To Tax or Not To Tax - Is that Really the Question ?

To Tax or Not to Tax ?

About a month ago I read an article on the Michigan Public Radio web site by Jack Lessenberry about taxes in Michigan. He talked about how it seems that for the past 20 years, tax cuts in Michigan have done little to help out our economy or conditions, i.e. our crummy roads. Well, will new or more taxes fix our roads?

Right now, the roads are so bad in our state that both democrat and republican lawmakers are considering hiking the Michigan gas taxes and fees.

But critics say small businesses will struggle if we or they have to pay any more at the pump. Charlie Owens is with the National Federation of Independent Businesses. In my opinion he made a stupid comment on Michigan Radio: Owens says he wants the roads fixed, too – but they'd rather it happen by taking money from things like film incentives. Fact is that the Michigan film incentives this year will amount to only about $40 some million dollars. And that does not take into account that a good percentage of the incentive is made back up in the business it brings in to the state.

I say only $40 million because some if not most lawmakers agree that Michigan needs up to $2 Billion this year and ongoing to fix and maintain Michigan roads. Bring them up to a country wide standard. So - to tax or not to tax?

Most people I talk to are fed up with road conditions. Many have already paid a 'pothole tax' through busted tires and wheels etc. Most want better roads! Most according to recent polls are willing to pay something more be it taxes or fees or whatever to get better roads. So Michigan lawmakers, Get Off the Pothole and do what is necessary. Forget your careers and ambitions in politics and do your job or get out! Act like men and women doing what you are hired to do. Fix our roads!

OK enough ranting. I for one am making it known to Michigan lawmakers they should do what it takes, even if it hurts, to repair our roads and repair Michigan's reputation. Think what happens happens to tourism, a big thing in our state, when someone visits from another state and leaves with a big Pothole Repair Bill. Not good.

Michigan Lawmaker's Road Fix

Finally not to be a bearer of bad news, but I saw a report on WXYZ TV in Detroit the other day which reminded us that if and when new taxes are approved, we won't even see any result until 2015 !!!  More band-aids on the roads this summer and winter I guess, but we have to start somewhere.

Thanks for stopping by and
Drive Carefully,
Will