Senator Bishop leads the way in cutting government spending and taxes
By Michigan Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop
March 28, 2009
Over the course of the past several years, state government has struggled to lift Michigan out of a one-state recession. While our citizens cut back on their household budgets, sacrifice to pay their bills and fight to keep their homes, the state has increased taxes and fees in order to raise revenue and grow the size of government.
Instead of demanding more tax dollars from hard-working Michiganders in order to line the pockets of government bureaucracy, we must trim the fat and rein in state government.
On March 26th, the Senate took bold and decisive action by passing Senate Concurrent Resolution 11 to cut the salaries, supplemental salaries and expense allowances of members of the legislature, the governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general and the secretary of state by 10 percent.
This action on the part of the Senate represents one more step toward reducing the size and scope of state government and creating an environment that fosters growth and prosperity.
At the start of the 95th Session of the Legislature, I pledged to the citizens of Michigan that the Senate Republican Caucus would repeal the Michigan Business Tax surcharge, bring property taxes in line with home values and pass legislation to stimulate our state’s stagnant housing market. I am proud to report that the Senate Republicans have accomplished our goals.
Our first order of business was to repeal the Michigan Business Tax Surcharge with the introduction and passage of Senate Bill 1. Michigan businesses are the backbone of our economy. In order to reduce unemployment, revitalize our housing market, and stop the exodus of talented people from our state, we must attract and support job providers.
For too long now our job providers have suffered under an overly burdensome business tax. We have already seen growth in industries as a result of targeted tax incentives; imagine the growth we could see in all sectors of the economy when we reduce taxes across the board.
I have heard the outcry from citizens across our state regarding their tax burden, specifically property taxes. That is why the Senate passed Senate Joint Resolution H to place a constitutional amendment before the voters that would bring property taxes in line with home values.
Additionally, in order to stimulate our housing market, the Senate passed legislation to increase the Homestead Property Tax Credit by $1,000 and raise the income threshold by $10,000. The Senate also passed Senate Bill 346 to create a refundable income tax credit equal to 10 percent of the purchase price of the home or $10,000, whichever is less, for Michigan taxpayers who purchase a home by January 1, 2011.
As responsible legislators it is our duty to respond to the needs of our constituency. Senate Republicans are prepared to create a more efficient and effective government that serves the needs of the people and puts Michigan on the road toward the economic growth. I look forward to the House taking action on these bills in the coming weeks.
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