The state of Michigan is facing a $1.4 billion budget deficit
By Representative Dave Robertson
January 20, 2009
I want to thank the leadership of NORC for the opportunity to be a Director and with it the opportunity to be a contributor to this Website. I have been asked to offer my viewpoint on the ongoing developments in Lansing, based upon my service in the Legislature and more than twenty years of activism in the Michigan Republican Party.
I recently concluded my 4th term in the Michigan House of Representatives (I was first elected to the House in 1990 prior to the passage of term limits, and was re-elected to the House in 2002, 2004 and 2006.). Between my first and second term, I had the honor of serving in the Engler Administration. I also served two terms on the Genesee County Board of Commissioners. I began my activism in the Michigan GOP in the mid 1980's, managing state House and Senate campaigns for the late Sen. Douglas Carl of Macomb County. Like many of you, I've spent a good portion of my young adult life working at the grassroots level. Drawing on this background, I hope to offer some insights you will enjoy.
As the new year and a new legislative session begin, you may be asking, "what are we likely to see coming from the State Capitol?"
Here are a few thoughts:
The state of Michigan is facing a $1.4 billion budget deficit.
As Republicans, we know the solution to the budget deficit is spending cuts, elimination of red tape, reducing bloated administrative budgets, and standing against special interests who either directly or indirectly benefit from spending largesse.
Governor Granholm's State of the State message is coming up February 3rd. You can bet that she won't be mentioning any of these issues that are of growing concern to the residents of Michigan.
Instead, Granholm is counting on the Obama Administration to provide "stimulus" dollars from Washington, thereby allowing her to continue her free spending ways and avoid having to make any true spending cuts.
During the budget debacle of last session and the income and business tax increases that followed, Granholm, Lt. Gov. John Cherry, House and Senate Democrats and other liberals loudly proclaimed their courageousness in raising taxes.
There is no courage in raising taxes.
Real courage and real leadership comes in balancing budgets without imposing new burdens on taxpayers who are struggling every day to balance their own family budgets.
As Republicans, our core philosophy is one of smaller government and the lowest possible level of taxation. We know this philosophy is the key to real job growth and prosperity. We as GOP activists, must continue in the current session to encourage our Republican legislators to stand in defense of our tax dollars. History has shown that when we clearly define, articulate, and act on this philosophy, the good people of Michigan will respond favorably to our efforts!
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