This week, the CATO Institute posted their rankings of "how free is your state?" Michigan came in as the 24th freest state, down 7 spots from their last ranking in 2012 But why was Michigan ranked 24th? According to CATO, it is because Michigan has "decent" policies and nothing that sets us apart from others. To make Michigan a freer State, CATO argues for new fiscal, regulatory, and personal policies that can help our State thrive. In our Part 1 of 3 series, we examine their policy … [Read more...] about Michigan Is The 24th Freest State… But Why? (PT. 1)
Local and County Issues
Roadside Drug Tests Are Not A Good Idea… Yet
Yesterday, the media group MLIVE reported that, "The Michigan State Police is working on plans to establish a pilot program for roadside drug testing." The new drug testing comes from legislation passed in 2013 after Barbara and Thomas Swift were killed by a tractor-trailer driver who had THC in his system. THC is the primary ingredient in marijuana and is responsible for the psychological aspects of the drug. We all agree that drivers should not operate vehicles under the influence of drugs … [Read more...] about Roadside Drug Tests Are Not A Good Idea… Yet
3 Reasons To Oppose An East Lansing City Income Tax
As some of you know, East Lansing is home to Michigan State University and more than 50,000 students. East Lansing has a total of 48,000 citizens that does not include students so it is easy to see the influence and impact that the university has on the city. Recently, East Lansing announced that their Financial Health Review Team is looking into a city wide income tax to pay for unfunded liabilities. New city wide income taxes should be opposed and here are 3 reasons why. This … [Read more...] about 3 Reasons To Oppose An East Lansing City Income Tax
The ‘Sickout” is a No-Win Situation for all Everyone
The DPS teacher “sick out” is a no-win situation for all the parties involved. In case you have not heard the news, 94 of Detroit’s 97 schools are shut down because teachers are primarily protesting pay concerns as well as working conditions. There are two sides to this issue; the first is the right of the teachers. As CNN stated: “94 schools closed after more than 1,500 teachers called in sick to protest after learning the district only has enough money to pay teachers through June … [Read more...] about The ‘Sickout” is a No-Win Situation for all Everyone
‘No’ to Toll Roads Ran by Un-elected Bureaucrats
“How little do my countrymen know what precious blessings they are in possession of, and which no other people on earth enjoy!” – Thomas Jefferson While you are busy at work, your legislatures are attempting to grant unelected bureaucrats with the power to raise money from toll roads. The bill before the Senate to allow this to happen, Senate Bill 627, will accord, “certain public authorities to develop certain eligible products and to enter into certain agreements.” [1] Essentially, an … [Read more...] about ‘No’ to Toll Roads Ran by Un-elected Bureaucrats