“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.” Essentially, an unnamed … [Read more...] about Toll Roads: Coming Soon to a Road Near You
Regulations in Michigan
Corporate Welfare is Back
Under new legislation passed by the Senate, Senate Bills 1153-1155, your employer will be able to keep your income taxes. If a company has 500 or more workers they would be eligible to receive the income tax abatement. Now on the surface this seems like a good idea, more businesses will be willing to stay or move to Michigan in theory because of this bill, but this bill is nothing more than corporate welfare. First off, we must remember that the majority of Michigan businesses wouldn't be … [Read more...] about Corporate Welfare is Back
A Penny Saved… Is a Penny Spent On Underground Parking for Legislators?
This week the House passed out of committee House Bills 6047 and 6048, two of the most important bills during the lame duck legislature that no one is talking about. The House Bills would allow the Michigan State Capitol Commission to move forward with a new $88 million Capitol Building visitor's center with underground parking for state legislators. Justin A. Hinkley for the Lansing State Journal wrote: Under the plan announced Tuesday by the Michigan State Capitol Commission, all … [Read more...] about A Penny Saved… Is a Penny Spent On Underground Parking for Legislators?
Electricity Competition is Good for Consumers
This week the Michigan Senate passed a comprehensive energy bill that is harmful for businesses and consumers. The intention of the bill is good; we love our environment and we should cherish our environment but this bill does nothing to reasonably accomplish this objective. First, The Free Press has reported that the bill, "also would set a new renewable energy standard for Michigan utilities — 15% by 2021, up from 10% currently." They also quoted State Senator Mike Nofs as stating, "nobody … [Read more...] about Electricity Competition is Good for Consumers
The 15% Renewable Energy Standard.. Good Intentions, Bad Policy
One of the hot button issues occurring in our legislature is a debate surrounding Michigan's renewable energy standards. The current renewable energy standard is 10% and there is an effort to raise that level to 15%. For those who do not know, the renewable energy standards require that "x" amount of energy that Michigan uses must come from renewable sources such as solar, wind, and geothermal heat. The effort to raise our standards to 15% is based on good intentions, as proud Michiganders we … [Read more...] about The 15% Renewable Energy Standard.. Good Intentions, Bad Policy
Uber HealthCare in Michigan
One of the biggest worries on the minds of Michigan families is the cost and availability of healthcare. Unless you are part of an elite group, we all stress over the effects of healthcare on our family. It's safe to say that our stress levels have only increased the past few years. With the expansion of Obamacare, we have been met with an increase in premiums and out of pocket costs. Some of us can no longer see the doctor of our choice, and even for those of us who can, it may now be … [Read more...] about Uber HealthCare in Michigan