With most polls showing a 2-1 or 3-1 defeat for Proposal 1 in Michigan, I've been thinking about what would happen if the Proposal is actually voted down. For those not familiar, Proposal 1 is a tax hike (sales and fuel) which ostensibly will be used to fix roads in Michigan (State roads anyway. City, county, and Interstates not included). All this at a cost of 2 billion dollars, not all of which will go to road repairs. And what does go to road repairs will initially be quite small. Plus a bunch of special-interest pork included to get Democrat votes in the legislature.
We can look to history for a clue as to what the Honorable Rick Snyder will do - specifically the Bridge to Canada project from a couple of years ago which the Governor lobbied hard for, but which the Senate rejected. Rather than accept the fact that there were major questions about the cost estimates for this bridge and working with the legislators who voted down the bill in committee, our PO'ed Governor went around the legislature and got the Canadians to foot the bill for the construction, for which he didn't need any legislative approvals.
So, what does the Governor have up his sleeve this time to get around the rejection of his plans (if that happens)? What new plans does he have to extract more money from the overtaxed populace of Michigan?
Governor - nobody disagrees with you that the roads are bad and getting worse. We all know things need to be fixed. But surely you understand that people are tired of tax hikes, fee hikes, and the ever-growing size and scope of government. You really need to get your own house in order in State government before you come looking for more money from the already highly taxed populace of Michigan.
If you do that then we will all know you are serious about dealing with the problems in this state, rather than creating new burdens that only enhance your (already soiled) legacy. You know, sort of like what you did with Detroit when you made them get their financial house in order. You should apply the same firmness and critical eye to State Government. If you look hard enough you will find the money you need to get the job done without raising anyone's taxes.
