Looks like Lansing has been infected with a big case of "stupid" today. Must be the spring air- they have now officially taken leave of their senses.
The state House gave final approval to a bill Thursday eliminating Michigan's Single Business Tax by Oct. 2007.
Gov. Jennifer Granholm has said she would veto the bill because it does not replace the $1.9 billion raised by the SBT, leaving a huge hole in the state budget.
Republicans argued that eliminating the SBT outright would force the Legislature and governor to create a new, more fair business tax to replace it.
The measure passed on a 67-39 vote, with about 10 Democrats joining majority Republicans.
Shame on those Democrats, whoever they are.
"Folks, it's time for us to lead; it's time for us to do the work," said House Speaker Craig DeRoche, adding that Granholm hasn't yet offered an acceptable replacement.
HAHAHA! Anytime you're ready, Craig. Go to it.
Nah, Craig would rather gamble with your health, safety and wallet.
This prompted a stern release from Granholm-
LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today charged that Republican lawmakers have made clear today that their intention is to raise taxes on families and gut education, health care, and public safety in order to provide tax breaks to big business. She pledged to veto House Bill 5743, because it will raise taxes on ordinary citizens and require deep cuts in vital programs.
“I, along with both Republicans and Democrats in the Legislature, want to provide incentives for business to create jobs,” said Granholm. “But I will not raise taxes on families or gut education health care, and public safety to give tax breaks to big business.”
Granholm said it would have been easy to reach a compromise if Republicans had accepted Democratic amendments that would have prevented a tax shift and prevented massive cuts in vital services. But Republicans voted against or blocked these amendments, revealing their true intentions.
“Republicans have made their intentions clear: They intend to raise taxes for Michigan families by $800 or gut education, health care, and public safety in order to finance a tax cut for business,” Granholm said.
More than a year ago, Granholm offered Michigan businesses a fair and responsible plan for cutting taxes without shifting the burden of paying for essential government services to our families.
“Our plan was revenue neutral and would not raise taxes on Michigan families nor force draconian cuts in education, health care, and public safety,” Granholm said. “The differences between us are striking"
Once again we have another bill that was just begging for a veto- and she will give it to them. I would love to see her take it outside and jump up and down on it, light it on fire, or something. Would make for a great video clip.