekstra who was just recently endorsed by a “republican in name only” here in Michigan (Senator Randy Richardville) Hoekstra said of Richardville that he was pleased to stand with a principled and conservative leader. Everyone in Lansing knows Richardville is a liberal left leaning RINO but is liked in certain circles, yea, Union and Special Interest circles! These center left politicians keep trying to associate themselves with the conservative Tea Party movement in order to retain power and control and do not in no way represent the ideologies of this group! This is no different from what the RINO’S did during the 90’s with the “Contract for America.” We all know how that worked out, they used us then ran up the debt and abandoned our concerns.
Primary “Phone Propaganda”
With reference to this misappropriation of the Tobacco money:
What did Randy Richardville know and when did he know it?
What did Randy Richardville know and when did he know it?
Legislators Move to Water Down Your Rights
House Bill 5319 would take this valuable property right from the landowner and transfer it to the state. http://www.mackinac.org/12574 “This bill would place groundwater in the public trust and would be the single biggest taking of private property in Michigan’s history. The result: government ownership of groundwater, overturning a century of Michigan water law.” Senator Richardville on board with this!
Note: Michigan has already taken a first step toward this change, with the passage of Public Act 33, Senate Bill 850 of 2005.
Richardville Votes to Transfer Road Tax Money to other purposes
It’s no wonder we have terrible roads! When the money we pay in taxes specifically for roads is diverted for other state spending! In a Monroe Evening News article in 2009 Senator Richardville stated the problem was with how the funds were allocated in the formula of Public Act 51. What he didn’t tell you was that he voted in favor of robbing these funds! Passed in the Senate on October 20, 2009, to reduce the amount of infrastructure project spending from the transportation economic development fund by $12 million in the Fiscal Year that ends Sept. 30, 2009, and another $12 million in the next fiscal year. House Bill 5073 diverts this money to other state spending without specifying where it’s going.
Hotel claims Visiting Film Crew Walked Out on $37,000.00 Bill
Here’s another feather in the cap for our Michigan legislators who voted to approve the Michigan Film Producers Subsidies. By the way, Senator Randy Richardville (R) Monroe voted if favor of this subsidy! This is just many of the examples we have heard of lately of the failures of such government entity’s such as the MEDC scandal not long ago. Not only is this a waste of taxpayer dollars under the guise of job creation but to the businesses who loose out such as in this example! Not only are the few jobs gone once the movie is shot, the local business community suffers right along with the taxpayers of Michigan. Actually they get hit twice!
To compel a man to subsidize with his taxes the propagation of ideas which he disbelieves and abhors is sinful and tyrannical.
Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson
The Bain Report: “Special Pre-Primary Edition” for July, 26, 2010
Posted by rabman13 in Bain Report, Politics on July 22, 2010
Mlive.com Article: Richardville faces R. Al Bain in Primary, Disgusting
In an interview with Jackson Citizen Patriot reporter Chris Gautz published Monday, July 19, 2010, “Senator Randy Richardville faces Monroe resident R. Al Bain in 17th District State Senate GOP primary.” Senator Randy Richardville try’s to discredit with snide comments about his “United States Air Force” Veteran opponent R. Al Bain which should show the voting public that his focus is more on slanderous comments about his opponent than moving Michigan forward in a positive direction or on what accomplishments he has had in his 10 years in politics. This just shows why we need better representation out of our elected officials! Vote out this incumbent!
Michigan Republican Party Shenanigans? You make the call! By R. Al Bain
Michigan Republican State Party Policy a Disservice to Voters! A supporter of State Senate Candidate R. Al Bain 17th District informed him that he was NOT listed on the Michigan GOP website under the candidate link page. Chairman Ron Weiser was notified by phone and apologized and said he would look into it. A follow up phone call was made to the State Party and informed that it was their policy to support only the incumbent Republican and NOT a Republican challenger so R. Al Bain would NOT be listed. R. Al Bain is currently an Executive Committee Member, Precinct Delegate, Candidate, Member, and Voting Republican for over 35 years of the “Republican Party”!
As we are in a time now where voters are distrustful of government and turning away from the seemingly broken political process, to give an unfair advantage to a big-government, union supporter such as the current incumbent Republican Senator, only further demonstrates this to be true. How can voters make an informed decision on candidates and what they stand for, when the Republican Party is tipping the scales in favor of only certain candidates? This is a disgraceful use of power and influence, dangerously teetering on the edge of corruption. This “accidental” exclusion only devalues the political and voting process.
This also looks as though the State Party is favoring the incumbent as to keep the status quo in place. If this is how the Republican Party really works for its members then Republicans and many other members within the Republican Party may want to rethink their commitment to the Party as a whole. This is a serious problem that should and must be addressed if the Republican Party is to remain true to the principles, traditions, and values that it was founded on.
Brighton area eyes millage renewal for fire protection
This is coming to a municipality near you soon thanks to legislation introduced by Senator Randy Richardville (R) Monroe with Senate Bill 1072 which is an amendment to PA 312 which places the burden to pay for these service on local municipality’s and taxpayers in favor of Union Institutional Interest!
Senator Richardville favors “Alice in Subsidy Land”
This tumble down the proverbial rabbit hole is the umpteenth “jobs” adventure Gov. Jennifer Granholm and the Michigan Legislature including Senator Randy Richardville (R) Monroe have forced taxpayers to accompany them on. Not only have Lansing politicians’ stories of promised job creation grown predictable and tiresome, so has the naked reality of a tourism industry trying to boost its bottom line by feeding at the public trough.
Private Industry pleads for Pure Michigan campaign subsidies from taxpayers
Gov. Jennifer Granholm, in her State of the State speech Wednesday, implored lawmakers to find money to continue the acclaimed Pure Michigan television ad campaign promoting tourism. The campaign cost the state $30 million last year but has just $5.4 million for the current year. But that’s not all. The next trip to this loan window happened just last year, when 37 senators including Senator Randy Richardville (R) Monroe and 86 House members voted to borrow another $60 million for a subsidy to tourism businesses in the form of state advertising, called “Pure Michigan” and related campaigns.
Gov. Jennifer Granholm, in her State of the State speech Wednesday, implored lawmakers to find money to continue the acclaimed Pure Michigan television ad campaign promoting tourism. The campaign cost the state $30 million last year but has just $5.4 million for the current year. But that’s not all. The next trip to this loan window happened just last year, when 37 senators including Senator Randy Richardville (R) Monroe and 86 House members voted to borrow another $60 million for a subsidy to tourism businesses in the form of state advertising, called “Pure Michigan” and related campaigns.
Richardville Votes to Transfer Road Tax Money to other purposes
It’s no wonder we have terrible roads! When the money we pay in taxes specifically for roads is diverted for other state spending! In a Monroe Evening News article in 2009 Senator Richardville stated the problem was with how the funds were allocated in the formula of Public Act 51. What he didn’t tell you was that he voted in favor of robbing these funds!
Passed in the Senate on October 20, 2009, to reduce the amount of infrastructure project spending from the transportation economic development fund by $12 million in the Fiscal Year that ends Sept. 30, 2009, and another $12 million in the next fiscal year. House Bill 5073 diverts this money to other state spending without specifying where it’s going.
Michigan Taxpayers Have Already Made Compromises
The Michigan Legislature recently passed reforms that slightly lower the cost of employing state and public school workers by requiring modest employee contributions for future retiree benefits. The reforms may be cited by legislators who want to enact a service tax, describing it as a “grand bargain” wherein both taxpayers and spending interests give a little and get a little. Unfortunately, the “grand bargain” is a lopsided compromise that will further burden taxpayers.
“Fed-up Taxpayers,” unhappy with both parties
There isn’t a dimes worth of difference of difference between the Democrats and Republicans,” said Clawson, an investigative reporter and private investigator. In Lansing and Washington the thing is the same — it’s a struggle for power.
Utility to raise electric rates for Michigan customers by 20 percent
Customers will be seeing electric bills that are about 20 percent higher starting next month. A utility based electricity provider said it intends to implement an “interim” rate increase of $44.3 million starting July 26. For an average customer paying between $72 and $74 a month for electricity, the increase would be about $17 a month, or a 23 percent increase, the utility said. Senator Richardville was one of only 9 Republicans who voted in favor of higher electric bills while 12 Republicans opposed this legislation. This is not the type of representation we as citizens and constituents expect and deserve from our Republican Senator! http://www.michiganvotes.org/RollCall.aspx?ID=306065 We need to send a message on August, 3, 2010 in the Primary and vote this representative out of office!
Bedford Township proposes a property tax increase for Roads
Recently Bedford Township proposed a property tax increase on their citizens to help pay for road repairs all the while our Legislators including our good Senator Richardville is robbing funds from the money we pay in gas tax at the pump. Also a recent story in the Monroe Evening News July, 8, 2010 that the Road commission crews are filling cracks in about 48 miles of roads in 11 townships over the next few weeks using federal stimulus funds.
Union Lawyer Admits in Court that Stealth Unionization Is a ‘Slippery Slope’
A fear that the “stealth unionization” of home-based day care workers could just be the start of a bigger effort was acknowledged in court on Tuesday by a union lawyer. U.S. District Court Judge Robert Jonker asked union lawyer John West if the state could unionize doctors in a similar way to the day care workers if the doctors accepted Medicaid. West told the judge that unionization of any group that accepted state subsidies would be within the state’s authority if it had “added value” to the state or the public’s interest. Senator Randy Richardville is on board with this legislation sponsored by his colleague Senator Jason Allen!
Michigan Taxpayers to Write $100 Million Check to Korean Battery Maker
Last week the Michigan Economic Development Corp. upped the ante on a $100 million “refundable” business tax credit approved by the state House and Senate for a subsidiary of the South Korean battery maker LG Chem. The MEDC in effect converted the credit into an outright cash subsidy from Michigan taxpayers by granting the firm’s 120-acre plant site in Holland “renaissance zone” status for 15 years. The Michigan Senate on April 30, 2009
http://www.michiganvotes.org/RollCall.aspx?ID=395402 voted in favor of this subsidy including Senator Randy Richardville of Monroe!
$740M of Michigan roadwork axed
State forced to cancel 137 projects after it can’t come up with its share of money. Let me see the Senate including Senator Richardville vote to rob $12 million in 2009 and another $12 million in 2010 Richardville Votes to Transfer Road Tax Money to other purposes. It’s no wonder we have terrible roads! When the money we pay in taxes specifically for roads is diverted for other state spending! In a Monroe Evening News article in 2009 Senator Richardville stated the problem was with how the funds were allocated in the formula of Public Act 51. What he didn’t tell you was that he voted in favor of robbing these funds
Passed in the Senate on October 20, 2009, to reduce the amount of infrastructure project spending from the transportation economic development fund by $12 million in the Fiscal Year that ends Sept. 30, 2009, and another $12 million in the next fiscal year. House Bill 5073 diverts this money to other state spending.
Richardville flip flops on term limits, lie’s about road money!
Responding to complaints about highway maintenance, Richardville said “we’ve been getting screwed for 50 years” because Michigan receives less federal money for highway maintenance than it pays to the federal government in gasoline taxes. But he doesn’t say how he voted to steal the road funding money for other government spending purposes! Bill Passed in the Senate on October 20, 2009 http://www.michiganvotes.org/RollCall.aspx?ID=423167 House Bill 5073 diverts road money to other state spending without specifying where it’s going by $12 million in the Fiscal Year that ends Sept. 30, 2009, and another $12 million in the next fiscal year. In a Monroe Evening News article in 2009 Senator Richardville stated the problem was with how the funds were allocated in the formula of Public Act 51. In Richardville’s view, over-regulation is as big of a problem as Michigan’s tax structure. But he consistently votes for bigger government and more regulation! As for Term limits a few years back he supported them now he doesn’t!
Hoekstra calls Richardville a principled, conservative leader
This candidate lost whatever chance he had for my vote with that statement! Richardville is a known liberal left leaning Republican at best!
Is the Real Unemployment Rate 16.5%, 22%, or higher?
The June poll turned up 27.8% of households with at least one member who’s unemployed and looking for a job, while the latest poll conducted in the second week of July showed 28.6% in that situation. That translates to an unemployment rate of over 22%, says Mayur, who has started questioning the accuracy of the Labor Department’s jobless numbers. When accounting for the long-term unemployed, the jobless rate runs up to as much as 22% currently. Williams’s newsletter, which analyzes flaws in government economic data, points out that such a rate isn’t that far from the 25% it hit during the Great Depression.
Granholm lobbying DC, the only things left to cut are critical services
We as an electorate must “VOTE OUT ALL” these incumbents in the August, 3, Primary and November, 2, Elections!!! Michigan has numerous failed programs and departments that should and could be eliminated! The one’s up there in Lansing refuse to cut non-essentials because of the fact they these politicians are beholding to the Lobbyist and Special Interest that lobbied for them and contributed to their political campaigns! Granholm said Wednesday from Washington, the only things left to cut in Michigan are the critical services. Oh really, you mean to tell me that subsidies with taxpayer dollars for Hollywood Film Producers are critical services? What about the MEDC? The 21st Century Job Fund? There are a host of failed entity’s that should and can be cut! But then again how can the legislators cut the lobbyist hand that feeds them? I wouldn’t let those lawmakers in Lansing manage my child’s piggy bank!
Below is a short list of key Senate votes for 2009-2010 by Senator Richardville
Click below to see how this representative voted.
The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not.
Thomas Jefferson
The Bain Report: “Articles that Affect You and your Family” for July, 19, 2010
Posted by rabman13 in Bain Report, Politics on July 17, 2010
Does SB 1072 amendment serve the public in the best way?
It’s not what’s in the best interest of the citizens in Monroe County, the 17th District, or the State of Michigan. Senator Richardville introduced Senate Bill 1072. Republican Senator Mike Bishop put together a “reform” proposal that would alter P.A. 312, reduce the healthcare benefits, lower the pay by 5% AND freeze it at that rate for 3 years. Bishop put together a panel of legislators including Senator Randy Richardville which he handed off his proposed amendment to review those initiatives. What benefit does this provide for Michigan’s citizens? Senator Richardville scraped Bishop’s amendment completely and wrote his own to the benefit of union institutional interest and to the detriment of the local municipalities and ultimately the taxpayers. On the Secretary of State’s campaign finance website, http://miboecfr.nicusa.com/cgibin/cfr/contrib_anls_res.cgi these contributions show that this only serves to a very limited number of groups such as, The DEPUTY SHERIFF’S ASSOC. OF MI, TROOPERS PAC, DETROIT FIRE FIGHTERS PAC, and IBEW 526. Michigan politicians need to make sure that ALL Michigan tax payers benefit from their decisions, not just a select group that contributes to politicians campaign funds. Business Leaders of Michigan oppose this amendment and local government groups and business groups say this will actually extend binding arbitration to groups beyond police and fire. http://www.mirsnews.com/capsule.php?gid=3352#24017 “subscription required” After carefully considering these concerns, we believe them to be valid and we respectfully ask that the House not act on the bill. Senator Patterson’s amendment would have put some consideration for the taxpayers. As a voting citizen it is important to be aware of your elected officials voting record on issues that are important to you. They are elected to be your voice, support, share, and carry out the ideals that are important to their constituents. House Republicans were livid and saw the bill as a Senate Blunder in that, it gave House Speaker Andy Dillon (D-Redford Twp.) the ability to have his caucus pass the bill without amendment, meaning that it would go to Gov. Jennifer Granholm’s desk without the Senate Republicans having a chance to stop it. Does SB 1072 amendment serve the public in the best way?
Richardville votes in favor of Internet Tax In Favor 2009 Senate Bill 883 (Revise “Internet tax” system detail ). Passed in the Senate (31 to 6) on January 27, 2010, to revise details of the “Streamlined Sales Tax” project being pursued by Michigan and most states, which if allowed by Congress would create a centralized system for states to collect use or sales tax on out-of-state Internet or catalog purchases. The bill would exempt from the tax the “core charge” or recycling fee paid on vehicle batteries, and also similar fees on heavy earthmoving equipment batteries or parts. This tax increase would be passed onto the consumer! Richardville votes in favor of Internet Tax
Richardville spends our tax dollars for Pure Michigan Advertising
In Favor 2009 Senate Bill 619 (Earmark certain use tax revenue to tourism industry promotion ). Passed in the Senate (37 to 1) on March 3, 2010, to authorize spending $9.5 million on tourism industry subsidies in the form of state ads paid for with use tax dollars. The money would otherwise go into the state general fund and be available for other state spending. Previous tourism subsidies have been paid for with long term borrowing, pledging future tobacco lawsuit revenue to repay the debt. [Vote Details and Comments]. This only satisfies the sweet tooth of the tourism industry. Their own study said that they shouldn’t do this themselves because it’s not cost effective! This is a total waste of taxpayer funds! Richardville spends our tax dollars for Pure Michigan Advertising
Richardville votes to taxpayer money giveaway
This is just another form of the Federal cash for clunkers deal. That deal spent $300 billion to make $300 million! The states version is giving away $140 million to generate $50 million? How much longer can the citizens of Michigan put up with this type of representation? I think it’s time we handed our incumbent legislators their Pink Slips! Scroll down and read Senator Switalski’s statement.
Richardville votes to Transfer Borrowed Revenue to Cobo Hall Authority
More of our tax dollars funneled and transferred to a failed entity all on borrowed money to the tune of to $6.6 million! In Favor 2009 House Bill 5120 (Cobo Hall Regional Authority “re-do” ). Passed in the Senate (37 to 0) on November 12, 2009, to transfer $6.6 million in “convention facilities fund” money (which comes from past borrowing, and some hotel and liquor taxes) to the state general fund to cover other state spending in Fiscal Year 2008-2009.
Richardville votes to increase Tax Dollars for electric car subsidies
In Favor 2009 Senate Bill 857 (Increase electric car subsidies ). Passed in the Senate (31 to 3) on December 3, 2009, to expand from four to five the number of refundable, $100 million, capital investment Michigan Business Tax credit agreements that could be entered into with makers of plug-in traction battery packs used in electric cars, the first of which was authorized by a 2008 law. This bill would authorize an additional $100 million in subsidies. “Refundable” means that the state will send a manufacturer a check for the amount that the credit exceeds the firm’s tax liability. [Vote Details and Comments] See Subsidies for ‘Free’ Golf Carts the revelation by Fox News’ John Stossel.
Richardville in favor of more taxpayer subsidies for certain private Business
Why should the taxpaying public be on the hook to subsidize certain private business? Will the taxpayers share in the profits? We cannot and should not continue to pick winners and losers in the private business community at taxpayer expense! The state cannot continue to be the Bank for private industry! In Favor 2009 Senate Bill 777 (Authorize $100 million renewable power conversion manufacturer subsidy ). Passed in the Senate (33 to 2) on September 10, 2009, to give a four-year, $100 million subsidy to a joint venture of the “Xtreme Power” and “Clairvoyant Energy” corporations, which would make “large scale power systems designed to convert variable renewable power into firm dispatchable power” at the fomer Ford Wixom assembly plant. The subsidy is structured as a “refundable” tax credit, meaning the state will send the company a check for the amount that the credit exceeds its tax liability. [Vote Details and Comments]
Sen. Bruce Patterson proposes Taxing Bloggers, Journalist, Reporters
What’s with the our legislators especially Republicans in the Senate that advocate Bigger Government, fees, and taxation to the detriment of their constituents? Their voting records are now brought to the forefront whereas in the past the news media never even mentioned a Bill number as for the citizens to look up the information on how they were being represented. Unfortunately, he applies it to the wrong institution. Instead of imposing a 25 cent deposit on each newspaper, I propose a 25 cent tax on each word in any proposed Bill. And instead of registering journalist to make sure they have “good moral character,” I propose we apply those requirements to politicians. If passed, the income generated from the tax would easily balance the budget while the new registration requirement would drastically reduce our bloated full-time and overpaid legislature!
Kate Ebli from Monroe holds up reform Bill on Special Tax Perks for Filmmakers
Ebli is holding this reform of wasted taxpayer money up in the House. Ebli didn’t return a phone message left at her office or an e-mail. The proposed reform has spurred legislators to propose bills to make the film tax credits more transparent. The Michigan Film Producers film subsidy is a failure to the taxpayers of Michigan!
Ex-Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick indicted by feds on 19 mail fraud, tax counts
Just like it it’s not only a Washington problem in the political arena, It’s not just a Detroit problem with our elected officials! I’m sure with some digging they could find corruption in the same manner with most of our elected officials and lawmakers in Lansing as well.
Biden touts Recovery Act at Midland battery plant site
More propaganda from the Obama administration! What recovery? Government shouldn’t subsidize private industry gain either on the Federal or State levels by using taxpayer dollars in subsidies in which our own Senator Richardville voted in favor of this subsidy in Lansing! This looks like our good Senator is helping in the advancement of the Obama agenda!
NRA Betrays: Colludes with “Incumbent Politicians” on H.R. 5175
Once again, free speech and political liberty are under attack in Congress. In a move that has dire consequences for our First Amendment right to freedom of speech and for Campaign for Liberty’s ability to fight for our freedoms, incumbent politicians have colluded with a super-sized establishment lobbying group, the National Rifle Association, to push H.R. 5175, the DISCLOSE ACT, or as we like to call it, the “Establishment Protection Act,” through the House of Representatives as soon as this week.
Michigan smoking ban snuffs out Local Business profits
When a local Monroe Farmer said to me I guess my property is mine until the government decides they want to do something with it, he hit the nail right on the head! That analogy rings true with the smoking ban on private property owners. It is not right for the government to dictate or mandate law on private business for something this is a legal product in their own private business.
4 in 10 in Michigan uninsured, on public plan
The impact of the state’s sour economy is clear in a new report: More than 3.8 million Michiganders — nearly 4 of 10 people who live here — were uninsured or covered by a public program.
Ron Paul endorses state Rep. Amash for US House
Texas U.S. Rep. and ex-presidential candidate Ron Paul has endorsed Michigan state Rep. Justin Amash in the Republican race for western Michigan’s 3rd U.S. House district.
CBO: Fannie and Freddie to cost taxpayers $389 billion
According to new findings by the CBO, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac–the nanny state federal housing entities that needlessly destroyed the housing market and shouldn’t even exist under the Constitution–will now cost taxpayers hundreds of billions of dollars more to cover their staggering, insurmountable losses. Some estimates now even go as high as $1 trillion.
Retail sales drop 1.2% in May
Retail sales plunged in May by the largest amount in eight months as consumers slashed spending on everything from cars to clothing. The big drop raises new worries about the durability of the economic recovery.
Housing Starts Drop to Five-Month Low in May
U.S. housing starts fell more than expected in May to their lowest level in five months, a government report showed on Wednesday, as a popular homebuyer tax credit that had buoyed construction activity over the past two months expired.
Obama mortgage aid plan loses growing number of borrowers
Drop may mean new wave of foreclosures, slower U.S. recovery. A growing number of homeowners who sought help from the Obama administration’s main mortgage aid program are in danger of losing their homes. The result could be a new wave of foreclosures that could weaken the housing market and hold back the economic recovery.
Al Gore Accused of Unwanted Sexual Contact
Is this the reason for the recent breakup of Al and Tipper? Authorities in Oregon have confirmed a tabloid report that former Vice President Al Gore was investigated four years ago after a masseuse accused him of “unwanted sexual contact” at a Portland hotel.
The Constitution is not a menu and cannot defend itself. As a set of rules and principles to govern the government it is all that stands between the People and total Tyranny and despotism.
Bob Schulz of “We the People”
The Bain Report: “Articles that Affect You and your Family” for July, 12, 2010
Posted by rabman13 in Bain Report, Politics on July 9, 2010
Richardville scores close to bottom for Key Senate votes
Americans for Prosperity releases their Legislative Scorecard for Michigan Legislators. The scorecard is based on key senate votes taken in the 2009-2010 legislative session. Both the House and Senate members were scored. Senator Randy Richardville scored a (C) grade for his votes during this time period. This falls in the bottom half of fellow Republicans in this report! “The 17th Senate District deserves a Senator that can produce better than a mediocre grade when it comes to getting the government out of our wallets”!
Hangar42 deal exposed, subsidies for Michigan film production
The director of the Michigan Film Office agreed with the Mackinac Center for Public Policy’s report that exposed a suspect studio deal involving $10 million in tax subsidies. A state economic development system that rewards politicians for making jobs announcements, but does not hold them accountable when jobs fail to materialize is a perverse one. Words cost politicians nothing, but they can cost taxpayers everything.” Last week, on June 9, three weeks after the e-mail, the Michigan Film Office announced Lockwood’s retirement. I’ll give you just one guess who voted in favor of this subsidy, that’s right State Senator Randy Richardville! Hello taxpayers and voters how do you like him now? See how he voted in favor of this taxpayer subsidy Can the voters of Monroe County, the 17th District, and the State of Michigan afford to continue sending the tax and spend elected representative such as this back to Lansing? I say NO!
Hoekstra: State has failed for years
Lansing needs adult supervision to turn Michigan’s economy around, usher in business and improve education, said U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Holland, who is running for governor. He cited the Michigan Business Tax and Michigan Surcharge Tax on businesses which he advocates getting rid of and what he said are extensive and confusing state regulatory rules as examples of things that discourage business investment, and should be a top priority in the new administration. What he doesn’t tell you is that his fellow Republicans including Senator Richardville of Monroe’s 17th District voted in favor of both! He also states that the burden should be shifted to the Michigan taxpayers in the form of higher sales tax to cover the loss! As a candidate who is challenging Senator Richardville for the State Senate seat here in the 17th District I would purpose eliminating some wasteful programs and governmental departments such as, Michigan Economic Development Authority, Michigan Film Producers Subsidies, and the 21st Century Jobs Fund that have all been complete failures just to mention a few! There are also a host of other failed entities that should be eliminated as well! Instead of the burden put on the backs of the taxpayers these savings could supply the funds instead of raising the current 6 percent sales tax.
P.A. 312 Reform A Hot Potato in Lansing!
Richardville stands behind his amendment to Public Act 312 which favors Union Institutional Interest. That is typical of the liberal left leaning Senator from Monroe. Richardville told MIRS that there is no problem with the bill as it stands which passed! I guess there wouldn’t be according to the SOS Campaign Finance website where a boat load of campaign contributions can be viewed from the Deputy Sheriff’s Union! If he wouldn’t have took the teeth out of Senator Bishop’s amendment that was handed to him. Richardville also voted against an amendment offered by Sen. Bruce Patterson (R)
2010 Senate Bill 1072 (Establish Union Benefit binding arbitrator standards) that would require the arbitrator to consider the financial ability of the community to pay and other general financial considerations when making their determinations. Senator Mike Bishop put together a “reform” proposal that would alter P.A. 312, to reduce healthcare benefits, lower pay by 5% and freeze it at that rate for 3 years. I guess the Unions Campaign Contributions and the Deputy Sheriff’s Association Democratic votes mean more than the citizens he is supposed to represent. Can you say Republican in name only?
Critics Shoot at Special Tax Deal for Super Speedway
Sen. Randy RICHARDVILLE (R) and Rep. Mark CORRIVEAU (D) attended the Daytona 500 this year as part of an effort to boost the notoriety of Michigan International Speedway (MIS). http://www.michigancapitolconfidential.com/12990. Richardville said the trip was paid in part by MIS, the International Speedway Corp. (ISC) that owns the MIS and other tracks, Condo accommodations were provided! (See “Panel OKs MIS Tax Credit,” 11/12/08).
Richardville and Democrat Buddy get Special Perks subscription required
Richardville and Democrat Buddy get Special Perks subscription required
Senator Brown admits that it was a bad idea to vote for Bad Driver Fees
In 2003, during his first year in the Senate, Brown voted for the bad-driver fees. But now at the end of his last term in the Senate, he has introduced 2009 Senate Bill 127, which would repeal the two-year, $200 annual fee for driving without proof of insurance and a two-year, $150 annual fee for driving without proof of a driver license.
Richardville votes in favor of “driver responsibility fees”
To assess an annual $100 driver responsibility fee on individuals who accumulates seven or more points on their driving record within a two-year period. For each additional point above this amount an additional fee of $50 would be assessed. Higher fees would be assessed for certain very serious driving infractions, such as manslaughter, drunk driving, or fleeing police. In addition, a motorist who fails to produce his or her proof of insurance form when requested by a police officer would be assessed $300. This is one of many bills authorizing tax and fee increases proposed to close a gap between state spending and expected revenue. http://www.michiganvotes.org/RollCall.aspx?ID=84641. Here’s a novel idea: get rid of this onerous tax immediately and completely! This was never about safety. It was always just another money grab by the legislature. How about you folks start serving the public and stop robbing them.
Monroe News thinks 1812 license plate proposal has merit
The Monroe Evening News continues to promote Senator Richardville like they were part of his re-election committee! They have dragged their feet when it comes to publishing Letters to the Editor unfavorable to him by the citizens of Monroe! They also continue to give false credit to him such as being as co-sponsor of Bill’s such as this that shows only the sponsor Sen. Tom George. http://www.michiganvotes.org/2009-SB-682. There are some questions about the proposal that might make it a risky proposition. First, designing and issuing the plates would cost the state about $15,000 at a time when legislators are grappling with formidable budget deficits. There’s nothing in the law that would provide for the state’s general fund to recoup the start-up cost essentially passing this on to the taxpayers. Plus there is NO direct benefit to the citizens of Monroe and the 17th District! This won’t help Get Michigan Out of the Woods economically!
Local Government Bankruptcies May Become Reality
With Michigan cities facing budget crises, many experts say the worst is yet to come, and some believe the state will begin to see municipal bankruptcies. Pressure from both the revenue and spending sides is creating the risky financial situations. Some say it may be the worst since the Great Depression. With the passing of Senate SB 245 (Appropriations: 2009-2010 General Government) on September 29, 2009. Revenue sharing cuts combined with a decline in property values and local income taxes is killing the ability of local governments to provide basic services. Our legislators including Senator Randy Richardville voted in favor of these cuts therefore passing the burden onto the local municipalities and their taxpayers! If that’s not bad enough, Senator Richardville also offered up an amendment to Public Act 312 http://www.michiganvotes.org/2010-SB-1072 which places even more of a burden on the already cash-strapped local municipalities and gives the benefit to union institutional interests over taxpaying citizens.
Smoking ban critics urge Michigan lottery boycott
Some restaurant, bar and private club owners are calling for a one-day boycott of some Michigan Lottery products to protest the state’s recently enacted smoking ban.
The Michigan Lottery says a business that refuses to sell games could be reviewed by lottery officials. So the Michigan Government is threatening businesses! Sounds like the old Nazi Germany style Gestapo tactics to me!
The Michigan Lottery says a business that refuses to sell games could be reviewed by lottery officials. So the Michigan Government is threatening businesses! Sounds like the old Nazi Germany style Gestapo tactics to me!
Richardville votes to subsidize battery makers; it’s your tax dollars!
Helps advance Obama agenda
Vice President Joe Biden will attend a groundbreaking event for a new battery plant in Michigan on Monday. In August, Biden announced in Michigan that the project had won a $161 million grant = (Your Tax Dollars) from the federal government to help build the facility. Most recently, on Dec. 31, 2009, Gov. Jennifer Granholm signed into law House Bill 5469, which expands a taxpayer subsidy for makers of electric car batteries. Two weeks earlier, overwhelming majorities in the House and Senate voted to approve the bill — only nine lawmakers out of 148 voted “no.” http://www.mackinac.org/12632. Senator Richardville voted in favor of these subsidies! See video John Stossel on free golf carts here – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVmBBtLGg2s. We expect and deserve better representation from our elected officials!
R. Al Bain comments on, Congressman grabs kid by the wrist and neck
We the “sheeple” in our representatives eyes are becoming a thorn in the power brokers side! Don’t be fooled, it’s at all levels of government local, county, state, and federal. It’s not just a Washington problem! The grassroots conservative “Tea Party” movement has ruffled their feathers and they are not to happy. Look at the Town Hall meetings and the names we were called because we dared to question their judgment. They have all lost sight of Civic Duty to the citizenry. It’s all about power, money, and re-election and has absolutely nothing to do with “We the People”! Vote em all out, the incumbents are the real problem! Local law enforcement would have been there on the spot to arrest someone at a Tea Party for such behavior! Just look at the Dingell townhall meeting for a perfect example! Oh but wait, Congressman Dingell is a role model and statesman in Senator Randy Richardville’s eyes!
Jackson Community College tuition to go up 5 percent, student service fees up 17.6 percent for Jackson County students next school year
With all the cuts coming out of the legislature and the burden put onto the education facilities in this state, one can only thank Senator Randy Richardville who voted in favor of these cuts in education.
Schultz Deflation Now, Hyperinflation Soon
Crash-predicting letter says recovery might not come until 2028
We (collectively) are poised at a heart-stopping moment in economic times. On the one extreme side, the world is on the edge of massive deflation and depression. At the other extreme … hyperinflation. My view is: Both these extremes are possible. Certainly deflation is, on balance, in play today and gaining ground as money supply is actually declining! Hyperinflation seems impossible when there is not much inflation in most economies. But … hyperinflation is a monetary event, not an economic one, and will happen on an overnight basis, not via a general uptrend in inflation data.
Reid Pushes NEW “Carbon Tax” By July
Reid will by-pass the existing Lieberman-Kerry bill pushed through the House by Pelosi because Reid knows he doesn’t have the support of Democrats on his own side, let alone GOP Senators, to get it done. Reid demanded “swift” action forcing Senate committees to finish their work on a massive comprehensive energy bill immediately.
Drivers urged to park, ride a bus on “Dump the Pump Day”
Sponsored by the American Public Transportation Association, The Detroit Department of Transportation, SMART, the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments and other agencies are advocating for this loss of state revenue in lost tax dollars in this promotion. Along with the subsidies this system takes from Michigan’s Road Funding Formula, this should just increase the severity of the roads here in Michigan in lost funding.
GOP is listening to what you say, NOT!
Another way of putting it might be: “We know you’re mad, and you’ve been mad at Republicans as much as Democrats along the way. We get it and we want you to make sure we change things.” More like, we will tell you what you want to hear as so you will give us your vote! Once these career establishment incumbents are re-elected by the “sheeple” it will be back to business as usual. My Republican Party has lost it’s way!
State’s jobless rate falls back to 13.6% in May
More propaganda from our State Leaders and the liberal media! This drop is only because of those unemployed that have exhausted their benefits period. I see many business buildings empty recently that once had a thriving business. Going out of business signs everywhere, and while talking to the local business community they are just hanging on. See just one example of this in the story below for it just doesn’t add up!
ECONOMY: Home construction, building permits fall in May
Home builders are sending a message: They won’t be able to contribute much to the economic recovery now that government home-buying incentives have vanished. What economic recovery? We haven’t even come close to a bottom yet and may not for several years to com!
It does not require a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority keen to set brush fires in people’s minds.
Samuel Adams
The Bain Report: “Articles that Affect You and your Family” for July, 5, 2010
Posted by rabman13 in Bain Report on July 2, 2010
Voter registration: Deadline for Michigan residents who want to vote in primary
Michigan residents who want to vote in the August primary have through July 6 to register. Voter registration can be done by mail, at county, city or township clerk’s offices, or by visiting any Secretary of State branch office.
States without helmet laws benefit from tourism
According to a study done by Michigan Consultants in Lansing, Michigan is losing millions of tourism dollars and approximately $1.2 billion in overall economic benefit because of this law.
Michigan Residents Down On State Government
Michigan residents are far more pessimistic about state government and their elected incumbent leaders than they have been in several years, figures from the latest survey from the State of the State Survey show. The survey results, particularly the finding of how low public trust was in state government proves that the sentiment of the electorate is to vote out all incumbents and elect fresh leaders with creative thinking and a more common sense approach to government and not what we have had in the past. Real citizen representation is what the battle cry is from the voters!
Jobless Claims in U.S. Increased Last Week to 472,000
More Americans unexpectedly applied for jobless benefits last week, a sign the labor market recovery may be slowing. “The labor market is not generating employment for anyone, even for people who have been out a long time,” said Steven Ricchiuto, chief economist at Mizuho Securities USA Inc. in New York, who forecast claims at 470,000. “What we’re seeing in the backup of claims is not a particularly healthy story, showing we can’t generate upside momentum in the labor market.”
Up Only 13,000, Private Sector Hiring Was Anemic in June
The economy suffered another setback on the employment front in June, as the private sector added only 13,000 jobs in the month, ADP (ADP) said.
Cox takes a Pass on Unsealing Deposition
Despite repeated statements touting openness and transparency, Attorney General Mike Cox is refusing to unseal his more than seven hours of testimony in the case brought by Tamara Greene’s family. In response to this motion Judge Gerald Rosen said that he was reluctant to unseal the Cox deposition, but stated that if Cox wanted it unsealed, he could file a motion to do so. In his written order, Judge Rosen directed Cox at least SEVEN times that the request to unseal his testimony needs to come from Cox himself:
Was Mike Cox’s investigation of Hangar42 Studios’ film tax credit delayed?
This sound a lot like the rumored party at the Manoogian Mansion investigation! “Mike Cox did nothing with this information,” said Muskegon businessman Bill Cooper, who said he began corresponding with a Cox campaign aide in March. State Rep. Dave Agema said he contacted the office in late February with information calling the project into question. Cox spokeswoman Joy Yearout would not discuss when the investigation began, or whether the reports by Agema and Cooper were part of the investigation.
Texting while driving could cost $100 now and are Cell phones next?
Chipping away at our freedoms and liberties a little at a time. While I agree that cell phone users create some issues while on the road there are already laws on the books pertaining to this such as careless and reckless driving! What’s next you can’t look at a road map, eat while driving, no applying make up for the women? You already can’t drive barefoot according to law! Where does it all stop? We have to many laws that are not being enforced now and we don’t need any more infringements on our freedoms and liberties!
National debt soars to highest level since WWII
The federal debt will represent 62% of the nation’s economy by the end of this year, the highest percentage since just after World War II, according to a long-term budget outlook released today by the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office.
‘Glenn Beck’: A Peek at The Overton Window
There are two ways to go through life. You can be the kind of person who loves to eat sausage and you just don’t want to know where it came from, or you’re the type of person who has to know how the sausage is made.
Senate GOP Puts Off 312 Reform
Senate Republicans will decide when they get back next month what to do about the now-controversial P.A. 312 reform legislation that passed the House last week. Sen. Randy RICHARDVILLE (R-Monroe), who sponsored SB 1072, told MIRS the caucus would have “another serious conversation” and decide whether to put the immediate effect vote on the floor calendar. “The Senate caucus hasn’t made a decision about this,” he said. The legislation aimed at ending binding arbitration for police and firefighters as part of the Senate GOP’s “Year of Reform,” has been whacked by local government groups who claim it allows 911 operators and other public safety officials to be covered by binding arbitration when two local government entities consolidate (See “P.A. 312 Expansion Goes Unchanged,” 6/24/10). Because the House-passed version is identical to the Senate’s, changes can’t be made in the upper chamber. The next move is an I.E. vote. It’s not clear that the votes would be there now that the Michigan Municipal League (MML), Michigan Township Association (MTA) and Michigan Association of Counties (MAC) don’t want the bill to go to the Governor’s desk. Richardville said their real issue is that SB 1072 doesn’t strengthen language about a municipality’s ability to pay in contract negotiations. He said that the local groups could address that in separate legislation. “They’re obviously trying to blow up this effort because they didn’t get their issue,” he said. Richardville said he will be “investigating whether [their concerns] have merit.” He added that the organizations were involved in many workgroups over several months and didn’t raise objections. He said no one called his office about red flags and called their negotiating style “disingenuous.” Richardville said he gladly would have convened another work group but the local organizations wanted to “bomb this thing.” He doesn’t return constituents phone calls anyway so why would they? “There’s no question that the Michigan Municipal League, Michigan Township Association and Michigan Association of Counties had plenty of time to work on the bill,” he said. “All of a sudden when it’s in the House, there are unintended consequences.” MIRS asked Richardville about the significance of one of the Senate GOP’s reform priorities being on hold, especially since none of the other bills have gone anywhere in the House. He told MIRS that SB 1072 was the caucus’ chance to accomplish part of its agenda. “There was overwhelming [Senate] support for a good reform,” he noted. “It wasn’t an earth-shattering reform. But it saved money, saved time and brought two sides together closer than they were before.”
Senate GOP Puts Off 312 Reform “subscription required”
New Home Sales Plunge 33% as Tax Credits Expire
What recovery? Sales of new homes collapsed in May, sinking 33 percent to the lowest level on record as potential buyers stopped shopping for homes once they could no longer receive government tax credits.
The Ultimate Battle between Republicans and Conservatives
The ultimate battle between those who are Republicans first and those who are conservatives first. I am going to go where I shouldn’t go and say what I shouldn’t say. Some of you are really, really not going to like it. The establishment career minded incumbents who got fat and happy with years of Republican dominance wants to return to the status quo ante. They did not want to reform. They did not want to cut back.
Faith In Government Plummeting
Faith in government leadership is declining, according to the most recent State of the State survey conducted by Michigan State University economics professor Charles Ballard. The loss of trust in government, according to Ballard, “has fallen to an all-time low in the 16 years of this survey.” Thirty seven percent of those polled believe you “can seldom, or never trust the government,” which may be a “huge concern for the next governor and whoever is elected to the next legislature,” Ballard said.
Faith In Government Plummeting “subscription required”
State likely won’t hit new budget target by July 1
The Legislature is expected to grapple with an estimated $1.7 billion overall budget shortfall for the fiscal year that begins Oct. 1. State Rep. Bill Rogers, R-Genoa Township, said there’s “no way” the budget will be completed by Thursday. The estimate for school aid revenue was $292 million above January estimates. Since then, lawmakers have debated whether to apply the expected additional funding to lessen the per-pupil funding blow to schools, or use it to help offset funding shortfalls elsewhere. How about cutting failed government departments and programs? Quit playing the shell games! It should be all about our children’s education not failed policy!
Are we heading into a ‘third depression’?
In its history, the U.S. has endured only two depressions. Misguided fears over deficit spending are pushing us into a third, argues Paul Krugman. The G-20 nations agreed last weekend to halve their deficits by 2013, saying fiscal austerity measures are the best path to economic growth.
Local bar owners: Smoking ban is hurting business
On May 1, the Pigeon Inn posted a “No Smoking” sign on the establishments front door as part of its effort to comply with the states new smoke-free law. Less than two months after the ban went into effect, a new sign was posted. “The Pigeon Inn Bar will be closed on Sundays until Sept. 12 due to the lack of business,” reads the new sign, which was posted on the bar’s front door last week after the business had been operating at a loss on Sundays since the smoking ban was established, said owner Gary Housey. “This is my livelihood, this is my retirement — and now I’m losing everything,” Housey told the Tribune. Here in Monroe, Senator Randy Richardville was for the smoking ban before he was against it. In a Monroe News article in 2009 on the prior vote that failed he stated that it was a shame that we didn’t pass the smoking ban Bill. After seeing that it had the votes to pass with or without his vote he opted for the no vote as to appeal to the smokers come re-election time. Can you say flip flopper?
Motorcycle helmet tickets to be dropped
Motorcyclists fighting unapproved helmet tickets they received this spring from Adrian police were notified last week the cases are being dropped. Legal issues brought up in Lenawee County District Court by an attorney for a motorcycle rights group are the same ones involved in a lawsuit in federal court in Grand Rapids, said Adrian City Attorney Sarah Osburn. Rather than leave the half-dozen tickets pending in Lenawee County District Court for months or years while the federal case is decided, she said, the tickets were dismissed.
You know the honeymoon is over when the comedians start
The comedians are having a field day with whats going on in our country today. There is a lot of truth to their jokes, click the link below I’m sure you will agree!
Customers, salons prepare for 10-percent tax on indoor tanning
The indoor tanning TAX that will hit Thursday is just the beginning of several new taxes to hit the citizens. The bronzed constituents who walk into area tanning salons Thursday, may walk out a little hotter — but not because of their time spent in a tanning bed.
Consumers Energy bills will see increase for residential customers
This is the second time the Jackson-based utility has used the 2008 state energy law that lets it raise rates on customers without prior approval from Lansing. The $4.11-a-month rate aims to reflect major investments the utility is making to maintain upgrades to its distribution system, pay for equipment installed on power plants to reduce pollution and investments in technology, according to the utility. The Republican lead Senate including Senator Randy Richardville, Monroe, voted in favor of this increase along with other past increases!
City Service Privatization Plan Rolls Forward
When City Manager John Szerlag said he would consider privatizing all of Troy’s City services, he said if the municipal departments could match the private company bids, he’d keep them. The city’s building department, however, never bothered to even put in an official bid, Szerlag said. Now, Szerlag estimates that the city will save as much as $500,000 a year by privatizing the department. Earlier this month, the Troy City Council approved privatization of the building department. It starts July 1.
Sen. Debbie Stabenow’s Fuzzy Math quoting CBO on Unemployment
Senator Debbie Stabenow’s (D-Michigan) standalone unemployment extension bill has already been introduced. Failure to pass the bill will not only harm those who face the loss of their unemployment benefits — 1.2 million Americans will do so on Thursday — but may increase the numbers of the unemployed as well. As The Hill notes, unemployment benefits provide nearly $7 billion a month in spending. This is the fuzzy math part, Every dollar given in unemployment compensation is worth $1.90 in economic stimulus, according to the CBO.
W-2’s in 2011 will include Obamacare Health care costs as income
Take the tax form you just finished for 2009 and see what $15,000.00 or
$20,000.00 additional gross income does to your tax debt. That is what
you will pay next year.
$20,000.00 additional gross income does to your tax debt. That is what
you will pay next year.
Few men have virtue to withstand the highest bidder
George Washington
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The Bain Report 