Americans for Prosperity-Michigan

15.2%: Mich. Unemployment Continues in Wrong Direction

Wednesday, July 15th, 2009

Blog Post by Scott Hagerstrom
Numbers out today indicate the Michigan unemployment rate for June is moving in the wrong direction. The unemployment rate came in 1.1 percent higher than May at a 15.2 percent rate. In total employment in Michigan fell by 35,000 people in June.

Lansing still does not get it. Many in Lansing believe the way out of our dire economic circumstances is to raise taxes. Legislators have proposed increases on property taxes, the gasoline tax and income taxes. Much of the political class believes the answer to Michigan’s problems resides in draining resources out of your wallet and into the hands of Lansing bureaucrats.

Just this afternoon I was on the Lansing radio program City Pulse. I had the pleasure of debating MEA pollster Bernie Porn and liberal economist Doug Drake. They were advocating for an increase in a new sales tax on services or for an increase in the income tax. These two longtime Lansing operatives believe there is nothing left to cut.

According to these two the only solution is to increases taxes which will force hardworking families to cut their budget so that Lansing can maintain the status quo. Why do politicians continue to fund bureaucrats at the expense of Michigan workers?

Apparently by taxing you more they believe that there is room in your budget to cut. They believe the family budget must be bloated and needs to be raided to preserve the Lansing bureaucracy.

Here at Americans For Prosperity-Michigan we believe they are wrong and state government needs to embrace real reforms and not turn to your hard-earned paycheck to solve their incompetence.

“Rewarding” Gas Stations to Sell Ethanol? Bad Idea

Tuesday, June 9th, 2009

We already know ethanol burns at a lower octane than gasoline, yields lower gas mileage, is heavily subsidized by the federal government, and causes higher prices for food because it is a corn based product. For all these reasons, the consumer just isn’t buying. They don’t like the lower performance and lower gas mileage.

Now comes a bill in the State Senate to provide an incentive for gas stations to sell more ethanol! SB622 will give gas stations a minimum threshold of product to sell. Anything they sell above that will qualify them for a Michigan Business Tax Credit (subsidy) of up to 6 cents per gallon. It will come to the merchant in the form of a check.

This is wrong on so many levels, but one obvious question that has to be asked is, if the state wants to incentivize the sale of ethanol, why don’t they just repeal the 6 percent sales tax currently being imposed on the sale of gas at the pump? This would mean a reduction of 6 percent of the selling price today. In other words, at $3.00 per gallon, the price could be reduced by 18 cents!

I guess this is just too simple a solution. We would rather have the merchant collect it, then fill out the paperwork, submit it to the state, and then have them cut a check to the merchant for the refund.

Michigan is one of few states that charge a sales tax at the pump on top of federal and state fuel taxes. Its a “triple whammy” for consumers and it makes Michigan one of the highest taxed states in the country for gasoline.

Energy Tax Implemented in Michigan

Wednesday, May 27th, 2009

Last year, the legislature approved a bill to force electric and gas utilities to move towards a “renewable portfolio standard.” Ten percent of the state’s energy must come from renewable sources by 2015 according to this law. But because it is impossible to achieve without huge cost increases to the utility companies, the legislature allowed them to raise your rates with a new surcharge (tax) to cover the cost.

According to a story in the Jackson Citizen Patriot, electric bills will go up seventy-one cents a month starting next week. Gas bills will increase $1.72 per month and then, in September, electric bills will have an additional $2.50 per month added on. The utilities wanted $10.00 per month, and eventually they will get it, I predict.

Here is a story about how some small businesses are being affected by the rate increases, which are much larger for them. It is not good for business. But, if you want to read the positive spin, here is a letter from Governor Granholm about how “11,000 jobs” have been created in clean, renewable energy.

Oh, you will notice one of the new industries she announced as coming to Michigan to create those jobs is United Solar Ovonic. The governor proudly announced in March, 2006, hundreds of new jobs would be created with this company. Millions of taxpayer dollars in grants from the MEDC along with tax breaks were offered. Sadly, it was announced this month that they are laying off most of their workforce.

So, what we have is central planners (legislators and the governor) telling us what the next big thing is going to be, laying out millions in grants, and forcing new taxes on rate payers to cover the cost of “going green.” And what we end up with is higher rates, at least one business going bust with your tax dollars, and existing small businesses (who aren’t getting any MEDC grants) getting closer to going under. The experts in Lansing strike again.

Congressional Water Grab

Wednesday, May 20th, 2009

The Federal government is about to take over jurisdiction of all surface waters in the United States…

Michigan, through its Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is one of only two states that regulate wetlands with a state agency rather than through the federal government. This has been a problem because state guidelines are much more strict than federal guidelines. Additionally, the DEQ has proven to be arbitrary and capricious in its decision-making and has often caused long, unnecessary delays in approving permits.

While the concerns about over-regulation by a state agency are valid, they may be rendered “moot” by recent efforts in Congress. U.S. Senator Russ Feingold has introduced a bill with 23 sponsors including Senators Levin and Stabenow. Senate Bill S787 is entitled, “To amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to clarify the jurisdiction of the United States over waters of the United States.” Notice they start the description with the words “pollution control.” That makes it sound caring and good, doesn’t it?

In fact, this legislation will put ALL surface waters in the United States under Congressional jurisdiction. The bill language has a couple of key phrases in it. The first changes the definition of what is under Congressional jurisdiction. Ever since the Commerce Clause of the Constitution and several test cases in the Supreme Court, Congress has had jurisdiction over navigable waters. The meaning of that word has been argued, but according to precedent and legal definition, navigable includes anything you can get a canoe down, or anything that is connected by water to the same.

No matter because under S787, the word navigable is stricken, which means now ALL surface water is under Congressional jurisdiction. Additionally, in case there was any question of state’s rights, the bill states that this applies to interstate and intrastate waters. That means there is no state sovereignty over waters within that state’s boundaries. Are you wondering how Congress describes “waters”? It includes, “all waters subject to the ebb and flow of the tide, the territorial seas, and all interstate and intrastate waters and their tributaries, including lakes, rivers, streams (including intermittent streams), mudflats, sandflats, wetlands, sloughs, prairie potholes, wet meadows, playa lakes, natural ponds, and all impoundments of the foregoing, to the fullest extent that these waters, or activities affecting these waters, are subject to the legislative power of Congress under the Constitution.”

The bottom line is, Congress is taking over all the water. If the Obama administration and Congress are anything like this state’s governor and her administration, you will see free trade and commerce come to a virtual stand still. Manufacturing especially will come to a screeching halt. Water is an essential resource in the manufacture of virtually any consumable or durable good. Without ready access, manufacturers will be stifled in their attempts to create new products for market and the jobs that go with them.

Socialized Medicine: The Ruling Class Needs to Go First

Friday, May 8th, 2009

Watch out –  Congress and the White House are starting a debate that could result in a radical change in the delivery, quality, cost, and choice of today’s health care system.

Historically the politicians in Washington pass programs that apply to American citizens but do not apply to themselves. We have a novel idea. It should apply first to those that pass it. Whatever healthcare program is proposed and passed into law should apply to Congress, all federal judges, the President and all their corresponding staff (the ruling political class).

If that pool isn’t large enough to achieve so called “efficiencies,” it can be expanded to all federal employees, all state and local elected officials, all state and local government employees and all public school and public university employees. There should be a three year pilot program with an extensive analysis of any and all cost savings that also includes an examination of the quality of care delivered.

The proposal is supposedly voluntary. The feds will subsidize a federally owned health insurance program that the private sector will not be able to compete with. So before we tear down or undermine our current system compliments of the U.S. taxpayer a pilot program is the way to go. The United States of America despite having a high level of engagement in high risk activities and lifestyles (i.e. smoking, etc.), has one of the higher life expectancy rates and the highest quality health delivery system. Let the politicians who want to tear this system down step-up to the plate and be first in-line for a pilot project testing a new system. Let the ruling class be the first to volunteer for their own program.

Lansing Tea Party a Huge Success

Wednesday, April 15th, 2009

Michigan Tax Day Tea Party at the State Capitol: The crowd ranged from toddlers to senior citizens. Over 5,000 Michigan residents converged on the State Capitol today to protest the over-reach of government in DC and Lansing.

Joe “The Plumber” symbolized the average American worker for many of the Tea Party participants who came to Lansing today to tell Lansing and Washington “No!” to higher taxes and “Yes!” to greater government restraint and transparency.

Our young people are already in debt before they’re even old enough to pay taxes!|desc=Young people from around the state came out to learn about the importance of participating in democracy and to have their own voices heard about the debt they will be inheriting.

Scott Hagerstrom, AFP Michigan State Director, at the Tax Day Tea Party in Lansing: I had the privilege of addressing a crowd of over 5,000 Michigan residents who took the time out of their jobs and lives to come to Lansing to let our politicians know we ARE paying attention, and we AREN’T happy. Thank you – now let’s get to work!

Say it ain’t so – politicians want to raise your income tax!

Wednesday, April 8th, 2009

When the Michigan legislature returns from their spring break, they will have their plates full (of tax increases). Governor Granholm and several of her legislative friends are looking for more money. Bills have already been introduced to increase taxes and fees on:

• High school sports
• Bottled water
• Entertainment
• Vending machine items
• Vacant houses
• Property transfers
• Abandoned vehicles
• Septic systems
• Court filings

In addition, they want to give expanded taxing authority to local governments and school boards and increase the gas tax by fifty cents a gallon.

You would think that would be enough. What more do they want? The governor wants to impose a graduated income tax. That would increase a middle class family’s income taxes by 50% or more. In addition, two democratic lawmakers would like to see your income tax increase by 25% for their pet project.

We must stop this legal robbery of the Michigan taxpayers. It is literally driving jobs out of Michigan. Come to the Lansing Taxpayer Tea Party. Tell your elected officials they must stop the bankruptcy of our state and nation. The Constitution tells us that “We the people” are still in charge. We expect over 1000 Michigan resident to stand united on the capitol lawn.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009
12:00 noon
East Capitol Lawn

Samuel Joseph Wurzelbacher, “Joe the Plumber,” will speak at the Michigan Taxpayer Tea Party. For more information go to www.MichiganAFP.com. Joe will also have a book signing from 9:00 until 11:30 am. His book, “Joe the Plumber — Fighting for the American Dream” will be available for sale.

Beam Me Up, Rick

Friday, March 27th, 2009

Faced with dismal sales of hybrid cars, General Motors CEO Rick Wagoner last week chose not to take the opportunity to blame the government regulations that forced his company to make said vehicles (CAFE Standards), but instead suggested that the government create the proper incentive for people to buy these cars—by raising the price of gas.

Clearly people are prioritizing their wallets over the positive environmental impact of a hybrid car, especially in this economic climate. Yet, Wagoner wants legislators (who are supposed to act on the will of the people, mind you) to increase gas taxes, so people will be more apt to buy these more expensive cars?

And CAFE Standards are only going up, from 27.5 mpg at present to a required 35 mpg by 2020. This mandates technology that, quite frankly, does not exist.

There is no telling how much more expensive that will make cars for consumers because there is no way of telling how much investment that will require on behalf of the automakers, or if it is even possible.

If the government is willing to set standards regardless of their feasibility, why not go a step further and outlaw cars by the year 2030, instead throwing money at the development of transporters from Star Trek? Hey, we aren’t that far off. I, for one, would love to see what sort of advances they could make with a hundred-billion dollar investment from our government.

Or we could be realistic and remember that in a true free-market, capitalist society each penny is a vote. Given the choice, Americans have proven they are not willing to bear the costs associated with environmental protectionist policies, so please do not take away that choice with burdensome regulations or excessive taxation. There is plenty of intelligent life down here, Mr. Wagoner. Hopefully there’s also some in Lansing and Washington D.C.

House Bill Would Increase Property Taxes

Monday, March 16th, 2009

In 1994, voters passed Proposal “A”. It increased sales taxes by 2%, significantly lowered property taxes, and provided a steady stream of income to K-12 public education. Since passage of Proposal “A”, enrollment has increased by 2%, inflation has gone up about 33%, but revenues to public schools have increased 99%! On top of that, local millages have caused school debt taxes to increase by 269%.

In spite of the increases, the public education lobby never seems to have enough funding. Since 2000, a bill has been proposed every two years to relax the restrictions on “sinking funds” as a way to raise additional cash.

This year is no exception. HB 4313 has been introduced, which would empower school districts to request five additional mills for any purpose using sinking funds. Under current law, a district’s sinking fund can only be used to help finance capital projects. If HB 4313 were passed, your property taxes could be increased to fund any item: social programs, administrative pay raises, new furniture, you name it.

This truly violates the intent of Proposal “A” whose purpose was to provide relief to homeowners from spiraling property taxes. HB 4313 would turn sinking funds into a virtual slush fund for school districts. It has been estimated that this bill could lead to over $3 billion in new property taxes on homeowners, district by district.

The bill has already cleared the Education committee and is likely to be voted in the House this week. Please contact your State Representative and ask them to honor Proposal A by voting NO on HB 4313.

Does Government need to regulate everything?

Friday, March 6th, 2009

The efforts by the state legislature to continue to regulate, license, punish, and literally drive business out of this state seem to be unabated. The latest examples are House Bills 4458 and 4459. These bills would require “Trauma scene waste management practitioners” to register with the state. I bet you didn’t know there even was such a thing as a trauma scene waste management practitioner. Well, there is, but if this law goes into effect, there will likely be fewer of them.

Here are some of the onerous things this legislation would do:

* Give regulatory authority over any medical waste producing facility to the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ).
* Require anyone in the business to register as a trauma scene waste management practitioner
* Establish registration fees of $75
* Change administrative fines to civil fines
* Create criminal penalties for violations
* Give current practitioners 30 days to apply for a permit
* Require practitioners to submit a management plan and proof of insurance
* Require a fee for background checks of all owners, officers and employees.
* Force practitioners to submit to “unannounced inspections”
* Require labeling and storage standards
* Allow civil fines of up to $2,500 per violation and $1,000 per day while violation continues
* Allow the MDEQ to promulgate rules, which, if violated, would be punishable by up to six months in prison and $1,000 fine.
* Allow the MDEQ to shut down any facility that it believed to be in violation.

This legislation is apparently on the fast track. It was introduced in late February and has already cleared committee. It is awaiting final passage on the House floor.

Can you imagine being a business owner who has to face all these new regulations, fees and potential fines, not to mention the potential for jail time if you do not comply with arbitrary DEQ rules? This is quite possibly a violation of the constitution, to give an agency of the executive branch the authority to write rules, which could land you in prison if you don’t comply. One thing is certain; this legislation will not lure new business to Michigan, but will surely drive more businesses OUT of Michigan.

Contact your Representative and let them know you think this is just too much regulation.

Granholm breaks promise to not raise taxes “In this year coming up.”

Friday, March 6th, 2009

Blog post by Scott Hagerstrom

“On December 23, 2008, Governor Granholm told the Detroit News, ‘you will not see a tax increase from me in this year coming up. We still have to do our job to cut and restructure.’

“At last check, 2009 is the year that follows 2008. It took Granholm just 72 days to betray Michigan taxpayers by breaking her no tax increase promise. She has now announced her support of a gas tax hike.

“Governor Granholm also told the Detroit News her opposition to raising taxes includes the gasoline levy said ‘you should do what you say and say what you do and not deceive people.’

“Politicians like Granholm are the reason why people distrust politicians. A recent Americans for Prosperity poll of 600 Michigan residents found 67 percent don’t trust politicians to spend tax dollars wisely. Also, 73 percent favor putting all tax increases up for a statewide vote.

“The following reforms the state can undertake to rebuild roads without hiking taxes:

· Allocating the 6 percent state sales tax on gasoline to roads. Currently, most of the sales tax drivers pay at the pump doesn’t go to roads.

· Reforming Michigan ‘s antiquated system of 83 separate county road commissions (and more than 200 road commissioners), which few other states have.

· Dedicating 100 percent of driver registration fees to transportation needs. Currently, much of these fees go to pay for non-transportation costs.

· Repealing prevailing wage laws on taxpayer-funded road projects.

“None of these reforms have been enacted, but Granholm still couldn’t make it from Christmas Eve to St. Patrick’s Day without breaking her promise not to raise taxes.”

Study Finds Michigan Fed-Up with High Taxes and Wasteful State Spending

Wednesday, March 4th, 2009

For Immediate Release – March 4, 2009
- Lower-Income Residents Oppose Tax Hikes, Even if They Don’t Pay -

LANSING ? A new survey by the free-market grassroots group Americans for Prosperity finds that a massive 73 percent of Michigan residents disapprove of the state legislature’s handling of budget and tax issues. In addition, 57 percent believe the state’s taxes are too high. When asked to identify the most important issue in state budgeting, 54 percent identified wasteful spending on programs that do not work.

“Michigan taxpayers have simply had enough,” said Scott Hagerstrom, state director of Americans For Prosperity. “They’re sick and tired of politicians in Lansing raising taxes to pay for liberal spending programs that do not work.”

One way to restrain the growth of government is to require a two-thirds vote of the state legislature for any tax hikes. An overwhelming 72 percent of survey respondents supported such a proposal being enacted in Michigan.

The survey also finds that lower-income Michiganders oppose higher taxes, even if they are not forced to pay them. 54.7 percent of respondents earning under $30,000 rejected the idea of raising taxes on others.

Respondents also rejected the idea of taxes that are paid for by working poor and lower income groups, with a decisive 89 percent opposing the taxes.

The survey was conducted by Voter/Consumer Research, and is based on the responses of 600 registered voters across the state, conducted by telephone Jan. 22-27 of this year. The margin of error is +/- 4 percent.

AFP-Michigan Applauds State Legislators For Taking Next Step In State Spending Transparency

Thursday, February 5th, 2009

For Immediate Release: Friday, Feb. 5, 2009
Attorney General Cox leads 43 Republicans to post office budgets online

LANSING – Following the leadership of Attorney General Mike Cox, 43 Republican state legislators today took an important step toward government transparency in local spending by making their office budgets available online.

Americans for Prosperity Michigan State Director Scott Hagerstrom released the following statement in regard to the decision:

“On behalf of Americans for Prosperity’s 8,000 Michigan members, I want to thank the House Republicans and Attorney General Mike Cox for taking the lead on this very important issue. The federal government, several other states, and several townships in Michigan are already providing taxpayers with open access to their checkbook registers. The technology is there, and in these times of scrutinizing every penny spent by American companies and families, we should be able to see how our hard-earned tax dollars are being spent by our government.”

In addition, AFP is pleased that Rep. Kim Meltzer, Rep. Tom McMillin and Rep. Paul Opsommer have taken the lead with legislation that would require the Michigan state budget to be posted online as well.

“It is admirable that not only have these 43 House members put their support behind this legislation, but have taken action to share with the taxpayers how they are spending the money directly under their control– that is accountability!”

Americans for Prosperity (AFP) is a nationwide organization of citizen leaders committed to advancing every individual’s right to economic freedom and opportunity. AFP believes reducing the size and scope of government is the best safeguard to ensuring individual productivity and prosperity for all Americans. AFP educates and engages citizens in support of restraining state and federal government growth, and returning government to its constitutional limits. For more information, visit www.americansforprosperity.org

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Time to Restructure, Reform and Cut State Government

Friday, January 9th, 2009

Well the numbers are in. It is estimated that General Fund/General Purpose and School Aid revenues will be $917.2 million less for the current year than previously estimated and another $444.5 million less for 2010. It is also estimated that Michigan Public Schools will have nearly 30,000 fewer students in 2009-10 than 2008-09. At $7,600 per student that is a $228 million savings.

Even after Michigan’s 2008 tax increases on family income and a 22% surcharge on Michigan businesses we are still running a significant deficit. The solution is governmental reform, restructuring and budget cuts. Don’t let politicians tell you we need more tax increases. Nearly every job brought to Michigan over the past few years has been because of massive tax carve outs by the Governor including a 42% tax credit for the movie industry. This is proof that tax cuts work. Raising taxes is the worst possible solution to attracting industry, private capital and the resulting jobs.

No Tax Increases Next Year?

Tuesday, December 23rd, 2008

Lansing to Try to Increase Gas Tax

Tuesday, December 16th, 2008

According to a report by the Michigan Department of Transportation, our state could stand to lose a portion of $1 billion in federal road funding. The problem is the Michigan Transportation Fund will not have sufficient revenue to match these construction dollars. This is money Michigan motorists sent to Washington as part of their federal gas tax. Now, we must pay a ransom to have our money returned. Read more.

In 2007, the state created the Transportation Funding Task Force to “examine alternatives to the fuel tax, analyze their feasibility, and suggest or recommend transportation revenue options.” The task force, comprised of 13 members, recommended a litany of tax and fee increases to raise more money for transportation infrastructure. They include the following:

• Increasing vehicle registration fees
• Raising the 19-cent-per-gallon gas tax
• Raising the 15-cent-a-gallon diesel tax
• Increasing the state’s 6 percent sales tax to 7 percent

However, Michigan residents and visitors already pay the fifth highest gas tax in the country. See map. Without transparency in state government, it is impossible for the average tax payer to see where his money is being spent.

The Legislature is now considering several options to secure the necessary matching funds, though no one actually knows what those options are. The House sent “shell bills” to the Senate last week. They contained no proposals; they were merely designed to fulfill the legislature’s procedural rules. Essentially, the House punted. They asked the Senate to make the tough decision, not want to be blamed for another tax increase in the midst of a recession.

Let’s consider the possibility that another approach may generate the additional funds. Even though we pay the fifth highest gas tax in the country, our roads and bridges do not reflect that fact. Could the reason be that when gas is four dollars a gallon only 56% of the taxes we pay at the pump actually get to our roads?

The largest diversion of tax dollars from our state highways and local roads is the sales tax on gas. The Senate Fiscal Agency estimates this tax will raise $800 million this fiscal year, the majority of which is now directed to schools and local governments. If this entire amount were dedicated to roads, Michigan would have the funds necessary to match federal dollars and complete construction projects.

Of the $800 million, $580 million is distributed into the school aid fund. That amount would leave less than a five percent deficit in the school aid fund. However, an article from the Mackinac Center for Public Policy lists reforms that would immediately save local schools millions of dollars.

• Privatizing non-instructional services would save $500 million according to an updated analysis from the Mackinac Center.
• Repeal “prevailing wage” on school construction projects: $150 million.

These changes are primarily opposed by the powerful teachers’ unions– the MEA and MFT. Until politicians are willing to take on the unions, true spending reform will not occur.

Likewise, local governments could stand to lose $192 million in revenue sharing by appropriating the sales tax on gas for our roads. They could see savings similar to the schools if the prevailing wage were eliminated on their construction projects and embraced privatization (again unions stand in the way to this common sense reform). The Mackinac Center has published a primer for local government explaining how to effectively privatize its services.

The Senate and House will be in session on Thursday, December 18th. This will probably be the last day of session in 2008. This funding package is on their agenda. Please contact your senator and ask him or her to enact reforms and efficiencies first and to oppose a tax increase. Give them your ideas for improving the roads in our state. Please contact your elected officials and ask them to oppose new taxes and fees by clicking here.

We are in for a very bumpy ride

Thursday, November 20th, 2008

We are in for a very bumpy ride. Michigan is no longer number one. After a very long run as the state with the highest unemployment rate it was reported on Monday, Oct. 20, 2008 that we dropped to number two. Rhode Island took the honors with the highest unemployment rate in the country at 8.8 percent. The Michigan unemployment rate stands at an 8.7 percent.

So why do I say that we are in for a very bumpy ride? The very next day, Tuesday, Oct. 21st, the Barack Obama campaign flew Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm to Florida to sit on a panel to discuss ways to turn the national economy around. Further, on November 7th President-elect Obama named Governor Granholm to his economic transition panel.

This should have the whole country concerned. As Governor of Michigan, Granholm has been more concerned with promoting social justice than with reviving the economy. She has put the needs of the political class in Lansing above the needs of working class families by playing on their fears in regards to a social safety net. Watch out America because Granholm has Obama’s ear when it comes to the economy and what we have been experiencing in Michigan is coming to the whole nation.

Granholm’s solution in Michigan has been higher taxes on income, higher taxes on business and significantly higher fees on government services; and rolling over for big labor. She also signed a new six percent tax on 82 service categories including palm reading, skiing, environmental consulting and diet/weight reduction services. With intense public pressure a repeal became law hours after the service tax became effective only to be replaced with a 22 percent surcharge on what was already the worst business tax in the nation.

Sure the nation is entering a recession. Recessions have been part of the normal economic cycle for generations. What is different is that Michigan has been in a one state recession for many years with no foreseeable end in sight. Will the Granholm economic model be adopted for the nation? If so, put your seat belt on and hold onto your wallet because you’re going to be in for quite a ride.

Michigan’s Partisan Climate Action Council Going Down Roads Well-Traveled by Other States

Wednesday, May 14th, 2008

by Paul Chesser   –   Detroit News
The Michigan Climate Action Council, created by a Gov. Jennifer Granholm executive order, is crafting a state policy on global warming, but identical processes in other states suggest that the “deliberation” is a sham hiding a predetermined outcome.

Michigan’s council is guided by a Harrisburg, Pa.-based consultant called the Center for Climate Strategies. The center’s Executive Director Thomas Peterson says his organization is not an advocacy group, but the center is funded by wealthy global warming alarmist foundations such as the Rockefeller Brothers Fund and the Energy Foundation, whose millions of dollars worth of contributions produce state policies that increase energy costs and diminish property rights.

Read the rest here:

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080514/OPINION01/805140324/1007/OPINION

Staggering Bills for Reckless Alarmism

Sunday, May 11th, 2008

Nolan Finley, editorial page editor for The Detroit News, sums up the hidden half of the global warming debate pretty well.   

Nolan Finley / The Detroit News     –     Sunday, May 11, 2008
Payment Coming Due for Reckless War
The bills are coming due for the reckless war on global warming, and they are staggering. Global food prices are up 30 percent since last year, leading to starvation and food riots in the poorest parts of the world, and pinching families everywhere.

The sudden price spike is caused in large part by ethanol mandates in the United States that are claiming a third of the corn harvest and 30 million acres that otherwise would be planted in grains and soybeans.

The mandates were forced by environmentalists and their political toadies who ignored predictions that ethanol would pit fuel against food.

And yet green laws are still being rammed through without assessing their consequences.

In Michigan, the Legislature, prodded by Gov. Jennifer Granholm, is near to passing legislation that would mandate the use of renewable fuels in producing electricity. The windmills Lansing wants are a very expensive source of electric power, and yet lawmakers haven’t factored how much they’ll add to the monthly light bill.

Motorists are pleading for relief from rising gasoline prices. Fuel costs are a function of supply and demand. We’ve placed severe restrictions on oil exploration and refining within our own borders and require expensive gasoline formulas for summertime driving. Guess what? Those policies show up at the pump.

And we probably ain’t seen nothin’ yet. The cap-and-trade carbon scheme being considered by Congress will add 35 cents to a gallon of gasoline, and 20 to 30 percent to electricity costs.

The sharp increases in fuel economy standards Congress mandated eventually will tack on $6,000 to $8,000 to an automobile’s sticker. How many people will that price out of the new car market?

And how many will have to kiss goodbye their dreams of owning a new home because the efficiency standards Michigan wants to impose will hike their mortgage by $7,000 or more?

Ultimately, nearly everything we buy will cost more because of environmental mandates that no one can say for certain will actually reduce global warming.

For most of us, the rising prices will cut deeply into discretionary spending. Instead of using our money for the things we want, we’ll have to budget more of it to finance the environmental agenda.

But for the poor — and there will be many more of them once the full costs hit — the impact will be devastating, as most of life’s staples — food, housing, transportation — move further beyond their reach.

This won’t be allowed to stand, of course. Just as with the ethanol-provoked food crisis, balancing the damage done by ill-conceived policies will require a massive transfer of wealth from the haves to the have-nots.

That means higher taxes and a giant step toward socialism in the name of the environment.

The eco-lobby never talks about the real costs to real people of its agenda. Imposing hugely expensive regulations without fully weighing their impact on those who will pay for them is irresponsible. We should strive for a cleaner and greener earth. But we also should make sure we can afford to live on it.

Nolan Finley is editorial page editor of The News. Reach him at nfinley@detnews.com or (313) 222-2064. Read his blog at forums.detnews.com/blogs/, and watch him at 8:30 p.m. Fridays on “Am I Right?” on Detroit Public TV, Channel 56.