State of the State

[Barney Reinberg]

Tonight we'll find out that the damn roads are worse that   Governor Gretch knew. Rather than over promise and under deliver, she'll find it necessary for taxpayers to make up the difference. After tonight, it will be more about raising taxes than fixing the roads. Just my pre speech prediction. 

[Willy]

What the hell was that tax increase for road repair a short time ago, chump change? G_d damned politicians.

[shinblind]

$15 minimum wage.

Two years "free" education after high school.

Universal pre-school.

Throwing more money to teachers who are all ready some of the highest compensated in the Nation.

Raising taxes and fees for road repairs. 

Assault weapons ban. Allowing police to seize weapons from those the courts deem undesirable. 

End the work for Medicaid requirement.

Making Michigan a welfare magnet state.

Best you be prepared to be blown away...again.

[Freedom Seeker]

Wow! Shinblind, did you have a copy of the speech ? Very close prediction from what I heard but I missed the assault weapon ban, but I tuned out for awhile after getting lost in thinking where the money will come even for two year college.

[XLFD]

The usual funding mechanism for the 'promise' of two year colleges is to create a zone where our old friend 'tax increment financing' (TIF) is used to take money from local (or even state) taxing authorities to pay the costs.  Where do those taxing authorities make up the money lost?  By raising taxes on individuals and businesses to get it back up to the old level, plus the usual upward adjustment.  It's a sorry process that is less efficient than just creating a separate tax or millage for 'free college', but it sure obscures the process for those not wary of the scheme to see that their taxes are being taken at a greater rate.

[Freedom Seeker]

Didnt know Whitmer, didn't vote for her but have to say that I like her passion and seeming clarity.   She gives a good campaign rally too.  I like that she reaches across the aisle pretty well.  The analysis mostly say she's going to have a hard time funding the plans.  TIF - Time to Find another way to rob Peter to pay Paul.  In the end they and the citizen go broke.  Keep the kids in Michigan and make everyone else who can leave, leave.  Free Education should be subsidized by companies as a benefit if they can't find qualified workers but then companies also can't afford the price of business.  What ever happen to personal struggle and sacrifice to get ahead in life?

[Freedom Seeker]

Transparency for State and governor office is good and past due!  What's MI debt now?  +$33 billion in 2015?

[Barney Reinberg]

Well she didn't come right out and say it. Maybe partial credit. We did find out her "fix the road" was a slogan and no plan. So, for the time being, we are to take snap shots of pot holes and "road shame" our highways. I guess a picture is worth a thousand dollars. I'm sure all the stills will be quite the heart tug for more tax dollars. Worst roads in the country? I'll be fact checking this claim. I guess that means we have no where to go but up. I guess Gretch is already counting this as a win.