Michigan’s business community on Friday called on lawmakers and Gov. Jennifer Granholm to “hold the line” on tax increases and pass the cuts-dominated budget agreed to by House Speaker Andy Dillon and Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop.
The letter from 16 major business groups came amid continued rumblings of new revenue being considered to soften major cuts that have proved difficult to achieve as lawmakers close in on the Oct. 1 start of the fiscal year with no budget in place.
“With a 15 percent unemployment rate, Michigan’s business is already unstable and uncertain,” the groups wrote. “We stand unified in our opposition to any tax increase on job providers.
“The business community has engaged in the process of making structural reform a priority, encouraging conversation among legislators and offering menus of possible reforms and has expected as much for two years,” the letter said.
“It is a drastic mistake to raise taxes and make Michigan less competitive when even the simplest reforms have not been considered.”
The groups include: the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, Detroit Regional Chamber, Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, Lansing Regional Chamber, Associated Builders and Contractors of Michigan, Kalamazoo Regional Chamber, Michigan Association of Home Builders, Michigan Manufacturers Association, Michigan Association of Realtors, Michigan Restaurant Association, National Federation of Independent Business-Michigan, Business Leaders for Michigan, Small Business Association of Michigan, Michigan Grocers Association, Michigan Retailers Association and Michigan Bankers Association.
The groups also cited concern about the passage of a continuation budget that does not include the cuts targeted by Dillon, D-Redford Township, and Bishop, R-Rochester.
Senate Republicans on Friday passed continuation budget bills reflecting cuts at the targeted levels, over the objection of Senate Democrats who said the 30 day, cuts-only budget was extreme and would slash funding for education, public safety and health care.
Written By: Amy Lane of Crain's Detroit Business
What's your feedback? Would like to hear from you.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Pass it on......
On Friday, September 11th, 2009, an American flag should be displayed outside every home, apartment, office, and store in the United States . Every individual should make it the ir duty to display an American flag on this eighth anniversary of one of our country's worst tragedies. We do this to honor those who lost the ir lives on 9/11, the ir families, friends and loved ones who continue to endure the pain, and those who today are fighting at home and abroad to preserve our cherished freedoms.
In the days, weeks and months following 9/11, our country was bathed in American flags as citizens mourned the incredible losses and stood shoulder-to-shoulder against terrorism. Sadly, those flags have all but disappeared. Our patriotism pulled us through some tough times and it shouldn't take ano the r attack to galvanize us in solidarity. Our American flag is the fabric of our country and toge the r we can prevail over terrorism of all kinds.
Action Plan:
So, here's what we need you to do.
(1) Forward this email to everyone you know (at least 11 people). Please don't be the one to break this chain. Take a moment to think back to how you felt on 9/11 and let those sentiments guide you..
(2) Fly an American flag of any size on 9/11 Thank you for your participation..
God Bless You and God Bless America !
In the days, weeks and months following 9/11, our country was bathed in American flags as citizens mourned the incredible losses and stood shoulder-to-shoulder against terrorism. Sadly, those flags have all but disappeared. Our patriotism pulled us through some tough times and it shouldn't take ano the r attack to galvanize us in solidarity. Our American flag is the fabric of our country and toge the r we can prevail over terrorism of all kinds.
Action Plan:
So, here's what we need you to do.
(1) Forward this email to everyone you know (at least 11 people). Please don't be the one to break this chain. Take a moment to think back to how you felt on 9/11 and let those sentiments guide you..
(2) Fly an American flag of any size on 9/11 Thank you for your participation..
God Bless You and God Bless America !
Friday, August 28, 2009
Best Boat Test
Are you thinking of buying a boat? Not sure if it's a good and strong boat?Wonder how strong the hull is? Well have no fear. Now there is the BubbaTest for boats. The following video will demonstrate this very valuable test.
http://www.toughboats.com/video.cfm?fullscreen=1&filename=Toughboats_BubbaCRevLegal
http://www.toughboats.com/video.cfm?fullscreen=1&filename=Toughboats_BubbaCRevLegal
Monday, August 24, 2009
Tax Foreclosure Extensions, Exemptions Sought
By: Lisa Brody
August 19, 2009 - The state would standardize the approach to granting tax foreclosure hardship extensions and exemptions for low-income homeowners if legislation that House Democrats are introducing receives the Legislature's approval and Gov. Jennifer Granholm's signature.
Currently, local governments can set their own guidelines for determining who can receive property tax bill exemptions or extensions. Standards vary across the state. Setting common state standards would usurp the local officials' ability to set their own standards.
Additionally, the legislation will specify uniform notification requirements, requiring that homeowners receive notice by mail that their house is in tax foreclosure, telling them how much they owe, and when delinquent taxes are due. Furthermore, the legislation would prevent foreclosure due to unpaid water bills or other municipal utility bills.
"Of course, they sound wonderful, but I'm always leery about Lansing mandating what local governments should do," said state Rep. Chuck Moss (R-Orchard Lake). "It's always great to be Robin Hood, but who's going to pay for it?
"Two bills in the House Democrats' tax foreclosure package have been introduced. The first is House Bill (HB) 4035, sponsored by state Rep. Shanelle Jackson (D-Detroit), specifying tax exemptions. HB 4050, introduced by state Rep. Bettie Scott (D-Detroit), details delinquency of taxes and how those in foreclosure due to water or utility bill delinquency would be exempt.
The bills would also create a hardship extension for households living at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level, and would allow a tax exemption for those property owners. Currently, for a family of four, the federal poverty threshold is $22,050.
"Two-hundred percent of the poverty level is $43,500," Moss said. "That's nothing. Foreclosures are a bad thing, but do you tell people they don't have to pay their taxes, their water, or their utilities? Municipalities are in trouble, too, and can't afford to give a free ride to all of these taxpayers."
Lisa Brody is a staff writer for the Spinal Column Newsweekly
August 19, 2009 - The state would standardize the approach to granting tax foreclosure hardship extensions and exemptions for low-income homeowners if legislation that House Democrats are introducing receives the Legislature's approval and Gov. Jennifer Granholm's signature.
Currently, local governments can set their own guidelines for determining who can receive property tax bill exemptions or extensions. Standards vary across the state. Setting common state standards would usurp the local officials' ability to set their own standards.
Additionally, the legislation will specify uniform notification requirements, requiring that homeowners receive notice by mail that their house is in tax foreclosure, telling them how much they owe, and when delinquent taxes are due. Furthermore, the legislation would prevent foreclosure due to unpaid water bills or other municipal utility bills.
"Of course, they sound wonderful, but I'm always leery about Lansing mandating what local governments should do," said state Rep. Chuck Moss (R-Orchard Lake). "It's always great to be Robin Hood, but who's going to pay for it?
"Two bills in the House Democrats' tax foreclosure package have been introduced. The first is House Bill (HB) 4035, sponsored by state Rep. Shanelle Jackson (D-Detroit), specifying tax exemptions. HB 4050, introduced by state Rep. Bettie Scott (D-Detroit), details delinquency of taxes and how those in foreclosure due to water or utility bill delinquency would be exempt.
The bills would also create a hardship extension for households living at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level, and would allow a tax exemption for those property owners. Currently, for a family of four, the federal poverty threshold is $22,050.
"Two-hundred percent of the poverty level is $43,500," Moss said. "That's nothing. Foreclosures are a bad thing, but do you tell people they don't have to pay their taxes, their water, or their utilities? Municipalities are in trouble, too, and can't afford to give a free ride to all of these taxpayers."
Lisa Brody is a staff writer for the Spinal Column Newsweekly
Friday, August 21, 2009
Lake Oakland Home For Sale
Click on the link below to preview a wonderful home for sale on Lake Oakland. If you know of anyone looking to buy a lakefront home please send them this link.
http://www.moveinmichigan.com/Searchdetails.aspx?ListingTag=842233B5FF804211916PJ4E2135TX2VL98OBA0EF3JX
Have a Great Weekend!!!
Tim
http://www.moveinmichigan.com/Searchdetails.aspx?ListingTag=842233B5FF804211916PJ4E2135TX2VL98OBA0EF3JX
Have a Great Weekend!!!
Tim
Monday, August 10, 2009
Lakefront Home For Sale
This home is truly a must see on Maceday Lake.
If you know of anyone looking to move onto Maceday or Lotus Lake please forward them this link.
http://www.ignitecast.com/p/upUvQ6qVPO/
If you know of anyone looking to move onto Maceday or Lotus Lake please forward them this link.
http://www.ignitecast.com/p/upUvQ6qVPO/
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