Matt Millen announces run for governor as a democrat

I found this from the news.  It has to be seen to be believed. After eight years of Jennifer Granholm, I'm not voting for her former Detroit Lions counterpart. This is my last choice.

ALLEN PARK -- Former Detroit Lions President and current College Football commentator Matt Millen has thrown his name into the already crowded race for Michigan's governor.

"I've been a champion as a player, and I have executive experience. I can get the job done," said Millen in his announcement from his home. "It's time for an outsider with executive experience." Millen was asked about his loyalties to the democratic party. "Jennifer Granholm has done an excellent job, and I will run a similar style of government. This mess was all Governor John Engler's fault. All of it."

One republican official who spoke on condition of anonymity commented that "Jennifer Granholm was called the Matt Millen of Governors for a reason." Leading democratic officials had no comment.

Matt Millen is an apt person to run. Both Granholm and Millen took 9-7 teams, and gave us eight years of losing, and a long recovery ahead. Both ran their organizations into the ground. With Governor Millen, we'd go from bad to worse.

Granholm pushes for a new tax increase

The Matt Millen of Governors is at it again with her push for tax increases. From the Detroit News.

ansing -- Gov. Jennifer Granholm defended her proposal to extend the sales tax to services on a cable TV news show this morning, saying Michigan "has to invest in education" to convert from a manufacturing to a knowledge-based economy.
The governor said on MSNBC that Michigan has "a big, hairy audacious goal of doubling our number of college graduates." In order to do that, she said the state has to stop cutting education spending, which it did this year by $165 per student.
Since public school aid is funded primarily with sales taxes, the state needs to update and stabilize its sales levy by expanding it to include most services, Granholm said. In the past century, about 60 percent of consumer purchases were made on goods and today about two-thirds is spent on services, she said.

From The Detroit News: http://www.detnews.com/article/20100329/POLITICS02/3290392/1022/Granholm--Sales-tax-on-services-needed-to-bolster-education#ixzz0jaR7wdmG

This ain't new. Granholm pushed this in 2009

This is a big threat to occur however. It's not just Granholm pushing this. Pete Hoekstra has signed on board with this. Self proclaimed Business Leaders for Michigan is on board.

I don't see solutions, only gimmicks and demands that people bail out the government for their fiscal mismanagement. The problem is jobs. The sales tax revenues are down because people are spending less.

There's Lansing. There's Bush. There's Obama. There's Matt Millen, and then there's the US Senate

When it comes to fiscal irresponsibility, there several degrees of bad. Lansing is bad. The US House is worse. George W Bush was worse than the current and former US House combined. On spending, Bush sucked. Obama is worse than Bush. He really sucks. Obama isn't the worst though. There's a special kind of bad, the beyond Matt Millen category. Jennifer Granholm is called the Matt Millen of Governors. The United States Senate collectively is the Matt Millen of all of politics, if not worse. If they were managing a football team, it would be 0-16 every year. If they were running a basketball team, they couldn't beat the Washington Generals. If they were running a hockey team, they would go 0-82 even if Wayne Gretzky played for them. They are Matt Millen, John L Smith, and UM's Bill Martin all rolled up into one.

Barack Obama's spending plan sucks, but it sucks less than what is there now, and I would have voted for it as a start. Yes, I would have voted for it. It's not good enough, but it is better than the status quo.

From the AP

WASHINGTON – Just days after President Barack Obama endorsed a partial freeze on domestic spending, his Democratic allies in the Senate have rejected a plan attempting to do pretty much the same thing.
Old-school Democrats were the driving force in killing the bipartisan legislation, sponsored by Alabama Republican Jeff Sessions and Missouri Democrat Claire McCaskill. Their plan was slightly modified version of Obama's that would have permitted domestic agencies an increase of just about 1 percent, with slightly higher boosts for the Pentagon.
A 56-strong majority of senators supported the plan but it failed because 60 votes were required. The vote came the morning after Obama threatened to veto spending bills that would exceed a domestic spending freeze.

That doesn't mean I've forgotten Obama's poor handling of spending and record deficits up to this point. I haven't. The Senate also has another present for us. They raised the debt ceiling an addition 1.9 trillion! Great job dumbasses. They took care of that before Scott Brown was seated. I wonder why?  Also from the AP

WASHINGTON – Senate Democrats needed all the 60 votes at their disposal Thursday to muscle through legislation allowing the government to go $1.9 trillion deeper in debt.
Democratic leaders were able to prevail on the politically volatile 60-39 vote only because Republican Sen.-elect Scott Brown of Massachusetts has yet to be seated. Republicans had insisted on a 60-vote, super-majority threshhold to pass the measure. An earlier test vote succeeded on a 60-40 vote.

Thank you Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow for doing your normal job. I could be stoned a still do a better job than this group of jokers.

It's past time to cut spending, reduce the debt, reduce the interest payments, and get our house in order so we don't lose our sovereignty.

Cox has highest lead in general election poll (45% Cox, 30% Cherry)

Now this is real early, but the results are so far promising. EPIC/MRA, a democrat leaning polling firm, has all GOP candidates leading Cherry in the General election except Rick Snyder. The taps were posted by Wood TV in Grand Rapids. Some interesting results.

Direction (US).
35% - Right Direction
58% - Wrong Direction

Direction (Michigan)
17% - Right Direction
75% - Wrong Direction

Democrat Primary:
33% - John Cherry
5% - Alma Wheeler Smith
3% - George Perles (Yes, that Perles)
3% - Don Williamson
2% - John Freeman
54% - Undecided

Republican Primary:
29% - Pete Hoekstra
28% - Mike Cox
14% - Mike Bouchard
3% - Rick Snyder
2% - Tom George
24% Undecided.

Positive/Negative Obama
48% - Positive
51% - Negative

Positive/Negative Granholm
33% - Positive
66% - Negative

Matchups:

45% Cox
30% Cherry
25% Undecided

40% Hoekstra
33% Cherry
27% Undecided

39% Bouchard
31% Cherry
30% Undecided

34% Cherry
32% Snyder
34% Undecided

Once again. This is a democrat leaning polling firm. This isn't Strategic Vision. This isn't even Mitchell. From this firm, Cox leads by 15, and the rest have leads of at least 7 outside of Rick Snyder. The results are good if you are not a democrat or Rick Snyder. The problem with Cherry is that he's Michigan's version of Al Gore in a bad economy. After eight years of an administration, there's usually fatigue. Reagan was the exception, and the VP Bush won in 1988. Gore had a good economy, and he still couldn't win because he turned into a gun grabber when he went national. Dick Cheney didn't run in 2008, but probably would have done no different than McCain.

Posthumus could have won with a little more help as the 12% expected loss turned into 4%. Still wasn't a win. Engler broke the 8 year jinx with a third term however. Milliken's first choice lost in the primary after 12 years. Blanchard himself lost when he wanted a 3rd term. After 8 years, usually it's trouble.

And unless things change in the next year, it's big trouble for Granholm/Cherry. Cherry isn't following Clinton who had a good rep thanks to the 1994 Republicans and their work on the economy. Cherry's following the Matt Millen of governors.

Granholm wants to raise taxes again

I'm shocked that Granholm, the Matt Millen of Governors, wants to raise taxes yet again after promising that it won't happen.

There are three plans out. House Republicans plan (cuts), Senate Republicans (which passed and balanced the budget without raising taxes), and Granholm Democrats. Granholm was the last to announce a plan and it is the typical democrat plan. More taxes. Even tax raising Andy Dillon who saved her in 07 so far publicly opposed the plan. I wonder if Dillon is planning a gubernatorial run or something.....

From the AP

"The governor should know that showboating a proposal that has no chance of passing is not a way to solve the state's fiscal crisis," Dillon said in a statement. "All parties need to put theatrics and demands aside and get back to the hard work of negotiating a budget solution."

A spokesman for Republican Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop of Rochester said the governor making her revenue plan public helps "move the ball forward" on negotiations, but added he doubts some of her proposals will get a warm welcome.

"A half-billion dollars in new revenues is certainly not the course chartered by Senate Republicans," Matt Marsden said.

Personally, I think that's just good cop Dillon and bad cop Granholm. Granholm probably wanted to push the big tax increases hard at first and then cave in on a smaller increase. This is a typical lawyer contract/settlement negotiation ploy. Go for the farm first, bluster, and back off. This is the right place for that technique, since neither side wants to walk away from a budget negotiation.

Granholm's budget does have some cuts, but not enough. The only two good things are that she supports eliminating the MBT surcharge over three years, and wants to allow bars to stay open past 2am for a fee (I won't be there after 2, but I support that option). That positive is negated in spades by this negative.

To balance next year's budget, she'd raise $546 million in tax revenue by slicing 12 percent from some business tax breaks — including a popular film credit — and hike the cigarette tax rate from $2 a pack to $2.25 while doubling taxes on other tobacco products.

She wants to place a 1-cent tax on each bottle of water sold in Michigan, lower a tax credit for the working poor, increase liquor license fees, and expand the 6 percent sales tax to service contracts, vending machine sales and live entertainment, including sporting events.

Note that the Detroit News said it was 1 PERCENT tax on bottled water.

I'll sign on board to some of the credit elimination that picks winners over losers (and make it just a tax cut), but I am damn well against these.

1cent tax on bottled water. There goes some jobs. I drink tap water, but I'm still against this crap on principle. What's next? Pop? Carbs? Booze? Greens? Meat?

Lower tax credit for working poor? How about cutting their taxes so they aren't as poor?

Services tax? Screw you. That affects me directly. Guess what? Costs past down to consumers. I'll just write it up as the Granholm Services tax required by law.

Entertainment and sporting events - There's Michigan's culture taxed. That Bob Seger, Kid Rock, Ted Nugent, or Motown concert is costing a lot more money now. So are the MSU and Lions games. Let's bankrupt this like manufacturing.

Vending machines. Those aren't cheap to begin with. Let's put them out of business. She also wants tax increases for 2010-2011 as well.

Another $0.25 tax increase to a pack of smokes. Double the smokeless tobacco/cigar tax. Where's the money coming from when smokers quit.

Liquor license fees - The restaurant industry is already struggling. That's not what they need.

Freeze in income tax deductions - Basically, an income tax increase. If we pay more, it's an increase.

This Granholm incompetence and multiple tax/fee increases over her time in office has destroyed this state. It will take some good sound leadership to overcome this Matt Millenesque disaster.

Like the sign at the tea party said. "Democrats destroyed Detroit." They are now in the process of destroying Michigan, and want to increase the same policies that are destroying this state and think it will lead to another result. That's insanity.

This Granholm budget must be stopped. NO new taxes.

Millen Fired!!!!!!!!

From the Free Press

FOXSports.com and ESPN are reporting that the Lions have removed team president and CEO Matt Millen from his post, ending one of the most criticized tenures in Detroit sports history.

Now if Ford would sell the team, I'd be estatic.

Granholm wants to lower the speed limit? Go to Hell!!!

In the words of Sammy Hagar, "I can't drive 55". Here's another idiotic idea from the "Matt Millen" of governors.

From Gannett/Argus

Gov. Jennifer Granholm suggested today that Michigan might want to consider enactment of slower speed limits on some state highways as a means of reducing costs in an era of high fuel prices.

“I think it’s something we might want to take a look at,” Granholm said in response to a question at a roundtable meeting with reporters to unveil a new state, Web-based service designed to help Michigan residents save money on housing, health care and gasoline.

Granholm said lower speed limits are “not a proposal,” but should be considered in light of the significant reduction in fuel consumption that results from reducing speed, and as one of many steps that could be taken to decrease demand for energy resources as the state and nation move toward alternatives to oil and gas.

First off, this won't help much. Very few drove 55 anyway when it was the speed limit thanks to the democrats of the 1970's. That law was broken by most of the population because it was a bad law unworthy of being followed when the expressways were built for 70 MPH speed limits. All this does is feed disrespect for the law.

Another reason this is bad is that it costs the state more money to replace all those signs changing the speed limits.

Another reason this is bad is that this creates bottlenecks. Some go 90MPH and some go 40 - look at US-23 for a posterboy of that right now. I hate bottlenecks with a passion and will go 80MPH (and be tailed by those going 90MPH) to pass cars just to get around wolf packs so I am not close to a chain of cars and can be as close to lone wolf as possible on the freeway. After than I go with traffic around 74-75MPH. Space between cars is good. It avoids tailgating (and me tapping my brakes if you do tailgate me). It causes less accidents as it increases reaction time in many situations (unless a deer crosses your path).

People who want to drive slower to reduce costs have several options without government pointing a gun at their heads. They can go 55 in the Right Lane. That's what the slow lane is for. They can drive on other roads besides the expressway. I often avoid US-23 myself when I go to Ann Arbor, Brighton, or the Detroit suburbs. I take fewer trips myself. I go to Meijer (Screw Walmart) less often and go more often to the local Mom and Pop place 3 miles from me.

If Granholm REALLY wants to lower fuel costs, she can get the state to fasttrack approval on a new oil refinery. "Build it here and it is approved, no questions asked." It's not like we don't need the jobs here. That will even increase the tax base in this state. She can also stop the sales tax on gasoline costing us more money. That won't happen anytime soon. Government is addicted to money.

More debt in Michigan. Look out for more taxes.

Some bad news that is not shocker with the Matt Millen of governors running the show here.

From the Grand Rapids Press

The report illustrates that Michigan can't march blithely into the future thinking its budget problems have been solved. Even when the state's economy turns around, Michigan's government will continue to operate at increasing deficits -- what the report calls a "structural deficit" because it's built into the very structure of government and isn't caused by cyclical economic woes. Among the study's key findings:


If current spending and tax policies continue, Michigan will face a cumulative deficit of nearly $10 billion by 2017 -- $6 billion from the general fund and $3.6 billion from funding for K-12 education.


Michigan's roads would see a $417 million deficit by 2017. This is true despite a state transportation plan that includes $8.7 billion in new construction and highway repair needs.


Prisons and health care are major causes of the budget gap in the general fund. Both categories of spending will grow at five times the rate of money coming into state coffers, the report estimates.

The report recommends several solutions, all worthy of consideration. Shifting some of the state's tax burdens to the growing service sector would allow Michigan's revenues to follow its economy. Michigan ranks low among states in the number of services taxed. Any service tax would have to be fair, unlike the capricious levy briefly enacted, then quickly revoked, last year. Another alternative is to create a graduated income tax here, as we have on the federal level, where rates rise with income.

However, toying with the state's tax structure and rates should come only after lawmakers have reined in insupportable spending. One simple solution: State employees and teachers must share more of their health costs. Another big opportunity for reform is in prison spending. Michigan incarcerates 47 percent more prisoners on average than the seven surrounding Great Lakes states, largely because of longer sentences. Lawmakers need to take a long-overdue look at sentencing and parole procedures, as well as alternatives to imprisonment for non-violent offenders.

None of this is easy work, especially in a political year. But lawmakers who claim to care about the future of our state -- and that should be all of them -- won't neglect it.

Now this report is from a group with a strong establishment board of trustees, the Citizens Research Council. One of the names on there is Phil Power, whom I almost always disagree with. Power had his own editorial today in the Argus which he once owned.

From the Argus

The nonpartisan and highly respected Citizens Research Council of Michigan (CRC) is predicting — once again — long-term, big-time state budget trouble. Even though the legislature thrashed and fought most of last year, barely avoiding a state shutdown before finally enacting a new tax package and balancing the budget ... it turns out that was only a temporary plug for the collapsing dam.

In fact, little last year has done anything to relieve the "chronic structural budget deficit." That means the cost increases of state programs will continue to outrun revenues.

Rapidly rising health-care costs and our prison system (estimated at 7.3 percent per year) will swamp state finances. The CRC experts estimate budget gaps starting next year which would balloon to a $6 billion hole in the General Fund by 2017 if nothing is done.

All of which makes it disgraceful that last year's report of the governor's Emergency Financial Advisory Panel was so roundly ignored. The panel, headed by former governors Jim Blanchard and Bill Milliken and consisting of some of Michigan's most distinguished leaders, came up with a remarkably tough-minded, far-reaching set of structural reforms designed to cut costs and assure adequate revenues to sustain necessary state programs.

Some examples:


Cutting corrections expenses, which now at $2.2 billion a year is more than the state spends on our colleges and universities.


Reducing fringe benefits for state employees, which now exceed by a mile those paid to workers in the private sector.


Working out better ways for school districts and local government units to collaborate by sharing services and cutting costs.

The devastating new CRC projections should come as no surprise to those familiar with the emergency panel's brief report, which ought to have been mailed to every family in the state.

Now any report with Single Business Tax creator Bill Millken and Jim "I raised taxes 38%" Blanchard has my guard up immediately. They recommended more tax increases, especially the "services tax" in their infamous report. It's what I expect from a couple of political hacks.

Regardless of any committee talk, it is no secret that there is going to be a major deficit. I would not be surprised if there are more taxes this year, especially in the "lame duck" session as a "parting gift" like Rick Johnson gave us in 2004 from some termed out legislators. I'm quite concerned about a gas tax increase, as well as the return of the services tax. Those two are being pushed hard by the elite.

While the presidential race will get most of the hype, we need to watch Lansing like a hawk.

Detroit Lions draft yet another receiver

For the 4th time under the Matt Millen era, The Detroit Lions drafted a wide receiver. This time it is Calvin Johnson of Georgia Tech. Johnson had a great college career, but will he be a Roy Williams or will he be a Mike Williams? I really hope he's a Roy Williams type player, and also hope someone is capable of getting him the football. I wish they picked a lineman or defensive player instead as the Chicago Bears have shown that defenses and the trenches are the basis of a team. We'll see what happens.

As incompetent as Granholm has been being "The Matt Millen of governors", there's only one real Matt Millen. With Millen's record of incompetence at the draft, player personnel, and coach selection (Jury is out on Marinelli, but at least he's not a West Coast offense guy), not to mention his win-loss record, he sets a standard of losing that rivals the Darryl Rogers years. I'd never thought I'd miss Wayne Fontes and mediocrity.

It takes work being a Lions fan.

April 18 - Anti-tax rally in Lansing

I can't make it there (damnit), but we need as many people at the capitol as possible to send a message to the big spenders and tax hikers out there. Between the Matt Millen of Governors and her services tax, Andy Dillon's energy tax, and Hopgood/DeRoche's(I still can't believe he proposed that) bipartisan gas tax turkey, we need to send a message to Lansing in a big way.

From former State Rep Leon Drolet and the Michigan Taxpayers.
------

Tax spenders spend a lot of time in Lansing meeting with politicians. Through lobbyists, government department heads, and union leaders, they wine and dine elected officials while making their cases for more of your tax money.

Now its your turn to be heard! Its time for you to join the Michigan Taxpayers Alliance on the lawn of the State Capitol Building in Lansing at 11:00am (get there by 10:30) on April 18 to deliver YOUR message to state lawmakers: "Michigan citizens are suffering, NO NEW TAXES!"

Lansing's fiscal crisis is because state politicians can't agree how to cut $2 billion out of a $43 billion state budget. But these same people are flush with new tax ideas:

Governor Granholm prefers a new tax on most every service you use.
House Speaker Dillion wants to hide a $700 million tax hike in your electric bill.
Now there is bi-partisan support for jacking up the gas tax nine cents, making Michigan's combined federal, state and local gas tax burden the third highest in the nation!
All these planned attacks on your family budget are happening because Lansing politicians are not afraid of you, the taxpayer!

They ARE afraid of the tax spenders, who contribute to their campaigns, closely watch every vote, and buy them dinner.

Its time to make Lansing politicians more fearful of tax hikes than spending cuts.

Get to Lansing on April 18th and bring your friends and family. Bring tea bags that we will deliver to Governor Granholm's office. Get to Lansing early (you will need to park and walk the short distance to the Capitol lawn). Bring a poster or sign and make some noise! Let them know that taxpayers are now paying attention and demand fiscal restraint.

If you believe that you make better spending decisions with YOUR money than Lansing does, GET TO THIS RALLY!

-------------

Governor and Taxspenders to Taxpayers: GAME ON!

Last week, a Lansing reporter informed me that a Governor's staffer had told him that the Gov was aware of the April 18 Taxpayer Teabag protest planned at the Capitol - and was preparing a "surprise" for protesters.

What "surprise"?

Turns out that the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) have moved up their lobby day in Lansing to coincide with our tax protest. They support Granholm's plan to mandate government preschool for all children. And they are not alone. An organization called "Artserve", which supports more tax dollars being spent on art, has also changed the day and time of their lobby day to April 18.

It appears those that demand more and more spending and higher taxes will try to outdo taxpayers that day. According to the AFT Michigan website, they are planning to bus public school teachers in from around the state.

It is now even more important than ever to spread the word to all taxpayers about the Taxpayer Protest Rally! Everyday taxpayers need to show up at the Capitol in Lansing on April 18, bring a teabag that we will deliver to the Governor, and tell Lansing politicians to balance their budget by cutting spending and enacting reforms; NOT BY RAISING TAXES ON CITIZENS! Get to the Capitol around 10:00am. Rally starts at 11:00am, but you will need time to park.

Taxspenders are planning to hijack this rally, and demand more and more of YOUR money. We cannot allow the voices of everyday taxpayers to be drowned out. Take the day off work, clear the calendar, gather your family and friends, and head to Lansing on April 18!

Leon Drolet

Michigan Taxpayers Alliance

Democrats - Tax utilities

Unfortunately, Andy Dillon is drinking some of the same kool-aid that Jennifer "Matt Millen of Governors" Granholm is drinking

House Speaker Andy Dillon's plan to help the state's budget crisis includes a tax on utilities, which could add roughly $500 million a year in revenue.

Dillon, a Redford Democrat in his first year running the state House, discussed the budget situation with reporters Thursday at the state Capitol. His plan, which is still developing, will be added to the mix of other proposals already pitched by Democratic Gov. Jennifer Granholm and Republican lawmakers.

Dillon said more details of the House plan would be available next week. He said a 2008 ballot proposal for a graduated income tax is among the possible budget solutions, although that may not address this year's or next year's problems.

Do democrats hate this state so much that they want to drive everyone out with the taxes and regulations? Here's a starting point for cuts - Dan Mulhern and his secretary - former congressional candidate Nancy Skinner.

Granholm's 2% Sales Tax - DEFEATED! (for now)

Senate Bill 0307
Liz Brater, Mark Schauer, Buzz Thomas, and Jennifer Granholm lost their bid to raise our taxes. By a 22-16 measure, the sales tax increase was DEFEATED due to the senate republicans, along with Glenn Anderson on the democrat side.

Here's the roll call.
Voting AYE:

Jim Barcia
Irma Clark-Coleman
Gilda Jacobs
Martha Scott
Ray Basham
Hansen Clarke
Dennis Olshove
Michael Switalski
Liz Brater
John Gleason
Michael Prusi
Buzz Thomas
Deb Cherry
Tupac Hunter
Mark Schauer
Gretchen Whitmer

Voting NAY:
Jason Allen
Alan Cropsey
Ron Jelinek
Bruce Patterson
Glenn Anderson
Valde Garcia
Roger Kahn
Randy Richardville
Patty Birkholz
Tom George
Wayne Kuipers
Alan Sanborn
Mike Bishop
Jud Gilbert
Michelle McManus
Tony Stamas
Cameron Brown
Bill Hardiman
John Pappageorge
Gerald Van Woerkom
Nancy Cassis
Mark Jansen

WSJ : High taxes lead businesses to flee the Wolverine State.

A sobering editorial from the Wall Street Journal. Moveonoutofmichigan.org This is the legacy of Jennifer Granholm, aka the Matt Millen of Governors.

Comerica Inc. was founded in 1849 in Detroit and the Detroit Tigers play in Comerica Park, but this week the bank holding company announced it is moving its headquarters to Dallas--where, it said, the bigger growth opportunities are. Consider it one more vote of confidence in the state the national expansion forgot, and especially in Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm's economic agenda.

Re-elected last year, Ms. Granholm recently rewarded the voters by announcing some $1 billion in new fees and tax increases. The plan would charge Michigan residents higher levies for almost every activity inside the state with a moving part. She would tax trucking, shopping, smoking, hunting, fishing, drinking beer and liquor, using a cell phone and, yes, even dying.

Her plan does complete the phase-out of the state's hated "single business tax," which the Tax Foundation has called one of the most anti-growth business taxes in the nation. She should have stopped right there. Instead the Governor wants to create a new corporate income tax as well as a new 2% excise tax on upwards of 100 business services. The net effect would be to raise Michigan's overall business tax burden. She'd also impose a 5% death tax on estates valued at more than $2 million--which is a sure way to encourage even more Michigan retirees to relocate to Florida.

Granholm's sin tax plan bad for small business

It flat out amazes me that anyone would continue to vote for the Matt Millen of governors. Granholm's tax crusade continues. Bars are next on her hit list. Last one to leave Michigan, please turn out the lights. I need to check out the recall laws.....

From the AP

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — A pack-a-day-smoker in Michigan pays about $730 a year in state cigarette taxes.

Polish off a $22 bottle of vodka once every two weeks or so with some friends, and that costs roughly $65 in state liquor taxes each year — not counting the state's general sales tax, which would push the total closer to $100.

Michigan's liquor and cigarette taxes tend to be higher than those in many neighboring states, and the price tag soon could go up. Increases in those markups are part of Gov. Jennifer Granholm's plan to shake state government out of its ongoing financial doldrums.

(snip)

"When times are good, we don't mind sharing. But times aren't good," said Richard Smith, owner of Leo's Lounge in downtown Petoskey. "The cost of everything is up. Heat is up, insurance is up, gas is up. Adding this ... we would look at that as a slap in the face."

The Granholm plan to balance the state's books, unveiled last month, includes an increase to the liquor tax that could raise shelf prices by about 5 percent, adding roughly $1 to the cost of a $20 bottle. Beer and wine products have escaped the proposed tax hike.

The extra money from the so-called sin tax would be earmarked for the state's school aid fund. It could raise an additional $28 million for schools each year as the state tries to wiggle out of a budget deficit projected at more than $900 million for the fiscal year that began last October. The markup was last raised in 1993.

Some bars and restaurants could see the cost of their liquor licenses triple under Granholm's proposal. The last time those rates were raised was 1976.
(snip)

Granholm also has proposed raising the state's cigarette tax another nickel per package to $2.05, which would be the third-highest in the nation behind Rhode Island and New Jersey, based on rates from early 2006.

Granholm also wants to double the tax on smokeless tobacco and cigars. The new tobacco taxes combined could raise about $57 million a year.

Michigan's cigarette and other tobacco taxes most recently were raised in 2004.

How about some cuts. We can start with Dan Mulhern and his secretary's $80,000 salary.

RECALL GRANHOLM! - Yet more tax/fee increases

It flat out amazes me that the Matt Millen and Gary Bettman of governors was re-elected. Obviously, this wasn't proposed before the election. Anyone want to take out the recall petitions? I'll circulate them. California of all places got rid of the inept Gray Davis. It can be done here too.

The worst part of this so-called plan is that it hurts the strength of Michigan. The growing part of the state (services) are targets for taxes. The outdoors and skilled trades are also hit. Here's the latest from your governor.

From the Detroit News

LANSING -- Hunting fees would double and fishing licenses would cost 43 percent more under a $115 million package of fee increases proposed by Gov. Jennifer Granholm as part of her budget balancing plan.

The proposed fee hikes, detailed this week in budget analyses, are in addition to Granholm's call this month for a new, 2 percent tax on services, and higher taxes on liquor and cigarettes. The tax and fee increases are intended to balance the 2007-08 state budget, which goes into effect Oct. 1.

Liquor and Ciggarettes - pay up
Deer Licenses - From $15 to $30
All species fishing - from $28 to $40 (I doubt I'll be flyfishing this year)
Air emissions permits - pay more $$$
Waste disposal and other servies - $$$$
Electricians pay more in licenses (Ridiculous)
Liquor licenses - triple in costs
Senior Fishing Licenses - $11 to $32

Here's a sampling of $115 million in fee increases in Gov. Jennifer Granholm's budget plan for the fiscal year that starts Oct. 1:
Liquor license -- $21.9 million
Commercial mobile radio system -- $18.6 million
Hunting and fishing license -- $16.9 million
Air emissions -- $16.6 million
Corporation fees -- $6.5 million
Land and water permits -- $6.2 million
Solid waste surcharge -- $6 million
Securities fees -- $4.2 million
Groundwater discharge permit -- $3.1 million
License and regulation fees -- $2.6 million
Hazardous waste user fees -- $2.5 million
Pollution prevention program fees -- $2.4 million
Local judiciary user fees -- $1.7 million
Teacher certification fees -- $1.5 million
State police fingerprint fees -- $1.5 million
Source: Senate Fiscal Agency