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Michigan deserves the 3.9% income tax rate

Whitmer should support new bill from Rep. David Martin

… Michigan’s income tax rate from 4.25% to 3.9%. This proposal would help households deal with the soaring cost … non-starter in the Legislature. Specifically, “any proposals on that front” were unlikely to advance. Her … corporations ($4.1 billion) and political pork (nearly $2 billion), including money for a splash pad, cricket … more

Grand Rapids museum has benefited from a decade of pork

Legislative earmarks go back to at least 2014

… spent. As CapCon reported in 2016, a voter-approved Kent County ballot proposal increased property taxes by $9.2 million, with funds going to the Grand … CapCon reported in November 2022. As far back as 2014, the museum received $2 million from state taxpayers, which CapCon reported at the time. The museum … more

Michigan Senate passes financial disclosure bills, but critics blast timing

Facing a Dec. 31 deadline, lawmakers submitted the first bill on Oct. 24

By a 36-2 margin, the Michigan Senate on Wednesday passed a financial disclosure bill for officeholders. But the two votes against the bill were a form … Dec. 31 — the constitutional deadline for financial disclosure, due to Proposal 1 of 2023 — asking the public what it wants to be disclosed. “Why doesn’t … more

Whitmer’s Prop 2 rollout ‘weakens the integrity of our elections’

Implementing legislation goes far beyond mandate of last year’s voting referendum

… July 18 that will implement Proposal 2 requirements and more. … overwhelmingly in favor of Prop 2, expanding voting rights,” she … heard in every election.” Proposal 2, a Michigan constitutional … well beyond the mandates of Proposal 2, and further weakens the … ongoing costs to implement Proposal 2. Therese Boudreaux is a … more

Does Prop 2 render National Popular Vote unconstitutional in Michigan?

Before Congress or the U.S. Supreme Court, National Popular Vote faces a roadblock: The Michigan Constitution

… Michigan voters last year in Proposal 2. Proposal 2 passed in Nov. 2022 by a … wrote in its analysis of Proposal 2022-2: The proposal would add a provision to … more

Germany defends the internal combustion engine against the rest of Europe

As EU speeds toward the EV transition, Germany asks regulators to pump the brakes

… using electricity, or e-fuels. “The commission should come forward with a proposal [on] how e-fuels can be used, or how combustion engines which are run … Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy believes Michigan will have 2 million EVs on the road by 2030. Michigan is on the same timeline as the … more

No, toll roads are not the answer in Michigan

Michigan will spend $4 billion on roads this year. It does not need to tap taxpayers for more money.

… Legislature’s $375 million increase in road funding. Whitmer had a failed proposal earlier that year to raise the fuel tax by 45 cents per gallon. After … CapCon. In 2019, the Michigan Department of Transportation budget used about $2 billion in state funds. After the 2015 increase in fuel taxes and registration … more

Nearly half of Michigan’s congressional delegation has overstayed its term limits

Washington Wednesday: Seven of Michigan’s 15 representatives in Washington have ignored “voluntary” term limits, as laid out in the Michigan Constitution

Article 2, Section 10 of the Michigan Constitution says that Michigan’s congressional delegation should … approved non-voluntary term limits when they passed Proposal B of 1992. But a 1995 U.S. Supreme Court ruling, … U.S. Constitution offers no such limits. Article 2, section 10 of the Michigan Constitution reads, in … more

In 2012, Michigan voters rejected a ban on right-to-work

Nearly 60% of Michigan voters rejected the attempted constitutional amendment, and Gov. Snyder signed the right-to-work law a month later

… will of the people. If Proposal 2 of 2012 had never been brought … pursue an amendment — through Proposal 2 — and things did change. … voters who cast a ballot on Proposal 2, about 58% voted no, compared … spoke, and they said no. Proposal 2 of 2012 read: The next … attempted to play coy on Prop 2, arguing that it wasn’t really … more

Whitmer requests federal aid to reopen Palisades nuclear plant, but Granholm says no

Palisades nuclear plant supplied 15% of Michigan’s clean energy

… application for the Civilian Nuclear Credit program.” O’Brien understood their proposal to re-start “a shuttered nuclear plant, would be both a challenge and … Rights Commission charges that the Chinese government has enslaved more than 2 million Uyghurs, Kazakhs, Kyrgyz, Uzbeks, and Huis. Many of these people have … more

How Michigan can have term limits and lifetime service

A modest proposal to bring the best of both worlds to Lansing

… of 3-two-year House terms and 2-four-year Senate terms – has … service? Why not have both? My proposal: Let them serve, as long … talk like that. There is a proposal on the November ballot to … two. As a sweetener, the proposal carries a transparency measure, … “overwhelming support” for the proposal. Under my plan, Bolger could … more

Lansing Bus System: Free Rides To Vote On New School Levy

Government entities all-in when one of them seeks new taxes

… on a Lansing School District debt proposal on May 3. The Capital Area Transportation … presidential race by a margin of nearly 2-1. Voters in the city of Lansing supported … inclined to voting yes on a bond proposal.” CATA responded to an email and … The Lansing School District debt proposal states the millage will impose a … more

Democrat’s Amendment Insinuates Legislative Leaders Affiliate With Domestic Terrorists

… affiliations with a domestic terrorist organization.” Irwin made his proposal to amend Senate Bill 458 on June 2. Under the bill, the required written notice would go to the Senate majority … more

Bill Advances To Make State University Funding Follow Students, Not Lobbyists

‘I see a sea of lobbyists here today’

… recently unanimously adopted the proposal from Chairman Rep. Mark Huizenga, … Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s budget proposal for 2021-22 was essentially based … traditional funding formulas, with a 2% overall increase in funding. A spokesman … university presidents has called Berman’s proposal “spectacularly self-defeating.” … more

CapCon’s Top 10 Stories Of 2020

COVID-19 dominated the news, but it wasn’t the only topic of great interest

… order issued by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer stated. No. 2 (July 24): Vaccine may be years away; so may be end … gas tax increase she proposed in 2019. But that proposal would not have directed any additional resources … “new cases” rate listed as “medium.” No. 10 (Oct. 2): Michigan Supreme Court takes away Whitmer’s unilateral … more

State Budget 2022: Not Too Early to Cut Corporate and Industry Handouts

Michigan needs a fair field for all and favors for none

… With the new calendar year closing in, and a fiscal year 2021-22 budget proposal just a month or two away, it is worth reminding lawmakers that there is … year for every job created by the program, hardly a cost-effective outcome. 2. Entrepreneurship Ecosystem: $15.7 million This line item underwrites economic … more

Bill Would Let Townships Impose Property Tax Hikes For Broadband Projects

Use it or not, property owners would pay

… University of Pennsylvania found that only 2 of 20 such projects reviewed nationally … a similar broadband property tax proposal of $4.9 million from a levy of 3.25 … concern, she said. Lasinski’s 2017 proposal would have expanded the use of special … health emergency make it unlikely the proposal will get a committee hearing anytime … more

Some Perspective: Michigan is Stronger Today

The state is in a more resilient position to weather an economic storm than at any time before

… tax ranks 18th best in the nation. 2. Personal property tax reform. Proposal 1 of 2014 relied on a vote of the … inefficient personal property tax. The proposal created exemptions for the tax on … personal income would have grown by 2% without such a law, it instead grows … more

Yes, A Michigan Law Rations Number Of Hospital Beds Here

Now public health experts concerned about hospitals surge capacity

… Need program. Michigan’s CON law requires any proposal to build new medical facilities or add hospital … incumbent health care providers veto power over proposals to add capacity or new competitors. How much … about hospital bed capacity, published on March 2, Michigan facilities have 25,375 licensed hospital … more

US House Would Overturn Michigan's Right-to-Work Law

Michigan voters rejected similar union overreach in 2012

… against a background of raucous demonstrations at the Capitol by pro-union forces. Six weeks earlier, a solid 57-42 majority of voters said “no” to Proposal 2, a union-funded constitutional amendment to essentially prohibit any right-to-work law from taking effect in Michigan. This month’s U.S. House … more

How Independent Will Michigan’s New Redistricting Commission Be?

California’s experience provides cause for concern

… legislative lines, and it analyzed the ballot proposal. In assessing the best arguments for and against the proposal, it concluded that “there is some evidence to … [While] the most prominent argument against Proposal 2 is that it relies too heavily on poorly defined … more

Michigan Union Membership Reached Historic Low In 2019

Right-to-work law accelerated an ongoing trend

… hundred thousand people choosing to exercise their freedom and not join a union.” In 2012, voters strongly rejected a union-backed ballot initiative, Proposal 2, that would have enacted a constitutional amendment prohibiting a right-to-work law. In the wake of this initiative’s defeat, legislators passed … more

CapCon’s Top 10 Stories For 2019

Road Fix That Wasn’t, Gun-Free Zones, 1,100 Windmills Won’t Replace This Coal Plant

… web traffic, was about Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s proposal for an annual state budget that required a permanent … an estimated $1.26 billion, Whitmer’s budget proposal only allocated a $764 million more to transportation … just $764 million in the 2019-20 fiscal year. No. 2 Headline: Even Without Tax Hikes State Will Collect … more

70 Times Gunshots Fired On School Grounds In Michigan Since 1970

Michigan schools tax, borrow and spend big for security

… the district noted. Of the 142 school bond proposals whose ballot language contained the term “security,” … off in the main office earlier in the year. Feb. 2, 2001: A gunshot was fired from across the street … were slightly injured by shattered glass. Dec. 2, 2002: A 15-year-old student brought a handgun to … more

What Happens Now to Roads in Michigan

There are five potential paths lawmakers can take

… additional road funding resources. Yet total state funding hovered around $2 billion for over a decade before gradually increasing to $3.6 billion. Which … by 80% of voters. They’re likely going to be reluctant to put a similar proposal on the ballot, certainly one in the form that was rejected so strongly. … more

Millionaires Eligible For Welfare? Proponents Of Rule Change Say It’s Technically Possible

Critic calls system ‘completely divorced from the original congressional intent’

… most in need,” Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue said in announcing the proposal in July. It would revoke regulations and guidance issued during the Clinton … food stamp recipients in Michigan has fallen sharply since peaking at nearly 2 million in the wake of the Great Recession to under 1.2 million today. The … more

The Corporate Welfare Lady Protests Too Much

Evidence shows subsidy efforts are ineffective

… is a misnomer. It should instead be called “MEGA 2: Subsidies for Large Conglomerates.” That’s because … testified in favor of Good Jobs, then just a proposal, had apparently been part of past MEGA deals. … related to the subject matter, not the statute or proposal, respectively.) MEGA Statute: “The local governmental … more

Teachers Union Opposed State Pension Reforms, Now Doing Same

Retired employees call union's changes ‘disaster,’ ‘radical,’ ‘extreme’

… drop. The figures come from a report, called the LM-2, that the MEA files with the U.S. Department of Labor … reported by MIRS. It is said to describe the proposal as a “disaster, radical changes that the Employer’s … imagined.” MEA spokesman Doug Pratt defended the proposal and said there was an “urgent need for action” … more

The Cost of Road Building is Spiking, and That’s a Problem

MDOT chief says system can handle it

… percent back in 2009 as the federal stimulus of $1 billion rolled in. The proposal today is for a $2.5 billion increase in a year and a half — at a time … Over a decade, Michigan is set to double state spending on roads – from $2 billion to $4 billion. The state does need to spend more on roads and bridges … more

Tax Evasion and Avoidance: Michigan Ranks 14th in Cigarette Smuggling

Latest data shows the relationship between cigarette taxes and smuggling

… That figure may leap upward to 34.4 percent if the $1.50 excise tax hike proposal introduced last February is passed into law. Our latest estimates use … The arrests were part of a larger investigation that uncovered more than 2 million contraband smokes. Of course, not all states are net importers of … more

College Pays $75 Fine For Illegal Electioneering

President used taxpayer-funded equipment to ask for $7.1 million tax hike

… your support for this ballot proposal.” And in the subject line … voters about upcoming tax proposals, but it does not allow those … Frentzos on Oct. 24, 2018, at 2:51 p.m., which had the subject … your support for this ballot proposal. This will benefit you personally, … part, “I will also offer you 2 extra credit points for voting. … more

There is Waste in Michigan’s Budget

Not all of it can be cut immediately, but some can redirected to roads now

… spending has held steady at around $2 billion annually for more than … road spending in Michigan from $2 billion to $4 billion. This gradual … Altogether, these would free up about $2 billion for transportation. … other budget areas — her proposal calls for increasing fuel … approach. Polls done on the proposal to hike the gas tax show … more

The Roads Are Crumbling And Have Always Been Crumbling

Michigan media has been breaking the story going on 30 years

… each year to fix Michigan’s crumbling roads was launched last week with proposals to nearly double vehicle registration fees, switch from a flat tax to … “‘Our roads are crumbling,’” said State Rep. Craig DeRoche, R-Novi.” July 2, 2005 The Herald-Palladium Headline: The state’s crumbling roads “They … more

How Michigan Can Fix The Roads Without Tax Hikes

Redirect revenue growth and corporate subsidies to roads, eliminate optional grants and more

… Whitmer wants to spend next year. LaFaive then described some of the proposals on the list. The largest piece is redirecting to road repairs the $1.2 … midnight budget negotiations. An example is that in the last two budgets, $2 million was granted to the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre. The money was appropriated … more

Fuel Tax Funds Will Be Diverted

Not all revenue raised by the new tax will be prioritized to roads

… the roads. It’s similar to Proposal 1 of 2015, a road funding … concrete, for example. That proposal called for $2 billion in tax increases, but … a tax hike anyway, after Proposal 1’s defeat, and shifted funds … annually after that. Whitmer’s proposal would eliminate those earmarks, … more

Gas Tax Hike of 45 Cents May Kill More than 22,500 Private Sector Jobs

Lawmakers should look at other options

… Center, nearly a decade before that, produced a 200-idea budget study worth $2 billion, and its key reform ideas are still intact. Lastly, Gov. Jennifer … Mackinac Center, I feel compelled to note that too many budget reforms and proposals to reduce spending are too easily dismissed as too big to be politically … more

Cigarette Tax Hike of 75 Percent Will Create Great Lake of Smuggled Smokes

… helm — often produce a hailstorm of new policy proposals. One of those — House Bill No. 4188 — would raise … that hiking the cigarette excise tax to $3.50 from $2 will cause legal in-state cigarette sales to decline … sky-high taxation. This is what makes the current proposal baffling. The press release associated with the … more

Government Broadband’s Record Is Bad; Traverse City Going For It

City-owned utility wants a federal ‘energy savings’ loan to bankroll it

… according to a 2017 study from the University of Pennsylvania Law School, only 2 of the 20 municipal broadband projects studied were projected to earn enough … May 2018, residents of Sharon Township in Washtenaw County voted down a proposal to build a municipal-owned fiber-optic network. more

School Employees Dump Michigan Education Association in Droves

… report the MEA is required to file — called the LM-2 — and they compare the state of the MEA the year … its condition today. From Sept. 1, 2012, to Sept. 2, 2018, its membership dropped from 117,265 to 84,872 … responsible for the “anti-gerrymandering” ballot proposal that voters approved last November. The union … more

Will Michigan Follow California’s Lead In Redistricting?

Voters will decide who should draw political districts

… districts are redrawn. Proposal 2, spearheaded by a group … district lines, something Proposal 2 would explicitly forbid. Proposal 2 also outlines factors that … government). Additionally, Proposal 2 would ban the parents, stepparents, … arrangements called for by the proposal. Advocates of Proposal 2 … more

Want Faster Internet? What Rural Communities Should Explore

Government shouldn't be in business of providing internet

… services for residents (there’s also a substantial group working on a similar proposal just outside Ann Arbor). Unfortunately, even with federal stimulus dollars … private industry, which is expanding access at no cost or risk to taxpayers. 2) Make broadband deployment cheaper and faster by streamlining state and local … more

Township Voters Give Firm ‘No’ To Government Internet Plan

Recent study found 90 percent of such plans fail

… government-administered internet proposal by large margins. Residents … the community. While the proposal received the support of some residents, the proposal received strong pushback … projects. It concluded that only 2 of the 20 projects studied earned … been more in favor of the proposal if the taxes had been assessed … more

Neither Inmates Nor Counties Get Out of Jail Free

Michigan counties try, unsuccessfully, to pass their jail expenditures on to inmates

… answers like “unknown, but low,” “very low,” and “very, very low – maybe 2 in 450 [inmates pay].” One jail administrator told us, “It’s like getting … than try to come up with cash they don’t have. Even the best policy proposals can’t work without proper funding, something both courts and the state … more

Connect Southeast Michigan Transit Proposal: Looking Backward

… Southeast Michigan has released a proposal to tax metropolitan area residents … is travel to and from work. Less than 2 percent of workers commuted to work … where the automobile is king. Even with 2 million new residents in Los Angeles … a better name for this hopeless proposalmore

Many More Walk To Work As Take Subsidized Transit in Michigan

Politicians talking metro transit tax again, but costly buses and trains benefit few

… again talking-up a regional transit property tax proposal for the November ballot in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb and Washtenaw counties. A similar proposal in November 2016 would have imposed $4.6 billion … according to the U.S. Census Bureau. That comes to 2 percent of the region’s working population. About … more

Best Of The Best

CapCon’s most popular stories from 2017

… Clinton’s cabinet had the Democratic nominee won the presidential election. No. 2 story: Harvard Study Says Michigan Elections Less Democratic Than Cuba, North … criticizing recently introduced legislation dealing with campus speech. The proposals would require Michigan’s state universities and colleges to adopt policies … more

Federal Tax Proposal Not Perfect, but Good for Michigan, Nation

Reform plans are on the right track

… government employees, it belongs to those who earn it in the first place. This proposal will allow more people to keep more of what they make. It makes the lives … told you could never see 3 percent growth again by the people who brought us 2 percent growth over the last 8 years — we are already at 3 percent — this … more

MSU Pulls Down Windmill Safety Guidelines After Industry Complains

Surprised Extension Service staffers at center of conflict between industry and targeted communities

… turbines. In May, voters in Huron County defeated permissive windmill zoning proposals by a vote of nearly two to one. Residents in Isabella County have complained … approved a $29.2 million appropriation for it in the current state budget, a 2 percent increase over the previous year. The emails used in this story were … more

Happy Anniversary Tax Hikers

Ten years have passed since we took your bait

… calls for a cut of 0.1 percent every year until the tax disappears. The proposal was watered down from the start, with a 2018 cut of 0.1 percent and another … inflation. State tax collections are projected to increase by more than $2 billion just four years from now. Dedicating even half that growth to a broad … more

DTE Declines Participation In Township Wind Farm Debate

State’s largest utility wanted just one consultant to give both sides

… The township halted consideration of wind farm proposals so it could modify a zoning ordinance to address … folks in the targeted township are unaware of the proposal,” Martis said in an email. “But once the local … perspective, a new wind turbine has a capacity of around 2 megawatts. So it would take 2,000 wind turbines to … more

Cutting Federal Great Lakes Funding Would Not Be an Environmental and Economic Crisis

… was barraged by a string of concerns related to President Trump’s budget proposal. Michigan’s senior senator, Debbie Stabenow, highlighted her concerns … and local conservancies. From this data, we can put GLRI funds at roughly 2 percent of locally generated spending on the Great Lakes. Despite this extensive … more

Government Internet Coming to Traverse City

Taxpayers on the hook for risky broadband plan

… That option is estimated to cost $10.1 million, with costs being recouped in 2 years. Brent Skorup, a research fellow in the Technology Policy Program at … Morand, the regional spokesman for Charter Communications, called the proposal “a solution in search of a problem.” Proponents like Kent Wood, the director … more

Top Legislative Leaders Make School Pension Reform Their Top Budget Issue

‘Underfunding has made benefits expensive, costing 37 percent of each school district’s payroll’

… massive amounts of debt, and just in the last year alone we’ve accumulated $2 billion worth of additional debt that has pushed to nearly $30 billion unfunded … largest teachers union, the Michigan Education Association, opposes the proposal, citing an Anderson Economic Group memo commissioned by the Michigan Association … more

School District Spent $275,000 in Public Dollars on Tax Hike Vote

Kent County taxpayer-funded campaign was ‘extremely biased towards an affirmative vote’

… District spent $275,206 on its May 2 enhancement millage victory, … Information Act request. The May 2 ballot proposal increase was approved 54 … to fully communicate any proposal we put on the ballot asking … Schools spent $7,478 on its May 2 election, according to a Freedom … more

Election Today! And Plenty of Taxpayer-Funded Electioneering, Too

Schools and local governments drive trucks through election-law loophole

… majority being tax hike proposals for public school districts. … website asks, “Why is this proposal necessary?” The district’s … Public Schools is running a 4 1/2-minute video that promotes a … schools. Please vote on May 2 and thank you for supporting … from “referencing” a ballot proposal they place on the ballot … more

Doctored Video Promotes Authentic Tax Hike in Northern Michigan School District

Cars passing school made to look faster as narrator talks safety

… new bond. Mesick’s video, about 3 1/2 minutes long, was altered in two sections. … narrator gives this pitch: “On May 2, 2017, the community of Mesick will be asked to vote on a bond proposal that, if approved, will help prepare … and our community. ... An approved proposal would eliminate our elementary students … more

Taxpayer Funded Electioneering in Full Swing Before May 2 Tax Votes

Officials claim messages ‘presenting factual information’ (wink, wink)

… will put property tax renewals or increases before voters next Tuesday, May 2. Many are delivering pre-election pitches that clearly advocate for a yes … law that says local government can’t use tax money to promote ballot proposals,” she said. more

Dear House Tax Committee: Pure Michigan Return on Investment Not Validated

State Rep. Jim Tedder asks the right question

… justification” contractor. To begin with, the MEDC did not issue a request for proposals, which could have given it a number of validation contractors to choose … involved, many beyond the control of the researcher.” Elsewhere, contractor No. 2 admitted, that “the possible confidence interval for our estimate is wide,” … more

School Claims Its Tax Hike Emails Don't Invade Privacy - but Opponent's Would

No one gets to ask, ‘Why is the district NOT in need of tax hike?’

… promoting a half-mill, $600,000 tax increase on the May 2 ballot, he requested a list of the emails the school … districts are asking residents for a tax hike on May 2 and using school resources to warn residents of alleged … ballot from disseminating information about the proposal during the 60 days before the vote. Local governments … more

Governor’s Cyber School Cuts Don’t Add Up

Online charters already perform OK for much less money

… school aid committees in the Michigan House, criticized the governor’s proposal as unfair in The Detroit News: “We fund students, not schools. So Billy … still limits the number of schools to 15 and the number of students served to 2 percent of all public school students statewide. Currently, 13 charter cyber … more

Governor’s Cyber School Cuts Don’t Add Up

Online charters already perform OK for much less money

… reform and school aid committees in the House, criticized the governor’s proposal as unfair in the Detroit News: “We fund students, not schools. So Billy … still limits the number of schools to 15 and the number of students served to 2 percent of all public school students statewide. Currently, 13 charter cyber … more

Michigan Taxpayers Don’t Need to Spend Another $4 Billion Annually on Infrastructure

… how that should be done, only that it will cost $2 million. Other parts of the report are objectionable. … That’s odd, considering that voters rejected a proposal to increase the existing mandate to 25 percent … even tax increases proposed in the ill-fated Proposal 1 of 2015 wouldn’t have generated that much new … more

Michigan Can Afford a Tax Cut

State revenue has grown for years

… rating and will create a structural deficit in the general fund of over $2 billion by 2022.” However, Michigan’s budget picture is rosier than he suggests: … rate at which the state government increases its budget. The tax-cut proposal comes after a large increase in tax revenue. Since 2010, Michigan tax … more

Michigan Taxpayers Don’t Need to Spend $4 Billion Annually on Infrastructure

Recent report has been misinterpreted

… about how that should be done, but it will cost $2 million. Altogether, of the 33 recommendations to … That’s odd considering that voters rejected a proposal to increase this mandate to 25 percent in 2012 … even tax increases proposed in the ill-fated Proposal 1 of 2015 wouldn’t have generated that much new … more

Be Wise in Deciding How to Spend Taxpayer Funds on Infrastructure

… excessive taxes, vehicle repairs or an impeded economy. 2. Illuminate and eliminate inefficient road spending … integrity, it’s politically smart. Part of the reason Proposal 1 of 2015 (promoted primarily as a road funding … that voters perceived that a huge chunk of the $2 billion tax increase wasn’t going to fund roads. … more

Detroit’s Anti-Charter Interests Are the Real Big Political Spenders

School choice 'David' took on establishment 'Goliath'

… Republican-controlled Michigan House of Representatives chose not to include the proposal in the final Detroit schools bailout package. The Times article quoted … raised approximately $237,000 from a diverse group of 17 donors over the 2 years of its work to support efforts aimed at improving educational outcomes … more

Infrastructure Funding Principles

Eight things the governor’s 21st Century Infrastructure Commission should remember

… foremost a matter of integrity, it’s politically smart. Part of the reason Proposal 1 of 2015 (promoted primarily as a road funding measure) got drubbed in an historic rout was that voters perceived that a huge chunk of the $2 billion tax increase wasn’t going to fund roads. To the extent infrastructure … more

Senate Proposes Broad Criminal Justice Reforms

Changes could save money and improve outcomes

Reforms to Michigan’s $2 billion criminal justice system may … passed several more targeted proposals over the last year. And Gov. … The bills also include a proposal that would limit the jail … fiscal impact from these proposals, but they would likely save … these and the other Senate proposals late in this legislative … more

State Health Policy Toolkit

10 reforms state lawmakers can implement now

… could be used to better meet the needs of those who need help the most. 2. Regain Control of the Health Insurance Market Problem: Under the ACA states … regime that governs health insurance. Not-so-good news: A Senate-passed proposal for a pilot program extending the same benefits to Medicaid recipients … more

Do Michigan Criminal Penalties Make Sense? No One Knows

The state is considering gathering more data about sentencing and recidivism

… system. This is the situation we face in Michigan.  This year, the state gave $2 billion to the Department of Corrections, spending $98 per day on each of … Legislature is considering bills that would address these shortcomings. Proposals passed by the Senate this spring would add a standard definition of recidivism … more

The Most Important State Election This November: Michigan's Next House Speaker

Three representatives face off for the top spot

… that would have hiked taxes by $2 billion, some of which would … May 2015, voters killed the proposal with 80 percent voting against … and Leonard disagreed. On Proposal 1 of 2015, which asked voters to approve a $2 billion tax increase, VerHeulen … to the vote on the ballot proposal, “I did not endorse Proposal … more

Ann Arbor Council Defies State Law, Bans Cigarette Sales to Adults Age 18 to 20

'The tobacco lobby has inflicted enough misery'

… Michigan to raise the legal purchasing age from 18. The Council voted 9-2 on Aug. 4 for an ordinance sponsored by Council Member Julie Grand, a Democrat … vice president of research for the Reason Foundation, studied a similar proposal in Chicago, which was later enacted. He said Ann Arbor will likely see … more

Pure Flummery: Seeing Double on Corporate Welfare Spin

Pure Michigan ads are attractive corporate welfare

… justification” contractor. To begin with, the MEDC did not issue a request for proposals, which could have given it a number of validation contractors to choose … involved, many beyond the control of the researcher.” Elsewhere, contractor No. 2 admitted, that “the possible confidence interval for our estimate is wide,” … more

Clock Ticking on School Adequacy Study

Bipartisan tax hike deal called for study

… in the House and Senate to place a $2 billion tax hike on the ballot (two-thirds … part of the bargain. A request for proposals was issued and a company called … budget shall develop a request for proposals and award the contract required … this deadline in the request for proposals and in the contract. The $399,000 … more

A Hopeful Vision for Education in Detroit

… tweaks to this institution will make a significant difference. Some proposals offer limited hope of making a positive impact, but mostly work around … Their research found the average Detroit charter student gains an extra 2 to 3 months learning every single year. That means if a student enrolls in … more

Four Questions About the Detroit Public Schools Plan

Legislators should be skeptical of the Detroit Education Commission

… contentious part of the rescue plan is a proposal to create a new Detroit Education … district since 2009. The Senate proposal’s prospects are uncertain in the Michigan … limits on deficit spending by DPS. 2. Why do Republican lawmakers want to … the interests behind the Senate’s proposal also looking to “claw-back” the thousands … more

Bill Would End Monopoly on New Auto Sales

Under 'anti-Tesla law,' consumers may purchase cars only through dealerships

… likely be opposed by the auto dealers,” Miller said when asked about his proposal. “But this isn’t anti-auto dealer legislation. It’s about freedom of choice … states. House Bill 5312 was introduced only weeks after the group Freedom 2 Buy was launched; a development that signaled that the anti-Tesla law would … more

New Bills Would Put Teeth Into Ignored Teacher Strike Law

Michigan has banned teacher strikes for nearly 70 years, but they keep happening

… against striking teachers would forfeit 5 percent of their school aid. On Feb. 2, the Senate Education Committee passed the three bills and sent them to the … 2012, at least four districts closed due to protests over a right-to-work proposal under consideration in the Michigan Legislature. In 2011, West Bloomfield … more

Poor Decisions, Not Funding System, Fuel Detroit Schools’ Woes

DPS has benefited from state loan program

… offers a well-intentioned but misdiagnosed policy proposal to address the genuinely disturbing images of … 2009, Detroit voters approved a $500 million bond proposal for school construction, piled onto growing streams … share information that might explain how a total of $2 billion designated to improve facilities was used. … more

New Taxpayer-Funded Electioneering Restrictions Anger Local Government Tax Hikers

But 1st Amendment gives rights to people, not governments

… referencing local tax hike ballot proposals during the 60 days before … news conference about the proposal, which was part of Senate … electioneering for its tax hike proposals. In 2009, the district mailed … read: “Please vote on November 2 on the Building and Site Sinking … $120 million debt and tax proposal on the May 3, 2016, ballot that … more

What You Read Last Year: Our Top Stories of 2015

Union bullies, EPA overregulation, and right-to-work

… work. Michigan’s May Tax Proposal Proposal 1 of 2015 was a constitutional … bills that would have raised $2 billion by hiking the sales tax, … It was the largest ballot proposal failure in state history, … change is again being blamed. Proposal 1 Will Cost the Average Michigan … more

Yet Another 'Photo Cop' Traffic Ticket Scheme

This one attached to massive new government spending

… traffic monitoring devices" to increase traffic fine revenue. The latest proposal is riding along with a potentially far more massive scheme that would … federally funded interstate highways, but that too could be changing. On Dec. 2, The Hill newspaper reported that a compromise in a $305 billion federal highway … more

GOP Helping Big Spending Public School Lobby

Bills give schools new ways to tax and spend

… hikes for more things. But both proposals are back and on the move, and this … described as follows: Passed 95 to 2 in the House, to allow school districts … which is prohibited by the 1994 Proposal A initiative. That year it was the … located on school property. This proposal also has been around before. It nearly … more

October 23, 2015 MichiganVotes Weekly Roll Call Report

Gas tax hike, road funding, criminalization, more

… tax and vehicle registration tax hikes included in a House road funding proposal. Who Voted “Yes” and Who Voted “No” Senate Bill 414, Roll back income … Senate Bill 421, Make it a crime to not pull over for ambulance: Passed 36 to 2 in the Senate To make it a crime subject to 90 days is jail to not yield … more

Detroit Public Schools Debt Increases By $1 Million Every School Day

Governor pitches $715M bailout plan

… same day that Gov. Rick Snyder released a new proposal to fix Detroit’s school system. “As far as the … continues to manage the district.” The governor’s proposal requires approval by the state Legislature. … red ink does not stop there. DPS also owes around $2 billion to bondholders for long-term debt incurred … more

Firm Picked to Evaluate Education Funding Has Long History of Recommending Spending Hikes

Is the 'education adequacy' study preordained?

… used during a December 2014 lame-duck session to get Democratic votes for a $2 billion sales and gas tax increase. It was one of several major concessions responsible for the ill-fated Proposal 1 road funding plan, which was rejected by 80 percent of Michigan voters … more

Clock is Ticking on Michigan's Film Subsidies

Unless the bill is vetoed, film incentives end soon

… were unfolding, Michigan voters were assessing Proposal 1, which asked them to approve a $2 billion tax hike for road repairs plus other spending … this year. On May 5, Michigan voters rejected Proposal 1 by an 80-20 margin. Polling results released … more

House and Senate Pass Competing Road Funding Plans

Now the negotiations begin

… the House and one by the Senate. In contrast to Proposal 1, which rejected 80-20 by Michigan voters in … really wouldn’t want to see them proposing another $2 billion tax hike.” Under the Senate plan, the gas … credit was one of the provisions of the failed Proposal 1. The Senate Fiscal Agency estimates that cutting … more

Is State's Prevailing Wage Law at Risk of Being Tossed?

A citizen initiative would trump Gov. Snyder's promised veto on any repeal legislation

… enough legislative votes to put the now-defunct Proposal 1 on the May ballot. A citizen initiative to … group that led the successful campaign to defeat Proposal 2 in 2012, which would have enshrined a union … Senate passed a three-bill package, Senate Bills 1, 2, and 3, to repeal the prevailing wage and sent it … more

Michigan House Republicans Find $1 Billion More for Roads with No Big Tax Hike

Corporate welfare gets the ax while new revenue flows to transportation

After the defeat of Proposal 1, which would have imposed a $2 billion tax hike and increased non-road government spending by $600 million, House Speaker … more

Prop 1 Unpopularity to Voters was Unprecedented

'We can elect Democrats and get that result'

Proposal 1 may go down as the most unpopular constitutional … percent of voters rejected the $2 billion proposal to fix the roads and give … on the ballot since 1963, Proposal 1 is the only one not to … since 1963 was enjoyed by Proposal K of 1978 (deny bail for … more

Detroit Public Schools Gave 8 of 10 Teachers Highest Rating Despite Being Nation's Worst Urban District

79 percent of DPS teachers rated as 'highly effective' which is twice the state average

… (17 percent) were rated “effective,” 73 teachers (2 percent) were rated “minimally effective,” and 52 teachers (2 percent) were rated “ineffective.” The percentage … analysis by the Citizens Research Council, the proposal would cost each school district in the state … more

With $2 Billion at Stake, $100 Fines Won't Deter Violations of State Law

… which includes an article, "Proposal 1 Straight Talk." The article circles … Board of Education Supports Proposal 1." ForTheRecord says: Michigan … electioneering. If voters approve Proposal 1 on May 5 it means an additional $2 billion in state government revenue, … rules is a $100 fine. With $2 billion at stake, a $100 fine … more

Love it or Hate it, Voters are Aware of Proposal 1

Poll suggests substantial turnout on May 5

… side in the battle over the Proposal 1 sale tax increase on the … The poll, conducted April 1, 2, and 4, consisted of robocalls … know how you’ll vote. Press 2 if you’re still gathering information. … landlines. ~~~~~ See also: Proposal 1 Will Cost Average Michigan … Taxes Michigan's May Tax Proposal Policy Brief: Proposal 1 … more

State's Cost of Teacher Pension System Quintuples

General fund contributes more and more to retiree costs

… make any mention of the retirement system in its proposal, and it never considered calling for the state … than what was promised.” None of the reform proposals to date, including one that passed the Michigan … Spending Ignoring Billions In Other Funds The $2 Billion Education Funding Myth Reality Check: Michigan … more

There Was Never a $470 Per Pupil Education Funding Cut in Michigan

Around 20 percent of school funding often ignored in debate on education finances

… Boards. In a recent MLive op-ed promoting the Proposal 1 sales tax hike on the May 5 ballot, she claimed … an increase in funding as part of this ballot proposal,” Hayes wrote. “While the largest portion of … Falsely Believe Education Spending is Down? The $2 Billion Education Funding Myth Reality Check: Michigan … more

The Cost of the Proposal 1: The May Tax Vote

… the typical taxpayer. The proposal increases sales and use taxes … fees, generating a projected $2 billion in its first year. As … in 2016 if voters approve Proposal 1. There are two proposed … $136 in 2016. Under the proposal, this new fuel tax would … based on inflation. But the proposal’s drafters used an odd formula … more

So What Happens if the May 5 $2 Billion Tax Hike Fails?

Pundits give their thoughts

… Approval or rejection of Proposal 1 by Michigan voters will … political observers about Proposal 1 and other topics. Q. If Proposal 1 — the $2 billion sales tax hike that is … RevSix Data Systems, if the proposal is rejected by the voters, … more

Proposal 1 Would Pay Michigan's Road Debt Hangover

The Proposal 1 road funding initiative on Michigan’s May 5 ballot has excited … Specifically, if voters approve Proposal 1’s $2 billion tax increase (and if as expected … amount will begin to fall off. Love Proposal 1 or hate it, clearing away the burden … more

Proposal 1 Will Cost Average Michigan Household Up to $525 a Year in Extra Taxes

May 5 proposal will hike taxes by $2 billion

… more in taxes in 2016 if Proposal 1 is approved by voters on … will have about $500 less if Proposal 1 is approved. Taxpayers … spending priorities in the proposal.” Proposal 1 is complex. It would make … constitutional changes. It would raise $2 billion, of which $1.3 billion … more