Will Michigan Republicans Vote for Tax Increase?
Written by Sam on June 25th, 2007
If the state Legislature finally acts on a proposal to raise taxes in Michigan, it could be the most pressure-packed vote ever faced by some of the lawmakers now at the Capitol.
A few Republicans and Democrats in vulnerable seats could face recall efforts if they vote in favor of a tax increase. And lawmakers from both parties worry about the consequences in their districts no matter which way they vote on the yet-to-be-specified but widely anticipated tax proposal. It’s expected to originate in the Democrat-controlled House.
The behind-the-scenes pressures have surfaced off and on over the last few weeks, with sharp accusations from both political parties raising the stakes for the votes that could start as early as this week.
Lawmakers most likely will have to decide whether to raise the state’s personal income tax as part of the plan to eliminate a potential $1.6 billion deficit in the fiscal year that starts in October.
The Republicans control the Michigan State Senate, so really this tax increase should not go through. That’s of course assuming we have true fiscal conservatives in Michigan and not a bunch of RINOs. I’m not putting up any money on this one.
It’s interesting to read about this because it reminds me of my old State of Pennsylvania, a Democrat governor and a Republican State Legislature that capitulated to just about everything he wanted, including an income tax increase in 2003. Of course, Michigan has a tool that we in PA did not. They can recall their politicians at any time and there is a movement afoot to do exactly that.
Two things to note here. One, if the tax increase goes through that’s just too bad and I don’t want to hear any crying from the people that live there. That is exactly what they deserve for re-electing a governor with a failed first term and changing their State House from R to D.
Secondly, if this tax passes, damned be the Republicans in the State Senate because it will be their fault. A simple majority vote in the State Senate can kill this, so if this passes there will be some Republicans who will need to be swiftly removed, either by recall or next year’s primary election.
25
PM
All people in all times have exactly the government that they are willing to tolerate. Personally I hope the tax increase goes through and brutalizes what is left of that sad little economy. More capital will flow to Georgia where it will be well treated.
1
PM
Recall ALL the swine who voted for new taxes.