This working poor person gives them the finger. But whatever. Just get it done.
From Gongwer, and nowhere else at this point-
A supplemental budget bill incorporating the budget cuts of an earlier measure still in a House-Senate conference committee was approved by the House Appropriations Committee Wednesday as the House prepared to work during the evening session on reforms that are part of the negotiations to resolve the budget crisis. The new supplemental (HB 4492) contains a tie-bar to HB 4500, which increases the income tax rate from 3.9 percent to 4.6 percent.
No word on whether or not this is temporary- but my guess is that it is. We can have this fight all over again in the future- or maybe even next week.
The fact that these guys won't go for a permanent funding solution is very disturbing. Infuriating, even.
2% on services would have been a MUCH better deal for someone like me, and a services/sales tax increase was preferred by most Michigan citizens. But, hey, that would have required some thought and courage, something that is in very short supply amongst Michigan legislators of BOTH parties.
Cowards. All of 'em.
No, not the Governor. She had the right idea all along. Too bad her colleagues are more concerned with playing politics rather than doing the right thing for our state.
Bishop is still saying "no" to an increase for this year- but a crack has developed in the armor. Also from Gongwer-
And Mr. Bishop said he could sign a petition to recall a legislator who voted for a tax increase if that legislator acted irresponsibly and supported a tax hike before looking at any budget cuts. By that definition, Mr. Bishop said no Republican member of the 94th Legislature will have acted irresponsibly if he or she votes for a tax increase because they did look at other options first.
This might free some Pubs to behave like sane, rational people, even if Bishop himself does not. Which he won't, obviously.
Crunch time is here. Who will stand up for our state? We are going to find out.