Environment -
I support additional legislation to help keep our Great Lakes and our State Parks clean. Over the past few years the current administration has cut funding and reallocated this funding for Administration purposes. We need to protect Michigan's legacy by protecting our wildlife, restrict unnecessary development (which leads to higher taxes), conservation of our State Parks, and stricter laws when it comes to any development of wetlands.
I would also support legislation that would prevent Canada from dumping anymore garbage into this great State. This has been a hot topic since Jennifer Granholm ran for office in 2002. Since then nothing has been done to prevent this dumping. In fact, Michigan was a target from Canadian dumping companies for causing damage to the trucks that hauled the garbage!
http://www.monroenews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070806/NEWS01/108060032/-1/NEWS
Airport Expansion -
I will fight to protect the homes of our citizens against an expansion program that doesn't make sense. A large number of flights per day are canceled due to lack of pilots or ready planes. Many of the airlines are scraping by trying to obtain more passengers so they at least break even. Why would anyone suggest taking peoples homes for a demand that isn't there?
Healthcare –
Healthcare seems to be the most pressing issue today. With empty promises from the left, citizens of low income as well as the elderly have an increased burden of obtaining sufficient medical care as well as prescriptions. Michigan should allow its citizens to obtain low cost prescription drugs from Canada if the drugs are competitive in price and quality.
In regards to actual care and insurance, I believe with the right legislation Michigan can form its own public health insurance plan. Michigan has the potential to create a system where insurance companies are not the one profiting from healthcare. We should have the right to basic medical treatment without emptying our savings accounts and without racking up large amounts of debt. How can we be one of the richest States in the Union and not have a public health care system in place?Gun Control –
Gun control also seems to be a hot topic, not just for Michigan, but for the United States as a whole. Democrats in Congress are trying to reinstate the Clinton Gun Ban. The current proposal H.R. 1022 has been introduced in Congress last year. The sponsors of this Bill are all Democrats. At present, there is a slim to none chance this Bill will ever pass, however, should a Democratic nominee become President, this will certainly go into effect again. The second amendment reads: “the right of the People to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.” Infringe, according to the Miriam Webster Dictionary “to encroach upon in a way that violates law or the rights of another”. H.R. is a Bill that will infringe on our right to own certain firearms. I call that infringement. Any “but” arguments are attempts to convince the public that we don’t need certain types of firearms and anything not needed should be banned. Who is the government to tell us what we need? What else doesn’t the government think we need? Keep that in mind while voting for President in November.
http://www.law.cornell.edu/constitution/constitution.billofrights.html
http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h110-1022
Helmet Laws –
Although I find it ridiculous not to wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle, mainly because when I ride bugs hit my facemask and I am grateful they don’t hit my face, I find it more ridiculous to make it a law and that the state feels they should make money off this law. However, given the number of new riders out there with little experience, I support light laws and am in favor of House Bill 4749, with some minor exceptions to the bill, namely the fees charged.
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1838342/posts
Taxes -
In this time of hardship, it is time for some tax relief from property taxes. Home prices are falling and Taxable value keep increasing. Many seniors are losing their homes because of the escalating costs to maintain the home. My tax adjustment to the Michigan CR form would increase the $1200 maximum credit according to inflation levels. In addition, I would also support the additional property tax credit for our 65 and older citizens to a maximum $1800 with an annual adjustment according to inflation levels.
In regards to income tax, I believe in rescinding all SBT Tax and returning the Income tax rate to about 4%. Government should never make excused as to why they need more money, they need to make some tough decisions when making cuts. One of the cuts I would like to introduce is the “Absolutely no benefits for elected officials after the term of their service expires”. The purpose of Elected Officials is not to collect benefits after 6 years of service, but to lead and aid in creating a better Michigan for all of us.
Same Sex Civil Union -
I support the civil union between same sex partners. In show of respect and political correctness toward the moral majority, I will use the phrase "Civil Union". All people should have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness and that includes entering into a consensual civil union. This in no way affects any other citizen and I would support an amendment to the Michigan Constitution allowing the same rights and privileges as conventional marriages. Spousal Rights has the potential to save citizens thousands in asset rights and transference as well as health insurance premiums. I believe this is the right thing to do and is overall in the best interest for
