Big stick. Whack! Get to work, you morons.
LANSING – Gov. Jennifer Granholm called on lame-duck Republican lawmakers to “fish or cut bait” and enact a new state business tax before the end of the year to replace the Single Business Tax (SBT), which expires Dec. 31, 2007.
She also expressed confidence that the House will approve her plan to expand the Michigan Merit Award college scholarship from a $2,500 grant to a maximum $4,000 for those who complete at least two years of college.
Granholm, in her first Capitol news conference since she won re-election Nov. 7, said that since the current Legislature voted this year to accelerate the demise of the SBT, it should replace the tax before a new Legislature is seated Jan. 1.
“Because this Legislature created the hole, this Legislature ought to replace the business tax,” Granholm said.
Yes. Or go down in history as the Worst. Legislature. Ever.
She added, “We need to take this up quickly. If this legislative session doesn’t do it, obviously it will be a top priority for the next.” Republicans now control both the House and Senate. Next year, Democrats assume control of the House and will have one additional seat in the Senate.
Granholm said she will propose a new business tax plan next week that would tax profits more than the current SBT, and spread taxes to more businesses than the current system – with no overall reduction in state revenue. Business groups and Republican leaders have called for an overall cut in business taxes that would cut state revenue.
She said her plan also will reduce the personal property tax, which taxes businesses for the equipment and machinery they own.
Wouldn't it be funny if it was the same as the one shot down last year? I would get a chuckle out of that.
DeRoche had this to say, that spirit of cooperation just oozing from his words-
"If the governor is pushing a plan that fails to offer job providers relief and workers hope, she is pushing a plan that will fail in the Republican House," he said in a release.
OK, Craig, let's try it this way... come real close so you can hear me...
WHERE IS THE REPUBLICAN PLAN?
Who do you want to throw off the bus, huh? Tell us. You have had months to figure this out.
*crickets*
Yeah. Thought so. Moving on-
As for the college scholarship program, Granholm said she has assurances from House Speaker Craig DeRoche, R-Novi, to allow a House vote on her Merit Scholarship plan changes. The Senate has already passed the changes.
Got that in writing? ;-)