How Politics Works in Lansing

Here is a story you likely did not read in the press:

Last Thursday, the House GOP caucus had prepared an amendment that would reduce, reform and cut government spending by $670 million dollars. It would have eliminated the need for the service tax, or the "surcharge" on the MBT.

The GOP had fifty members present that day, the Dems had 53. We were six short of the 56 votes needed to pass anything- they were three short. After Speaker Dillon told us he would give us a vote on this amendment in exchange for three votes on the final bill, he learned that many of his members wanted to vote for our amendment, and that it would pass! He then changed his mind on holding the vote, and adjourned for the day.

Our reforms included welfare limits, Medicaid reforms and reductions to wasteful or unnecessary items. There is support for reform in Michigan even within the Dem caucus, but Speaker Dillon is standing in the way.

Thanks to Craig DeRoche, Minority Leader for his leadership on this effort.