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What to do about the state budget?
The Michigan Legislature is struggling to complete a budget by Sept. 30. Senate Republicans have a plan that appears to be the basis for what will happen that calls for $1.2 billion in cuts.
House Democrats and the Governor have voiced opposition to some of the cuts but haven't decisively stated how they'd rearrange spending or raise revenues to avoid some of the cuts. One scenario suggests they want to extend Michigan's sales tax to services, not just products, and, to sweeten that change -- or at least make it less bitter -- they would seek to reduce the current 6% sales tax. What do you want the Legislature to do?
House Democrats and the Governor have voiced opposition to some of the cuts but haven't decisively stated how they'd rearrange spending or raise revenues to avoid some of the cuts. One scenario suggests they want to extend Michigan's sales tax to services, not just products, and, to sweeten that change -- or at least make it less bitter -- they would seek to reduce the current 6% sales tax. What do you want the Legislature to do?
Tags: budget, legislature
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Lisa O'Brien on -
Personally I think they should make the cuts. The rest of us has to live on what we bring in so should our government.They should hire an independent audit team to come in tell them where the waste is and get rid of it- there is a section of interstate 96 in the Novi/Wixom area where the DOT have not only mile markers but markers for the tenth of a mile (ex: 167.1 - 167.2 and so on - I throw this in just because it irritates me every time I see it) what a waste of money and man power for this endeavor.Erroneous spending has to stop. I like cynical realist idea about growing marijuana, medical marijuana is now legal in Mi let farmers grow it.I hate the idea of vice taxes (smoking, drinking and sugary foods) because they hit me every time - and what happens when my group gives up our vices they will be looking at the rest of you to make it up. Government spending has to be put on a diet at the Federal, State and Local levels.
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Permalink Reply by masonco on -
I agree that "foods" like soda, bakery items, pre-cooked frozen foods, deserts should be taxed. Basic food items including produce should not be taxed. With computer's as they are, it is easy to sort out taxed & non taxed items.
The elderly and infirm should be exempt from some service taxes but the able bodied should pay tax on lawn care, nails, perms, tailoring, etc. Those are luxuries and should be taxed accordingly. Repair services such as appliance repairs, plumbing repairs, furnace repairs should not be taxed. Remodeling services could be taxed since that is an upgrade or luxury. But it would be hard to sort out unless there was a place on tax returns to itemize and those needing those services can receive a deduction.
Income tax rates should just be a basic amount. Only deductions for those over 250.000 might be # of dependents, handicapped/elderly deduction and medical (including insurance) payments. Those under could include child care expense and mileage expense to work. ELIMINATE THE DEDUCTION ABUSE
Remove tax shelters. Tax that income.
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Permalink Reply by Max on -
"we've just about taxed them to the hilt."
Zannie, I never thought I would ever hear a liberal say that! ;-)
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Permalink Reply by J M A on -
Erroneous spending has to stop. I like cynical realist idea about growing marijuana, medical marijuana is now legal in Mi let farmers grow it.I hate the idea of vice taxes (smoking, drinking and sugary foods) because they hit me every time - and what happens when my group gives up our vices they will be looking at the rest of you to make it up
What happens when this group ends up in the hospitol without money to pay for their habit-induced illnesses. Exactly what you stated above, we take money from public schools, law enforcement and head start programs. $500 per student cuts in the state of Michigan or taxes on 'sins'. Seems to me those who cost should be those who pay. If people can afford to smoke they can afford the taxes. Quit taking it from our kids....
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Permalink Reply by Lisa O'Brien on
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ok- If we want to keep the sins tax, lets be fair about it.
Let's tax insulin for anyone who is overweight. Anyone who has ever had a ticket should have to pay a higher car registration fee and drivers license renewal fee. Anyone who has had to call the fire department to their home from negligence should have to pay higher property taxes. Anyone who has had the police dept come to their home repeated times should have to pay higher property taxes.
Maybe the schools should look at how they spend money and make changes - that goes for every government department.
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Permalink Reply by J M A on
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Maybe the schools should look at how they spend money and make changes - that goes for every government department.
You know much about schools? Their is not a school in this state that isn't operating without much of what it needs. But I get the point, it is more important to leave the poor smokers alone and just keep attacking law enforcement and schools and veterans, etc. Taxing cigarettes wil get people to quit? Ya right. And so what if everyone quits, the health care savings would be more than enough to offset the loss in revenue. Besides, taxes on sins affect only those who use the items, which is a move in the right direction. And if you were trying to get me with the fire and police thing, think again. I think every driver with any kind of alcohol related driving ticket should pay an increased fee everytime they renew their drivers license. Absolutely. It is time the people who cost, pay.
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Permalink Reply by J M A on
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You've refrained from commenting on the fast food taxation idea.
Zannie, I think if I saw 1% of the revenue from all the Michigan McDonald's in one day alone my head would spin. 1% additional tax on fast food and a nickle per soda charge and this state would be hauling it in. Tax earnings in a casino and then use some money to build toll booths outside of the major airports and a major exchanges, especially those used by tourists and the state wouldn't know what to do with their money.
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Permalink Reply by Max on
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"Love the idea of charging someone with an alcohol related ticket more to obtain their license each year."
I believe that would be a punitive tax and therefor unconstitutional.
"The stats say it is and I hate the idea of kids eating pure junk and not getting any exercise. How hard is it to buy turkey lunch meat and whole grain bread, a bag of apples and make lunch for the cost of four meals at Micky Dees? Even a kid can do that. Throw in an "occassional" treat like a few pieces of good quality chocolate or a handful of nuts. They'll eat healthy food if it's there for them. We'll all be better off. Why tax one "sin" and not another equally as dangerous? You're not taking away anyone's choices. It's just going to cost them more to offset the bad ones they might make."
That may be true but many people believe it isn't governments role to "tax" us into making the decisions that government wants. It is truly amazing how willingly some will give up their liberty. A shame really.
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Permalink Reply by Lisa O'Brien on
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Well I wouldn't say I know a lot about schools, but I do have many family members and friends that are school teachers, and quite a few friends that work for the schools (bus drivers and secretaries). Besides I have read in the local paper's about the decisions they have made that are in my opinion foolish. Have you not read in the papers about all the corruption and stealing that was going on in the Detroit public school system ???And you COMPLETELY missed the point. Raising taxes isn't necessarily the only option, like I said they should hire a independent firm in to come in and audit all the departments and trim the fat --->which doesn't automatically mean cut school funding and police services, Michigan government has more than 2 departments.
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Permalink Reply by Angie on -
JMA you seem to have answers for everything why not do a run for something ? Make your self useful...
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Permalink Reply by masonco on
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Don't they already charge fees for careless fires? I thought they make the person responsible pay the wages, gas and other expenses involved for a fire.
Are they still making someone with a moving violation pay fines for 3 years?
I don't think they should be cutting services like they are. Many of the teachers now have to buy their own classroom supplies.
There are other places to cut like the high wages of congress members, governor and others.
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