Dems Release Tax Plan for Middle Class

Legislative Democrats called for $1 billion in tax credits and deductions for Michigan families on Monday. Named “Blueprint for Michigan Families,” House Minority Leader Tim Greimel (D-Auburn Hills) said their plan would help ease the burden on families that resulted from Governor Snyder’s tax shift.

This plan includes a new tax credit in the amount of $400 per child under 13 in a household with an income less than $100,000. It also includes a new dependent care tax credit for families caring for children or an elderly parent, an expansion of the Homestead Property Tax Credit limit from $50,000 to $100,000, a senior (age 65 and older) deduction that exempts the first $2,300 in income from taxation, and a College Affordability Tax Credit of up to 50 percent of the amount paid on higher education loans for any Michigan employee.

Minority Leader Greimel says a family with an income less that $100,000 could save up to $1,500 a year with this plan. Democrats plan to finance this project through renegotiating the Michigan Economic Growth Authority tax credits, which has met resistance from Republicans. If this renegotiation continues to be a source of conflict, Democrats would also consider a modest bump in the Corporate Income Tax or changes in the corporate welfare system to pay for the plan.

House Republicans believe this is nothing more than a “dog and pony” show, according to a spokesperson from Speaker Kevin Cotter’s (R-Mount Pleasant) office.

Despite the remarks, Representative Greimel continues to work out a plan stating that if the Republicans were to agree on the Democrat’s road funding plan, they might have to scale back on this new plan. The road-funding plan includes an increase in the Corporate Income Tax, which Mr. Greimel believes could also offset tax increases to middle class families.

Conversations continue, and Democrats are hopeful for a bipartisan solution.

posted by PAA Online , Friday, October 2, 2015 10:08 AM
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Gast Honored Through Senate Appropriations

The Senate Appropriations Committee renamed the Senate Appropriations room to honor former Senator Harry Gast, who passed away in July. Mr. Gast has served nearly 32 years in Lansing, serving in both the House and Senate.

Committee members were joined by House Appropriations Chair Al Pscholka (R-Stevensville), Representative Dave Pagel (R-Berrien Springs), and Mr. Gast’s daughter Barbara Curtis to share memories of the former Senator following session. Representative Pscholka commented, “If we had a Mount Rushmore for public servants, Harry Gast would be on that mountain.”

Senator John Proos (R-St. Joseph) shared some stories of Mr. Gast, and read a statement on behalf of Barbara Curtis and the rest of the family. Ms. Curtis afterwards made a short comment regarding her father’s service, saying that he always believed there were right things to do, and bringing people together from both sides could accomplish these.

Two signs will adorn the new name, one outside of the room and one inside.

posted by PAA Online , 10:07 AM
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Justice Mary Beth Kelly Steps Down, Joan Larsen Steps In

Governor Rick Snyder has named University of Michigan law professor Joan Larsen as the replacement for Justice Mary Beth Kelly. Justice Kelly announced in August her plans to leave the court to return to private practice and focus her efforts on juvenile justice issues.

Joan Larsen received her law degree from Northwestern University and practiced at Sidley and Austin, a law firm in Washington D.C. She also clerked for U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia and served as a deputy assistant to the U.S. Attorney General. Ms. Larsen will join Justice Bridget McCormack and Justice Richard Bernstein as the third member of the court to have no previous judicial experience.

Observers were interested in Governor Snyder’s choice with Appeals Judge Kirsten Frank Kelly and Oakland Circuit Judge Colleen O’Brien having been speculated upon earlier as potential nominees. On Tuesday, Mr. Snyder appointed Justice O’Brien to the Court of Appeals. Justice O’Brien and Justice Kelly will serve together.

Both Justice Joan Larsen and Judge Colleen O’Brien will have to run in 2016 to serve the remainder of their predecessors’ term.

posted by PAA Online , 10:06 AM
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Boater Safety Bill

Representative Klint Kesto (R-Commerce Township) spoke on behalf of HB 4534 before the House Regulatory Reform Committee Wednesday. The bill would require water vessels in tow (having a tow line attached to the vehicle for the purpose of a water sport) to display a 12” by 12” orange flag to alert other boaters.

Representative Kesto testified that he normally is not supportive of unnecessary regulations, but feels this is important. Mr. Kesto spoke of a friend of his who was towing his three children from a jet ski when an unsuspecting boater broke the line, killing two of the children and severely injuring the other. The Representative said that he does not know if a flag would have helped this incident that occurred in 2012, but feels that if this regulation is not overly burdensome and has the possibility of saving at least one life, it’s worth exploring.

Vice Chair Representative Brett Roberts (R-Eaton Township) feels a flag would not help in most situations. In the 2012 incident, Mr. Roberts cited a few laws Mr. Kesto’s friend had broken, including not having a spotter on the back of the jet ski. Vice Chair Roberts also cited that of more than 5,000 boating accidents last year, only 52 were related to towing.

Representative Scott Dianda (D-Calumet) asked whether this bill should include regulations on how many passengers a vehicle should be able to tow. In his opinion, Mr. Kesto’s friend in 2012 was perhaps towing too many people at the time of the accident.

The committee has not voted, and discussions on this bill will continue.

posted by PAA Online , 10:06 AM
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PAAdvisory Briefs

Snyder Announces New Program

Governor Rick Snyder announced Monday his latest pilot program, Rising Tide. This program will give ten communities an opportunity to work with local leaders to develop strategies for economic prosperity and job growth. The communities are Newberry, Central Lake, Grayling, Evart, Harrison, Sandusky, Charlotte, Paw Paw, Hillsdale and River Rouge. The Department of Talent and Economic Development is sponsoring the program.

Heise to Seek Supervisor Position

Representative Kurt Heise (R-Plymouth) announced his plans to run for Plymouth Township supervisor in 2016. Due to term limits, he will not run for reelection in the House. He will be running against current Supervisor Shannon Price. If elected, his term would be from 2016 to 2020.

3 Million For Detroit Improvements

The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MHSDA) approved $3 million in two separate projects for improving the economy and housing development in Detroit. The first project is named the Detroit Mortgage Program and will use $1.5 million in both MHSDA funds and federal grants to help back mortgages. The second is called the Public Spaces Community Places Initiative, which will also receive $1.5 million. The Michigan Economic Development Committee plans to match the MHSDA funds, and also expand funds through crowdfunding.

posted by PAA Online , 10:05 AM
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