SHOULD THE MICHIGAN LEGISLATURE GO PART-TIME?

It is no secret, in fact it is a matter of public record; legislators in Michigan make $79,850 per year plus $12,000 per year in tax-free "expense reimbursement." They are the third highest compensated lawmakers in the nation.  In addition, they enjoy quality health care and retirement benefits after only six years work. Lawmakers in Michigan have all year to complete their work but typically meet in session only 100 days per year.

Most states have part-time legislatures.  Texas, for instance, which has a much larger population and land area, is part-time. They meet for 140 days every OTHER year and are paid $7,200 annually.

Lawmakers in Michigan can be very busy and work lots of hours partly because they introduce and pass up to three times more laws than part-time states. That means more constituents who are unhappy with the ever-expanding government, and more interest groups lobbying for passage of new laws to regulate or tax others.

In spite of the fact that most cities, villages and townships and virtually all 550+ school districts need to have their budgets in place by June, the legislature can seldom seem to get the state budget finished before August. This puts great strain on the locals as they are unable to plan until they know how much they are getting from the state.
 
One might ask:

1. If 39 states can manage with part-time legislatures, why does Michigan need a full-time legislature?


2. If other states can find qualified individuals to serve in government for much less money, why do we need to pay so much?


3. If the Michigan legislature meets 100 days per year, why does it take all year to get the work done?


4. Why do retirees get such generous benefit after only six years?

A proposal is in the works to place an amendment to the constitution on the 2008 ballot which will do the following:

• Rather than pay legislators a full-year salary for 100 days work, let's make them work 100 days for 100 days' pay.


• Rather than let them take a full year to get the work done, let's make them get their work done in the FIRST 100 days of the year.


• Rather than pay them for expenses they never incur, let's reimburse them for ACTUAL mileage to Lansing and ACTUAL lodging if necessary.


• Give them adequate health insurance while they are in office, but no long-term insurance or retirement after they leave.

Does this proposal make sense?  Please feel free to let me know your thoughts at: part.time.mi@gmail.com. You can also get more information at http://parttimemichigan.googlepages.com.
 
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See Jack on "Off the Record" with Tim Skubick
 
I will be appearing on a special edition of "Off the Record" with Capitol Correspondent, Tim Skubick to discuss public education funding. Also appearing will be MEA President, Iris Salters.  The program will air on most PBS stations in Michigan on Monday evening, May 21st. Check at this link for exact time and stations. http://wkar.org/offtherecord/

Raiding the Cookie Jar...

You might remember some years ago when the lawyers stuck it to "big tobacco". The result was huge annual payments to each state for the cost of lost lives and lost health from smoking. It was called the Master Settlement Agreement. So, we get this big payment each year that is used for Merit scholarships, smoking cessation programs, or anything else we feel like using it for. Last year we "securitized" about $400 million and created the "21st Century Jobs Fund." That is the boondoggle that gave the governor an open checkbook to give out goodies to her friends. Of course she has to get approval by the 21st Century Jobs Fund BOARD before writing the checks. (Oh, wait a minute, is that the board that is comprised of her handpicked friends?) Well, I digress. Anyway, by taking 20 years worth of annual payments up front, we obligated ourselves to pay the penalties for early withdrawal; the $400 million will end up costing the state $990 million.

Hey, this was such a great idea, we decided to do it again this year. We are taking another advance payment of $500 million to cover the bills we can't pay this year. So, there it is. The budget for 2006-2007 is balanced! I can't wait for next year's budget, which is already a couple billion dollars in the hole, (assuming the additional $1 billion in NEW programs the governor has announced.)

Raiding the Cookie Jar...

You might remember some years ago when the lawyers stuck it to "big tobacco". The result was huge annual payments to each state for the cost of lost lives and lost health from smoking. It was called the Master Settlement Agreement. So, we get this big payment each year that is used for Merit scholarships, smoking cessation programs, or anything else we feel like using it for. Last year we "securitized" about $400 million and created the "21st Century Jobs Fund." That is the boondoggle that gave the governor an open checkbook to give out goodies to her friends. Of course she has to get approval by the 21st Century Jobs Fund BOARD before writing the checks. (Oh, wait a minute, is that the board that is comprised of her handpicked friends?) Well, I digress. Anyway, by taking 20 years worth of annual payments up front, we obligated ourselves to pay the penalties for early withdrawal; the $400 million will end up costing the state $990 million.

Hey, this was such a great idea, we decided to do it again this year. We are taking another advance payment of $500 million to cover the bills we can't pay this year. So, there it is. The budget for 2006-2007 is balanced! I can't wait for next year's budget, which is already a couple billion dollars in the hole, (assuming the additional $1 billion in NEW programs the governor has announced.)

The state's CEO needs to get her house in order

Letter to the Editor

To the editor,

Over the past several months, there has been much posturing about how to balance this year's budget shortfall which as of mid-May had ballooned to over $800 million.  The assumption from the governor's office is that we have "cut to the bone" and there is no where else to find savings, therefore we must raise taxes to balance the shortfall.

What the governor seems unwilling or unable to deal with is a basic problem of mismanagement in state government, a problem that only the head of the executive branch can address. Governor Granholm herself was quoted as saying in December 2003 regarding cuts to higher education, "if you can't cut 5 percent a year, you are not doing your job." (Booth Newspapers, December 17, 2003). But since 2003 state government has not only grown every year, hundreds of millions have been lost because of gross mismanagement by the governor's own department heads.  Let me cite a few examples:

• The Department of Information and Technology signs a contract for voice and data communications worth $17 million, but after several "change orders" ends up paying $129 million.


• The Department of Management and Budget signs a contract for computing hardware, software and services worth $58 million which explodes to $555 million after "changes".


• A 13-year contract for "all state agencies" signed for $2 million, but somehow additions are approved to increase the contract to $144 million.


• A forty-month contract with the Michigan child support enforcement system to provide project management services worth $5.6 million is increased to $200 million, (over $1 million per week in overcharges!)


• The Department of Community Health makes over $55 million in questionable or over-payments to its Pharmacy Benefits Manager.

Meanwhile, in 2006 the Department of Human services overspends its budget by $30 million, doesn't report it as required by law and goes on spending, even though they know two months before the end of the budget year that they are over-budget and in violation of the constitution.

All of these overpayments and many more like them were reported in recent audits performed by the Auditor General of the State. The legislature responded when appropriate with new legislation to tighten controls.  But the only way to truly address these serious issues is for the Department heads to be held responsible by the "CEO" (the governor) for their incompetence.  This has not happened. To my knowledge, no department heads have been dismissed or even disciplined for their gross mismanagement.

The governor continues to ask for tax increases.  She has recommended an additional $1 billion in spending for next year and an additional 700 civil service positions, (while threatening to lay off 29 state troopers).  As a state representative responsible for sound fiscal policy, I cannot in good conscience even consider voting for tax increases when spending continues to spiral upward and hundreds of millions of dollars are mismanaged and misspent by government.  I am hopeful that the executive branch of government will get its house in order. Meanwhile, I will be reporting on progress toward a real budget solution at www.coreprinciples.blogspot.com.

The Governor has an epiphany

State Rep. Phil LaJoy first proposed consolidation of the 18 human resource departments within state government five years ago. Almost exactly four years ago his bill passed in the house and the senate only to be vetoed by the governor who said it was unnecessary. Suddenly, four years later, she has issued an executive order to do just that, consolidate 18 departments into one. When asked by MIRS what took the governor so long, the response from her press secretary was "We were already doing this, Representative LaJoy was just piggy-backing on what we had already started."

And it only took the governor three extra years to complete that process!

The Governor has an epiphany

State Rep. Phil LaJoy first proposed consolidation of the 18 human resource departments within state government five years ago. Almost exactly four years ago his bill passed in the house and the senate only to be vetoed by the governor who said it was unnecessary. Suddenly, four years later, she has issued an executive order to do just that, consolidate 18 departments into one. When asked by MIRS what took the governor so long, the response from her press secretary was "We were already doing this, Representative LaJoy was just piggy-backing on what we had already started."

And it only took the governor three extra years to complete that process!

Tax-and-spend Cushingberry wants to "restore" income tax

House appropriations chairman George Cushingberry, (D)-Detroit has proposed raising the income tax from 3.9% to 4.6% to help finance the governor's insatiable appetite for more of your money. When challenged on it, he told MIRS that it was not a tax hike, only a restoration of the previous tax rate. When accused by former Rep. Leon Drolet of pushing a tax increase, he called Drolet a liar. "Irresponsibility and lying to me is grounds for recall...and it's a lie to say we are trying to raise taxes. We're just trying to restore them" to previous levels (MIRS, May 24, 2007).

Maybe Rep. Cushingberry is on the right track, maybe we should restore them...to 1966 levels, when the income tax rate in Michigan was ZERO.

Tax-and-spend Cushingberry wants to "restore" income tax

House appropriations chairman George Cushingberry, (D)-Detroit has proposed raising the income tax from 3.9% to 4.6% to help finance the governor's insatiable appetite for more of your money. When challenged on it, he told MIRS that it was not a tax hike, only a restoration of the previous tax rate. When accused by former Rep. Leon Drolet of pushing a tax increase, he called Drolet a liar. "Irresponsibility and lying to me is grounds for recall...and it's a lie to say we are trying to raise taxes. We're just trying to restore them" to previous levels (MIRS, May 24, 2007).

Maybe Rep. Cushingberry is on the right track, maybe we should restore them...to 1966 levels, when the income tax rate in Michigan was ZERO.

House moves a "budget cut"

Finally, after waiting 9 hours, the Dems put a bill on the floor for a vote. It essentially resolves the "hole" in this year's budget, except for school aid funding. We are assuming that we will find a way to keep school funding whole, but they have decided to wait until next week to address that. Granted, much of what we are voting on is "gimmicks" and delayed payments, but it is progress. The good news is, the Dems tried all week to get us to vote for a tax increase, and they were unable to do so. The 2007 budget will be balanced WITHOUT A TAX INCREASE.

If you want to read up on the details, (and there are a lot of them) go to www.michiganvotes.org and punch in SB436. You should be able to find the House or Senate fiscal analysis of the bill.

House moves a "budget cut"

Finally, after waiting 9 hours, the Dems put a bill on the floor for a vote. It essentially resolves the "hole" in this year's budget, except for school aid funding. We are assuming that we will find a way to keep school funding whole, but they have decided to wait until next week to address that. Granted, much of what we are voting on is "gimmicks" and delayed payments, but it is progress. The good news is, the Dems tried all week to get us to vote for a tax increase, and they were unable to do so. The 2007 budget will be balanced WITHOUT A TAX INCREASE.

If you want to read up on the details, (and there are a lot of them) go to www.michiganvotes.org and punch in SB436. You should be able to find the House or Senate fiscal analysis of the bill.

Big Government responds to Frank Beckmann

Yesterday, I was on WJR with Frank Beckmann exposing massive mismanagement within the Department of Information Technology and the Office of Management and Budget. Apparently, I touched a nerve. The governor sent Lisa Webb Sharpe, director of the OMB to talk to Frank and give a rebuttal. The interview is on the link below.

http://www.wjr.net/Article.asp?id=413143&spid=6525

Just to review one of the most glaring examples of government mismanagement, the Dept. of Information Technology (DIT) had a 40 month contract with Policy Studies, Inc. worth $5.5 million for project management services for the Child Support Enforcement system. By the end of the 40 months actual expenditures for these services was $200 million! The oversight alone amounted to $161,000 per DAY, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Wow, that's some consultant!

You can view the audit for yourself at this web site: http://audgen.michigan.gov/comprpt/docs/r5051005.pdf

Big Government responds to Frank Beckmann

Yesterday, I was on WJR with Frank Beckmann exposing massive mismanagement within the Department of Information Technology and the Office of Management and Budget. Apparently, I touched a nerve. The governor sent Lisa Webb Sharpe, director of the OMB to talk to Frank and give a rebuttal. The interview is on the link below.

http://www.wjr.net/Article.asp?id=413143&spid=6525

Just to review one of the most glaring examples of government mismanagement, the Dept. of Information Technology (DIT) had a 40 month contract with Policy Studies, Inc. worth $5.5 million for project management services for the Child Support Enforcement system. By the end of the 40 months actual expenditures for these services was $200 million! The oversight alone amounted to $161,000 per DAY, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Wow, that's some consultant!

You can view the audit for yourself at this web site: http://audgen.michigan.gov/comprpt/docs/r5051005.pdf

Like The Jerry Seinfeld Show...

...It's about nothing.

The media may have convinced you that "the Legislature is working hard to resolve the budget crisis." Don't be fooled. On Thursday, we were called to order at noon, passed a few lesser bills and then, from 12:30 until 4:40 waited through a series of "at ease" and recesses, until finally being adjourned for the day without passing any bills.

Today, Friday, we were called in for the first Friday session in perhaps 15 years. We were convened at 10:00 a.m. We sat around waiting through another series of "at ease" breaks until 12:30 when we were recessed until 2:00 p.m. We were convened and recessed again in one fell swoop of the gavel at 2:00. We are due back at 4:00. We have yet to vote on a single bill today. Rumor has it that one of the Dems is in the Caribbean and her vote is needed to get to 56 for a tax increase. She will be back tomorrow, so I guess we will be in Lansing for the first Saturday session in perhaps 50 years!

In the words of Matt Drudge, "developing..."

Like The Jerry Seinfeld Show...

...It's about nothing.

The media may have convinced you that "the Legislature is working hard to resolve the budget crisis." Don't be fooled. On Thursday, we were called to order at noon, passed a few lesser bills and then, from 12:30 until 4:40 waited through a series of "at ease" and recesses, until finally being adjourned for the day without passing any bills.

Today, Friday, we were called in for the first Friday session in perhaps 15 years. We were convened at 10:00 a.m. We sat around waiting through another series of "at ease" breaks until 12:30 when we were recessed until 2:00 p.m. We were convened and recessed again in one fell swoop of the gavel at 2:00. We are due back at 4:00. We have yet to vote on a single bill today. Rumor has it that one of the Dems is in the Caribbean and her vote is needed to get to 56 for a tax increase. She will be back tomorrow, so I guess we will be in Lansing for the first Saturday session in perhaps 50 years!

In the words of Matt Drudge, "developing..."

Frank Beckmann interviews Jack Hoogendyk on WJR

Would you pay a consultant over $165,000 per day, 24/7 for 9 years to help you with your information systems? Michigan did! Listen to this 5 minute interview: Frank Beckmann Show

Frank Beckmann interviews Jack Hoogendyk on WJR

Would you pay a consultant over $165,000 per day, 24/7 for 9 years to help you with your information systems? Michigan did! Listen to this 5 minute interview: Frank Beckmann Show

Symbolic Gesture

We just passed HCR 26, a resolution requesting the State Officers Compensation Commission (SOCC) to recommend a 5% reduction in the salaries of members of the Legislature. Big deal. Guess when the SOCC meets again? November 2008.

Symbolic Gesture

We just passed HCR 26, a resolution requesting the State Officers Compensation Commission (SOCC) to recommend a 5% reduction in the salaries of members of the Legislature. Big deal. Guess when the SOCC meets again? November 2008.

Dems answer to budget shortfall? INCREASE spending

Yes, folks, it's true. Today the House Appropriations committee passed a "supplemental spending bill" (HB 4492) to address the spending shortfall in this year's budget. Oddly, the bill (as reported by MIRS) actually increases spending for this year by $69.5 million! Included in the bill is "the intent of the Legislature to restore funding for the Healthy Michigan Fund and arts grants in the 2007-2008 fiscal year."

If that isn't bad enough, the bill is tie-barred to HB 4500, which will raise your income tax from 3.9% to 4.6%. I hope you are ready to pay your fair share of taxes...

To learn more abut these bills go to www.michiganvotes.org.

Stay tuned for up-to-the-minute reports from the house floor as time permits...

Dems answer to budget shortfall? INCREASE spending

Yes, folks, it's true. Today the House Appropriations committee passed a "supplemental spending bill" (HB 4492) to address the spending shortfall in this year's budget. Oddly, the bill (as reported by MIRS) actually increases spending for this year by $69.5 million! Included in the bill is "the intent of the Legislature to restore funding for the Healthy Michigan Fund and arts grants in the 2007-2008 fiscal year."

If that isn't bad enough, the bill is tie-barred to HB 4500, which will raise your income tax from 3.9% to 4.6%. I hope you are ready to pay your fair share of taxes...

To learn more abut these bills go to www.michiganvotes.org.

Stay tuned for up-to-the-minute reports from the house floor as time permits...

Here Comes the Tax Increase!

The Dems started session at 1:30 today and promptly recessed the House until 6 p.m. They are working the backroom deals until they get the votes for an increase in either the income tax, sales taxes, or both. I suggest you tune in at 6:00 to see what happens. Go to the site below and then hit the "watch" tab. You can tune in live to our session.

http://house.michigan.gov/htv.asp

Incidentally, according to MIRS (inside the beltway newsletter), at least four Republicans are being worked for a "deal" by the Dems...Wenke, Nofs, Ball and Gaffney. If one of these is YOUR Rep. send them a friendly note or phone call and encourage them to hold firm and not vote to raise taxes.

Here Comes the Tax Increase!

The Dems started session at 1:30 today and promptly recessed the House until 6 p.m. They are working the backroom deals until they get the votes for an increase in either the income tax, sales taxes, or both. I suggest you tune in at 6:00 to see what happens. Go to the site below and then hit the "watch" tab. You can tune in live to our session.

http://house.michigan.gov/htv.asp

Incidentally, according to MIRS (inside the beltway newsletter), at least four Republicans are being worked for a "deal" by the Dems...Wenke, Nofs, Ball and Gaffney. If one of these is YOUR Rep. send them a friendly note or phone call and encourage them to hold firm and not vote to raise taxes.

Alert...your taxes are going up tonight

TAXPAYER ALERT

The Democrat leadership called us into session at 1:30 p.m. today.  We have been waiting around ever since.  It is now 6:30 p.m. Rumor has it that tonight we will be voting on any number of possible tax increase measures.

What is of interest is that the House Appropriations committee voted today to pass a supplemental spending bill for this year's budget.  The Senate had sent over a spending cut bill to move toward balancing the $800 million shortfall in this year's budget. But the House committee's version, (HB 4492) is actually a net $69.5 million INCREASE in spending.  The bill is tie-barred to HB 4500, which increases the income tax from 3.9% to 4.6%. (This means the spending bill only goes into effect if the tax bill passes).  There is no telling how this will play out tonight or in coming days.  You can watch House proceedings on the House TV network http://house.michigan.gov/htv.asp or check in with my blog for up-to-the minute reports from the House floor.
 
If you have any thoughts, contact me at: part.time.mi@gmail.com.

Learn about my part-time legislature proposal at http://parttimemichigan.googlepages.com.

Great quote from Craig DeRoche

A quote from House Republican Leader Craig DeRoche on the work the Legislature has done so far this term...

"You could take all the legislative activity in House of Representatives this year - more than six months past the election - and accomplish it in fifteen minutes." --Associated Press, May 20, 2007

Great quote from Craig DeRoche

A quote from House Republican Leader Craig DeRoche on the work the Legislature has done so far this term...

"You could take all the legislative activity in House of Representatives this year - more than six months past the election - and accomplish it in fifteen minutes." --Associated Press, May 20, 2007

Part-time legislature

Work is being done on drafting a constitutional amendment to make Michigan's legislature part-time. The proposal would do the following:

• Reduce legislative calendar to 100 days (Jan-May).
• Pay legislators only for the days they are in Lansing working.
• Reduce pay to 1999 level of $56,981 annualized, paid as a per diem.
• No expense account, only reimbursement for travel to Lansing and lodging.
• Prohibit any general tax increases unless passed by 2/3 majority.

By doing this, business will get done by May 1st. Municipalities and schools will know what their budget is BEFORE their budget year starts. Instead of taking 365 days to get 100 legislative days completed, it will take 100 days. This will save the state at least $35 million per year and make the government more accountable and efficient.

To learn more go to: http://parttimemichigan.googlepages.com

Part-time legislature

Work is being done on drafting a constitutional amendment to make Michigan's legislature part-time. The proposal would do the following:

• Reduce legislative calendar to 100 days (Jan-May).
• Pay legislators only for the days they are in Lansing working.
• Reduce pay to 1999 level of $56,981 annualized, paid as a per diem.
• No expense account, only reimbursement for travel to Lansing and lodging.
• Prohibit any general tax increases unless passed by 2/3 majority.

By doing this, business will get done by May 1st. Municipalities and schools will know what their budget is BEFORE their budget year starts. Instead of taking 365 days to get 100 legislative days completed, it will take 100 days. This will save the state at least $35 million per year and make the government more accountable and efficient.

To learn more go to: http://parttimemichigan.googlepages.com

Latest Poll: Tax increasers down, spending cutters up

EPIC/MRA the Lansing based polling firm just released numbers on a poll of "Lansing insiders" on the effectiveness of political leaders in this town. It revealed the following:
Governor Granholm (D): 78% NEGATIVE
Speaker of the House Dillon (D): 57% NEGATIVE
Senate Majority Leader Bishop (R): 59% POSITIVE
What is the difference between Granholm and Dillon vs. Bishop? Granholm and Dillon want to solve the budget crisis with tax increases. Bishop is holding the line and saying we can resolve the problem with budget cuts.

Latest Poll: Tax increasers down, spending cutters up

EPIC/MRA the Lansing based polling firm just released numbers on a poll of "Lansing insiders" on the effectiveness of political leaders in this town. It revealed the following:
Governor Granholm (D): 78% NEGATIVE
Speaker of the House Dillon (D): 57% NEGATIVE
Senate Majority Leader Bishop (R): 59% POSITIVE
What is the difference between Granholm and Dillon vs. Bishop? Granholm and Dillon want to solve the budget crisis with tax increases. Bishop is holding the line and saying we can resolve the problem with budget cuts.

Last One Out...

Spoke to someone from the College of Business at a prominent Michigan public university today. He has a good friend at the Business College at Purdue. Both colleges keep track of their graduates, and where they ended up. Over 65% of the Purdue graduates reported finding jobs in the state of Indiana. But for the first time ever, the business school in Michigan reported that UNDER 40% of their graduates found employment in Michigan.

I guess we can offer the best higher education in the country, (and arguably, we do) but if there is no jobs market, those students will go other states to find employment.

Last One Out...

Spoke to someone from the College of Business at a prominent Michigan public university today. He has a good friend at the Business College at Purdue. Both colleges keep track of their graduates, and where they ended up. Over 65% of the Purdue graduates reported finding jobs in the state of Indiana. But for the first time ever, the business school in Michigan reported that UNDER 40% of their graduates found employment in Michigan.

I guess we can offer the best higher education in the country, (and arguably, we do) but if there is no jobs market, those students will go other states to find employment.

Do You Think We are Overregulated? Read on...

Talked to a business owner today. She tells me MI-OSHA stopped by to inspect her business. She was assessed a fine because her EXIT sign on the back door was "too high." Seems the inspector was concerned that if there was a fire and people had to crawl along the floor, they would need to see the sign at their level. The fine was $2,000, but she was told it would be lowered to $200 if she signed a statement saying she would not complain.

Do You Think We are Overregulated? Read on...

Talked to a business owner today. She tells me MI-OSHA stopped by to inspect her business. She was assessed a fine because her EXIT sign on the back door was "too high." Seems the inspector was concerned that if there was a fire and people had to crawl along the floor, they would need to see the sign at their level. The fine was $2,000, but she was told it would be lowered to $200 if she signed a statement saying she would not complain.

"Cut 5%," said the Governor!

"We've got a great university system and we want to make sure it remains great, but just like any other entity, if you can't cut 5 percent a year, you are not doing your job," said Granholm Tuesday [December 16, 2003] in an interview with Booth Newspapers.*

I wonder if "any other entity" would include state government and its many departments. If the governor had heeded her own advice since 2003, we would not have a deficit in our current year budget, and we would not need a tax increase to replace the Single Business Tax. The Gov. has proposed in INCREASE in state spending of over $1 BILLION for next year alone.

*Flint Journal, Wednesday, December 17, 2003.

"Cut 5%," said the Governor!

"We've got a great university system and we want to make sure it remains great, but just like any other entity, if you can't cut 5 percent a year, you are not doing your job," said Granholm Tuesday [December 16, 2003] in an interview with Booth Newspapers.*

I wonder if "any other entity" would include state government and its many departments. If the governor had heeded her own advice since 2003, we would not have a deficit in our current year budget, and we would not need a tax increase to replace the Single Business Tax. The Gov. has proposed in INCREASE in state spending of over $1 BILLION for next year alone.

*Flint Journal, Wednesday, December 17, 2003.

Barely Breakin' a Sweat

This notice from the Leadership Office about today's session says it all: "No items will be taken up by the House of Representatives on Thursday, May 10. Attendance WILL be taken." So, in other words, the Dems wanted us all to "come to work" but gave us no bills to deliberate and vote on.

I gotta' tell you folks, many of us have have truly been spending a great deal of time looking for ways to balance this year's budget without raising taxes, and in fact, we have found a hatful of ideas. But, we Republicans are not in leadership. We must wait for the Democrats to act. They must come to the floor with either spending cuts or tax increases or a combination of the two. They took a whack at it in part a couple of weeks ago, but we are still waiting for the final resolution.

Barely Breakin' a Sweat

This notice from the Leadership Office about today's session says it all: "No items will be taken up by the House of Representatives on Thursday, May 10. Attendance WILL be taken." So, in other words, the Dems wanted us all to "come to work" but gave us no bills to deliberate and vote on.

I gotta' tell you folks, many of us have have truly been spending a great deal of time looking for ways to balance this year's budget without raising taxes, and in fact, we have found a hatful of ideas. But, we Republicans are not in leadership. We must wait for the Democrats to act. They must come to the floor with either spending cuts or tax increases or a combination of the two. They took a whack at it in part a couple of weeks ago, but we are still waiting for the final resolution.

Another Big Day on the House Floor

Crisis? What crisis? No votes on taxes or budgets today in the State House, but hey, we did get a meaningful resolution voted out! HR 64 -A resolution to memorialize the Congress of the United States to take action to investigate and provide remedies for those injured by the recent contamination of pet food and deaths of family pets. Need I say more? Well, just this one thing. We made our $368.00 today. (Salary plus expenses divided by 250 work days.)

Another Big Day on the House Floor

Crisis? What crisis? No votes on taxes or budgets today in the State House, but hey, we did get a meaningful resolution voted out! HR 64 -A resolution to memorialize the Congress of the United States to take action to investigate and provide remedies for those injured by the recent contamination of pet food and deaths of family pets. Need I say more? Well, just this one thing. We made our $368.00 today. (Salary plus expenses divided by 250 work days.)

The Sky is Falling!

"We cut everything that moves last year and what is there left to cut..." Jennifer Granholm, The Michigan Times March 5, 2004

Well, well, it is amazing what can happen to state government when funds start running out. Congratulatons to the governor for finding no less than 25 state boards and commissions to eliminate. I'll bet you've never heard of most of these, but just to name a few...

THE TEMPORARY REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM ADVISORY BOARD
THE UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK FINANCIAL ASSURANCE POLICY BOARD
THE AGRICULTURAL MARKETING AND BARGAINING BOARD
THE VALUE-ADDED AND COMMERCIALIZATION ROUNDTABLE
THE INVASIVE SPECIES ADVISORY COUNCIL
THE HIGHWAY RECIPROCITY BOARD
THE COMMUNITY HEALTH ADVISORY COUNCIL
THE CITIZEN-COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE COORDINATING COUNCIL
THE RETAIL FOOD ADVISORY BOARD
THE PERSONNEL AGENCY BOARD
THE BOARD OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
THE STATE SCHOOL DISTRICT ACCOUNTABILITY BOARD

and my favorite...

THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON SEPTAGE WASTE STORAGE FACILITY MANAGEMENT PRACTICES (or for short, the CSWSFMP)

Hmmm...wasn't it just last month, and last year, and the year before, that the governor said we had cut "to the bone"?

My only question would be, with the eliminatioin of these 25 boards and commissions, how many widows will be tossed out of their homes and how many children will starve?

The Sky is Falling!

"We cut everything that moves last year and what is there left to cut..." Jennifer Granholm, The Michigan Times March 5, 2004

Well, well, it is amazing what can happen to state government when funds start running out. Congratulatons to the governor for finding no less than 25 state boards and commissions to eliminate. I'll bet you've never heard of most of these, but just to name a few...

THE TEMPORARY REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM ADVISORY BOARD
THE UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK FINANCIAL ASSURANCE POLICY BOARD
THE AGRICULTURAL MARKETING AND BARGAINING BOARD
THE VALUE-ADDED AND COMMERCIALIZATION ROUNDTABLE
THE INVASIVE SPECIES ADVISORY COUNCIL
THE HIGHWAY RECIPROCITY BOARD
THE COMMUNITY HEALTH ADVISORY COUNCIL
THE CITIZEN-COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE COORDINATING COUNCIL
THE RETAIL FOOD ADVISORY BOARD
THE PERSONNEL AGENCY BOARD
THE BOARD OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
THE STATE SCHOOL DISTRICT ACCOUNTABILITY BOARD

and my favorite...

THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON SEPTAGE WASTE STORAGE FACILITY MANAGEMENT PRACTICES (or for short, the CSWSFMP)

Hmmm...wasn't it just last month, and last year, and the year before, that the governor said we had cut "to the bone"?

My only question would be, with the eliminatioin of these 25 boards and commissions, how many widows will be tossed out of their homes and how many children will starve?

Nolan Finley tees it up and hits it long

http://detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070506/OPINION03/705060305/1008/OPINION01

Nolan Finley tees it up and hits it long

http://detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070506/OPINION03/705060305/1008/OPINION01

Michigan Needs an Official State Amphibian! (Or, How State Legislators Fill Their Empty Hours)

Jeepers, Creepers! We love the Michigan Peepers!

Looking at the recent bill and resolutions introduced would suggest we have too much time on our hands...
Introduced 2007 House Bill 4703 (Designate peeper as official state amphibian) to establish in law that henceforth the northern spring peeper (Pseudacris crucifer) shall be designated as the official State of Michigan amphibian. Note: At present, Michigan does not have an official state amphibian, or an official state insect. Past bills have proposed designating the marbled salamander as the official state amphibian and the monarch butterfly as the official state insect. Michigan does have an official state reptile, which is the painted turtle. See also House Bill 4704, which would designate apple cider as the official state beverage.

Introduced 2007 House Bill 4704 (Declare apple cider the official state beverage ) to establish in law that henceforth apple cider shall be designated as the official State of Michigan beverage. Note: At present, Michigan does not have an official state beverage. Past bills have proposed designating milk as the official state beverage.

Introduced 2007 House Bill 4626 (Repeal “disproportional/detrimental” gender work assignment law ) to repeal the provision of the law prohibiting paying females less than males for the same job which also prohibits assigning tasks to a female that are “disproportionate to her strength, or detrimental to her morals, her health or potential capacity for motherhood.” See also House Bill 4625.

Stop us! Make the legislature part time. Then maybe we will take care of the real business of the people of Michigan, like cutting government, balancing the budget WITHOUT raising taxes...

Michigan Needs an Official State Amphibian! (Or, How State Legislators Fill Their Empty Hours)

Jeepers, Creepers! We love the Michigan Peepers!

Looking at the recent bill and resolutions introduced would suggest we have too much time on our hands...
Introduced 2007 House Bill 4703 (Designate peeper as official state amphibian) to establish in law that henceforth the northern spring peeper (Pseudacris crucifer) shall be designated as the official State of Michigan amphibian. Note: At present, Michigan does not have an official state amphibian, or an official state insect. Past bills have proposed designating the marbled salamander as the official state amphibian and the monarch butterfly as the official state insect. Michigan does have an official state reptile, which is the painted turtle. See also House Bill 4704, which would designate apple cider as the official state beverage.

Introduced 2007 House Bill 4704 (Declare apple cider the official state beverage ) to establish in law that henceforth apple cider shall be designated as the official State of Michigan beverage. Note: At present, Michigan does not have an official state beverage. Past bills have proposed designating milk as the official state beverage.

Introduced 2007 House Bill 4626 (Repeal “disproportional/detrimental” gender work assignment law ) to repeal the provision of the law prohibiting paying females less than males for the same job which also prohibits assigning tasks to a female that are “disproportionate to her strength, or detrimental to her morals, her health or potential capacity for motherhood.” See also House Bill 4625.

Stop us! Make the legislature part time. Then maybe we will take care of the real business of the people of Michigan, like cutting government, balancing the budget WITHOUT raising taxes...

National Day of Prayer

Please remember to pray for our leaders, our country and especially the men and women around the world who are in harm's way as they protect our freedom. Thanks to so many of you who have offered words of encouragement or prayer for me. God bless you and God bless America.

National Day of Prayer

Please remember to pray for our leaders, our country and especially the men and women around the world who are in harm's way as they protect our freedom. Thanks to so many of you who have offered words of encouragement or prayer for me. God bless you and God bless America.

It Pays to be a Hobbit in Lansing, or what I had to eat today.

The life of a legislator is one that only a Hobbit can really appreciate.

Breakfast was hosted by a union organization.
Second breakfast was provided courtesy of "Fight Crime, Invest in Kids."
"Luncheons" came from a Michigan Association representing an industry group.
"Dinner" was provided by the "Michigan Council for Maternal and Child Health".
Ah, but then, when we got to the house floor at noon for "work" we got a REAL meal. A fully catered dinner from the Radisson, courtesy of a Rep. who was celebrating the passage of his first bill. We enjoyed pasta with red or white sauce, baked chicken, two kinds of salad, bread sticks, Jones Soda, and tasty little pastries for dessert.
It's a good thing we get all this charity because the $1000 per month of tax free expense allowance we receive would never cover our need for proper sustenance.

It Pays to be a Hobbit in Lansing, or what I had to eat today.

The life of a legislator is one that only a Hobbit can really appreciate.

Breakfast was hosted by a union organization.
Second breakfast was provided courtesy of "Fight Crime, Invest in Kids."
"Luncheons" came from a Michigan Association representing an industry group.
"Dinner" was provided by the "Michigan Council for Maternal and Child Health".
Ah, but then, when we got to the house floor at noon for "work" we got a REAL meal. A fully catered dinner from the Radisson, courtesy of a Rep. who was celebrating the passage of his first bill. We enjoyed pasta with red or white sauce, baked chicken, two kinds of salad, bread sticks, Jones Soda, and tasty little pastries for dessert.
It's a good thing we get all this charity because the $1000 per month of tax free expense allowance we receive would never cover our need for proper sustenance.

DIT suddenly finds some savings!

About a month ago, a bill came through the education committee to raise fees to teachers and student teachers to help pay for upgrades to the teacher certification central registry. You know, the state needs to keep track of teachers to make sure they are properly "certified". The Department of Information Technology (DIT) said it would cost $3 million to upgrade the database. I mentioned in committee and on the house floor when it came up for a vote that this seemed way too high a price to pay for a database upgrade.

DIT got little defensive and asked for a meeting in my office. They explained to me that they were doing this job in-house rather than find an outside vendor. Since all fifty states have to do this by federal mandate, I would think they could find a vendor who has already designed an off-the-shelf package. But no, they wanted to do it themselves.

Well, guess what. They were pleased to inform me that after working on this a little, they discovered that they could do the job for "only" $2 million rather than the $3 million they originally quoted. Hmmm...

Of course, either way, since DIT is an internal agency, I guess the Department of Ed isn't going to bid the contract out to private vendors. And I have my doubts as to whether they will ask us to rescind the bill and lower the newly increased fees to hard-working teachers.

Want to know more? Subscribe to my FREE newsletter at www.part.time.mi@gmail.com

DIT suddenly finds some savings!

About a month ago, a bill came through the education committee to raise fees to teachers and student teachers to help pay for upgrades to the teacher certification central registry. You know, the state needs to keep track of teachers to make sure they are properly "certified". The Department of Information Technology (DIT) said it would cost $3 million to upgrade the database. I mentioned in committee and on the house floor when it came up for a vote that this seemed way too high a price to pay for a database upgrade.

DIT got little defensive and asked for a meeting in my office. They explained to me that they were doing this job in-house rather than find an outside vendor. Since all fifty states have to do this by federal mandate, I would think they could find a vendor who has already designed an off-the-shelf package. But no, they wanted to do it themselves.

Well, guess what. They were pleased to inform me that after working on this a little, they discovered that they could do the job for "only" $2 million rather than the $3 million they originally quoted. Hmmm...

Of course, either way, since DIT is an internal agency, I guess the Department of Ed isn't going to bid the contract out to private vendors. And I have my doubts as to whether they will ask us to rescind the bill and lower the newly increased fees to hard-working teachers.

Want to know more? Subscribe to my FREE newsletter at www.part.time.mi@gmail.com

Part-Time Legislature

Check out my low-budget web site! http://parttimemichigan.googlepages.com and learn about why we need a part-time legislature.

Part-Time Legislature

Check out my low-budget web site! http://parttimemichigan.googlepages.com and learn about why we need a part-time legislature.

IS IT TIME FOR MICHIGAN TO BECOME A RIGHT-TO-WORK STATE?

What will it take to turn Michigan around? One possible answer is to make Michigan a right-to-work (RTW) state. Read more below. 

Is Michigan Ready to become a Right-to-Work State?
 
In March I introduced legislation to make Michigan a Right-to-work (RTW) state. What is RTW? Simply stated, in a RTW state, an employee who works for a company that has a collective bargaining agreement with a union is not required to join that union or to pay dues to that union.  In essence, that employee is is free to enter into his own contract with his employer for whatever pay and benefits he negotiates.  Currently, Michigan is a "closed union shop state."
 
What is the difference in terms of economic performance? Here is some data to consider.
 
Between 1986 and 2006:

• 11 RTW states added 104,000 auto manufacturing jobs


• Non-RTW states lost 130,000 auto jobs

From 1970 to 2000 manufacturing employment:

• In RTW states grew by 1.43 million


• In non-RTW states declined by 2.18 million

In the last year:

• Nine of the top 10 fastest growing states are RTW


• Michigan is 48th in population growth

In RTW states, unemployment is below the national average.  In Michigan it is about 2% higher than the national average. Employment over the last 20+ years has grown 20.2% in RTW states, it has only grown 11.3% in non-RTW states. There are many other compelling comparisons between right-to-work states and those who are not, including, RTW states have faster growth in construction employment, a higher share of population who own their own homes, higher average annual incomes, faster growth in personal income, much lower percentage of residents receiving welfare payments and substantially higher numbers of residents and children covered by private health insurance.

The facts are convincing.  Michigan would do well to become a right-to-work state.

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Has the Time Come for a Part-time Legislature?

The part-time legilature in Florida meets about 52 days per year.  Legislators are paid $30,000 per year.  In Texas, lawmakers meet every other year for a maximum of 140 days and are paid $7,200 per year.  In the great state of Michigan, lawmakers meet, on average, about 90 days per year.  But it takes twelve months to squeeze those 90 days in.  Many municipalities and virtually every school district in the state are handcuffed because, while their budget year begins in June, they must wait until September to find out how much revenue will be available to them. Michigan legislators are paid $79,850 per year, plus at least $12,000 per year for expenses. It's a full-time job with full-time pay, benefits and perks. Michigan is one of only a handful of states that pays a full-time wage for its lawmakers.

Meanwhile, the appetite for spending seems to grow with each passing year. As revenues fail to keep up with spending habits, new tax schemes are hatched.

The time has come for Michigan to enact a part-time legislature law. I propose that we do the following:

• Limit the legislature to 90 session days to be completed between January and May.


• Pay legislators $160 per day plus actual travel and lodging expenses.


• Eliminate generous retirement benefits.


• Require a 2/3 majority by both houses to pass a tax increase.

Because these changes require an amendment to the State Constitution, the proposal must go before the voters. If the legislature does not put this on the ballot (which they won't) the voters will need to do it by collecting signatures.

Do you agree that it is time for a part-time legislature?  Is it time tell lawmakers they cannot raise taxes unless two-thirds agree to do so? You can learn more at http://parttimemichigan.googlepages.com

Here comes the new tax package!

On the day of his election as Speaker of the House, Andy Dillon said (I paraphrase) "...and we Democrats will never do to you Republicans what you did to us. We will make sure you have time to read every bill before you are asked to vote on it." Well, Mr. Dillon must think we all attended the Evelyn Wood speed reading course. The 134 page new business tax bill was posted on our floor computers approximately 17 seconds before the board was opened for the record roll call vote.

Typically, when the board is opened for a vote, any member can stand up and request that the board be cleared so the bill sponsor can explain the bill. It only takes 22 members voting "aye" for this request to have the voting stopped. This is a courtesy that is always extended to colleagues. Not today. We asked four times for the board to be cleared. We were denied.

You, the taxpayers of Michigan, were denied the opportunity to be heard. The tax bill passed with all the democrats and four republicans voting YES.

Stay tuned for further developments.

Here comes the new tax package!

On the day of his election as Speaker of the House, Andy Dillon said (I paraphrase) "...and we Democrats will never do to you Republicans what you did to us. We will make sure you have time to read every bill before you are asked to vote on it." Well, Mr. Dillon must think we all attended the Evelyn Wood speed reading course. The 134 page new business tax bill was posted on our floor computers approximately 17 seconds before the board was opened for the record roll call vote.

Typically, when the board is opened for a vote, any member can stand up and request that the board be cleared so the bill sponsor can explain the bill. It only takes 22 members voting "aye" for this request to have the voting stopped. This is a courtesy that is always extended to colleagues. Not today. We asked four times for the board to be cleared. We were denied.

You, the taxpayers of Michigan, were denied the opportunity to be heard. The tax bill passed with all the democrats and four republicans voting YES.

Stay tuned for further developments.

A $57 million contract grows to $555 million!

The Governor says we are "cut to the bone". She says we need to raise taxes to support essential services.

Here is an "essential" service for you: The Department of Information Technology (DIT) entered into a ten-year contract with a well-know computer company for "hardware and software" for the Department of Management and Budget. The original contract value was $57.6 million. Over the life of the contract, that price grew to $555 million. Nobody ever stopped to ask why.

Now, the DMB has 752 full-time employees. Let's see, $555 million over ten years for 752 employees comes out to $73,138.30 per employee, per year. Those must be some special kind of computers!

This is only one of many examples of waste and mismanagement in DIT. For those of you who are interested, I can show you five contracts alone, awarded originally at $90 million, which grew to an astounding $1 BILLION! Have you heard the governor tell us there is waste in government? No, but she does want 700 more full timers in state government next year (not including state police--she wants to cut 29 state troopers.)

Question: If you did business with a company that was this inefficient, would you accept their price increase? Do you think we should raise taxes?

A $57 million contract grows to $555 million!

The Governor says we are "cut to the bone". She says we need to raise taxes to support essential services.

Here is an "essential" service for you: The Department of Information Technology (DIT) entered into a ten-year contract with a well-know computer company for "hardware and software" for the Department of Management and Budget. The original contract value was $57.6 million. Over the life of the contract, that price grew to $555 million. Nobody ever stopped to ask why.

Now, the DMB has 752 full-time employees. Let's see, $555 million over ten years for 752 employees comes out to $73,138.30 per employee, per year. Those must be some special kind of computers!

This is only one of many examples of waste and mismanagement in DIT. For those of you who are interested, I can show you five contracts alone, awarded originally at $90 million, which grew to an astounding $1 BILLION! Have you heard the governor tell us there is waste in government? No, but she does want 700 more full timers in state government next year (not including state police--she wants to cut 29 state troopers.)

Question: If you did business with a company that was this inefficient, would you accept their price increase? Do you think we should raise taxes?