Comments for The Center for Michigan http://www.thecenterformichigan.net/blog A Forum for Our State's Future Mon, 15 Mar 2010 21:09:08 -0400 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.5 hourly 1 Comment on Stumbling Senate blocks sensible tourism funding by Mike in Michigan http://www.thecenterformichigan.net/blog/stumbling-senate-blocks-sensible-tourism-funding/comment-page-1/#comment-4821 Mike in Michigan Mon, 15 Mar 2010 21:09:08 +0000 http://www.thecenterformichigan.net/blog/?p=3067#comment-4821 Frankly I don't understand the negativism associated with this topic? Even if you believe the numbers were exaggerated, say it was $2 for every dollar spent, the results are still very impressive and it supports one of Michigan's largest industries. Tourism is an industry that brings hard dollars into the hands of small business owners. Why is it wrong to support the state, emphasize a positive and make a few bucks for our hard pressed citizens? Frankly I don't understand the negativism associated with this topic?

Even if you believe the numbers were exaggerated, say it was $2 for every dollar spent, the results are still very impressive and it supports one of Michigan's largest industries. Tourism is an industry that brings hard dollars into the hands of small business owners.

Why is it wrong to support the state, emphasize a positive and make a few bucks for our hard pressed citizens?

]]> Comment on Passing the buck thru unfunded mandates by KG-1 http://www.thecenterformichigan.net/blog/passing-the-buck-thru-unfunded-mandates/comment-page-1/#comment-4820 KG-1 Mon, 15 Mar 2010 16:53:58 +0000 http://www.thecenterformichigan.net/blog/?p=3048#comment-4820 I like the ideas of: One, the constitutionality of an bill must be established <b>before</b> it can be implemented. Lawmakers are supposed to be familiar with the Michigan Constitution before they take office. Just how difficult should it be for them to cite a particular article & section? Two, the money <b>must</b> be in the budget before a bill can be signed. Shifting these cost to the local cities and counties is disingenuous at best and outright criminal at worst. I like the ideas of:

One, the constitutionality of an bill must be established before it can be implemented. Lawmakers are supposed to be familiar with the Michigan Constitution before they take office.

Just how difficult should it be for them to cite a particular article & section?

Two, the money must be in the budget before a bill can be signed.

Shifting these cost to the local cities and counties is disingenuous at best and outright criminal at worst.

]]> Comment on SPECIAL REPORT: Top 10 budget cuts & Top 10 revenue ideas by KG-1 http://www.thecenterformichigan.net/blog/special-report-top-10-budget-cuts-top-10-revenue-ideas/comment-page-1/#comment-4819 KG-1 Mon, 15 Mar 2010 16:48:48 +0000 http://www.thecenterformichigan.net/blog/?p=3071#comment-4819 Another one-sided article from Ms. Demas. Get all of the people off of the public trough for a few moments so that they can comment on whose pocket they would like to see picked to fund their own pet project. Michigan League of Human Services would just shrivel up and disappear without a constant infusion of government (read: taxpayer) money. Ditto for the CRC. Can anyone please point out to me when the CRC has <b>ever</b> been against a tax? Here's a suggestion for the tax-spenders concerned that there will not be enough money to fund their pet projects: create a tax-me-more fund. If the support is truly there for these programs and services, then why wait for government to act. Can you image the flood of money pouring in when people like Susan Demas, Sharon Parks, Mickey Switalski, Doug Rothwell and Shanelle Jackson shut their mouths, open up their wallets and generously donate as much as they can afford to give to their pet causes? It's easy to have the helping hand of government pick someone else's pocket. It says a lot more when you pay for something you believe in yourself. Another one-sided article from Ms. Demas.

Get all of the people off of the public trough for a few moments so that they can comment on whose pocket they would like to see picked to fund their own pet project.

Michigan League of Human Services would just shrivel up and disappear without a constant infusion of government (read: taxpayer) money.

Ditto for the CRC. Can anyone please point out to me when the CRC has ever been against a tax?

Here's a suggestion for the tax-spenders concerned that there will not be enough money to fund their pet projects: create a tax-me-more fund.

If the support is truly there for these programs and services, then why wait for government to act.

Can you image the flood of money pouring in when people like Susan Demas, Sharon Parks, Mickey Switalski, Doug Rothwell and Shanelle Jackson shut their mouths, open up their wallets and generously donate as much as they can afford to give to their pet causes?

It's easy to have the helping hand of government pick someone else's pocket.

It says a lot more when you pay for something you believe in yourself.

]]> Comment on Bipartisan freshmen demand movement on term limits and budget reforms by KG-1 http://www.thecenterformichigan.net/blog/bipartisan-freshmen-demand-movement-on-term-limits-and-budget-reforms/comment-page-1/#comment-4818 KG-1 Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:43:18 +0000 http://www.thecenterformichigan.net/blog/?p=3074#comment-4818 Term limits are one of the sources of the problems faced in Lansing? Why don't we see what has happened in a place where there are <b>no</b> term limits: Washington D.C. In Washington D.C., where elected officials aren't constrained by term limits, our elected "representatives" have given out bailouts to the banks and other financial entities, effectively nationalized a majority of the American Automobile Industry, and are intent on passing a health care bill that not only a majority of Americans <b>do not</b> favor, but want to do it without actually voting on it! In Washington D.C., where elected officials aren't constrained by term limits, we have people in charge of writing our tax laws who fail to properly pay their taxes (along with their numerous successors <i>including</i> Rep. Sander Levin), engage in inappropriate behavior with their subordinates, and treat the amenities of their offices as personal perks? Oh, and did I forget to mention that under the exceptional stewardship of our "representatives", we owe <b>over</b> $12.553-<b>trillion</b> dollars (or if you look at the total unfunded liabilities: $107.834-<b>trillion</b>). http://www.usdebtclock.org/ What is Michigan looking at currently? $1.8-<b>billion</b>? Nice try. Public office is supposed to be an brief interruption in ones career, <i>not</i> a career unto itself. If elected officials aren't aware of what's involved in running Lansing, then maybe they shouldn't have considered running for office in the first place. What would <i>your</i> reaction be if the professional that you went to to get something done (i.e. doctor, mechanic, dentist, etc.) told you that what you needed done was hard and that they haven't tried to it before you came to them? People don't get hired into a job in the private sector to learn what is involved to actually perform their job. The same should hold true for publicly elected officials! Term limits are one of the sources of the problems faced in Lansing?

Why don't we see what has happened in a place where there are no term limits: Washington D.C.

In Washington D.C., where elected officials aren't constrained by term limits, our elected "representatives" have given out bailouts to the banks and other financial entities, effectively nationalized a majority of the American Automobile Industry, and are intent on passing a health care bill that not only a majority of Americans do not favor, but want to do it without actually voting on it!

In Washington D.C., where elected officials aren't constrained by term limits, we have people in charge of writing our tax laws who fail to properly pay their taxes (along with their numerous successors including Rep. Sander Levin), engage in inappropriate behavior with their subordinates, and treat the amenities of their offices as personal perks?

Oh, and did I forget to mention that under the exceptional stewardship of our "representatives", we owe over $12.553-trillion dollars (or if you look at the total unfunded liabilities: $107.834-trillion).

http://www.usdebtclock.org/

What is Michigan looking at currently?

$1.8-billion?

Nice try.

Public office is supposed to be an brief interruption in ones career, not a career unto itself.

If elected officials aren't aware of what's involved in running Lansing, then maybe they shouldn't have considered running for office in the first place.

What would your reaction be if the professional that you went to to get something done (i.e. doctor, mechanic, dentist, etc.) told you that what you needed done was hard and that they haven't tried to it before you came to them?

People don't get hired into a job in the private sector to learn what is involved to actually perform their job. The same should hold true for publicly elected officials!

]]> Comment on SPECIAL REPORT: Top 10 budget cuts & Top 10 revenue ideas by Mike http://www.thecenterformichigan.net/blog/special-report-top-10-budget-cuts-top-10-revenue-ideas/comment-page-1/#comment-4817 Mike Mon, 15 Mar 2010 11:20:59 +0000 http://www.thecenterformichigan.net/blog/?p=3071#comment-4817 I cannot beleive the Govener of this fine state would consider a beer tax at this time. Michigan is in dire straits right now. "We the people" are hurting financially. We have the highest unemployment in the country. Where is the tax money generated from. It's not just the Breweries or the distributors. When taxes are increased these business' have no choice but to pass them on to the consumer. The distrubutors in Michigan are family owned and can in no way afford to eat an 80 cent or 4 cents a can increase. This would cost hundreds if not thousands of jobs just to the wholesalers in the state. Not to mention the bars that would close and all the employees that work at them who would lose their jobs. With a smoking ban in effect soon that will for sure hurt Michigan business' isn't it time that our goverment leave this industry alone. You have hurt us enough already. With the smoking ban alone it will cost several thousad jobs just to the people who clean and service the smoke eaters in these establishments. Why a beer tax now? the beer tax here is already higher than any surrounding states. I urge anyone reading this oppose any kind of tax on beer. It will ultimately hurt the consumer and the state of Michigan. I cannot beleive the Govener of this fine state would consider a beer tax at this time. Michigan is in dire straits right now. "We the people" are hurting financially. We have the highest unemployment in the country. Where is the tax money generated from. It's not just the Breweries or the distributors. When taxes are increased these business' have no choice but to pass them on to the consumer. The distrubutors in Michigan are family owned and can in no way afford to eat an 80 cent or 4 cents a can increase. This would cost hundreds if not thousands of jobs just to the wholesalers in the state. Not to mention the bars that would close and all the employees that work at them who would lose their jobs.
With a smoking ban in effect soon that will for sure hurt Michigan business' isn't it time that our goverment leave this industry alone. You have hurt us enough already. With the smoking ban alone it will cost several thousad jobs just to the people who clean and service the smoke eaters in these establishments.
Why a beer tax now? the beer tax here is already higher than any surrounding states. I urge anyone reading this oppose any kind of tax on beer. It will ultimately hurt the consumer and the state of Michigan.

]]> Comment on Bipartisan freshmen demand movement on term limits and budget reforms by Susan http://www.thecenterformichigan.net/blog/bipartisan-freshmen-demand-movement-on-term-limits-and-budget-reforms/comment-page-1/#comment-4815 Susan Mon, 15 Mar 2010 02:26:37 +0000 http://www.thecenterformichigan.net/blog/?p=3074#comment-4815 Here we go again, every time a group like the bi-partisah freshmen try to move an issue forward out come the flag wavers bawling about 'well you started it'. Doesn't matter WHO started what, the thing that matters is the we END it. Anyone with half a brain can see the entirely detrimental effect that term limits has had on the state and it's not really the institutional memory loss that's the biggest factor. It's the total lack of CONTINUITY! No business or corporation looking to settle is going to stay when they realize that any law made this year, can and likely will be tossed out next year when a third new members walk in thru the chamber doors. If you want a better economy, stabilize the government! AND don't even consider a Con-Con until the state's on a firmer footing or we'll all be living in wooden shacks by the middle of the next decade. As for what special skills and knowledge are needed" - go back to government 1.01. It takes at least two years to even begin to understand the budget process and probably 20 years to understand the whole thing. If you don't understand that, you understand zilch. Here we go again, every time a group like the bi-partisah freshmen try to move an issue forward out come the flag wavers bawling about 'well you started it'. Doesn't matter WHO started what, the thing that matters is the we END it. Anyone with half a brain can see the entirely detrimental effect that term limits has had on the state and it's not really the institutional memory loss that's the biggest factor. It's the total lack of CONTINUITY! No business or corporation looking to settle is going to stay when they realize that any law made this year, can and likely will be tossed out next year when a third new members walk in thru the chamber doors. If you want a better economy, stabilize the government! AND don't even consider a Con-Con until the state's on a firmer footing or we'll all be living in wooden shacks by the middle of the next decade. As for what special skills and knowledge are needed" – go back to government 1.01. It takes at least two years to even begin to understand the budget process and probably 20 years to understand the whole thing. If you don't understand that, you understand zilch.

]]> Comment on Education Town Hall Report: Support for Pre-K and funding, scrutiny of bennies by Jim Folkening http://www.thecenterformichigan.net/blog/education-town-hall-report-support-for-pre-k-and-funding-scrutiny-of-bennies/comment-page-1/#comment-4814 Jim Folkening Sun, 14 Mar 2010 20:50:10 +0000 http://www.thecenterformichigan.net/blog/?p=3105#comment-4814 Phil and all, a great session regarding educating our youth and college students. I was disappointed that no issue statements focused on or that no one spoke about the great need for adult core competency development. When state funding fell from a one time high of over $300M to just $22M, an educational crisis was created and still exists. We heard a lot regarding educating our youth in risk. Most of these youth come from homes with low adult literacy skills. How can a parent read to their children when they cannot read themselves? Phil and all, a great session regarding educating our youth and college students. I was disappointed that no issue statements focused on or that no one spoke about the great need for adult core competency development. When state funding fell from a one time high of over $300M to just $22M, an educational crisis was created and still exists. We heard a lot regarding educating our youth in risk. Most of these youth come from homes with low adult literacy skills. How can a parent read to their children when they cannot read themselves?

]]> Comment on Bipartisan freshmen demand movement on term limits and budget reforms by Alex S http://www.thecenterformichigan.net/blog/bipartisan-freshmen-demand-movement-on-term-limits-and-budget-reforms/comment-page-1/#comment-4813 Alex S Sun, 14 Mar 2010 20:01:09 +0000 http://www.thecenterformichigan.net/blog/?p=3074#comment-4813 Term limits need to go. Legislators don't understand the legislative process well enough until their last years in office, when it is too late to fix all of our other institutional flaws. Get it on the ballot! Term limits need to go. Legislators don't understand the legislative process well enough until their last years in office, when it is too late to fix all of our other institutional flaws. Get it on the ballot!

]]> Comment on SPECIAL REPORT: Top 10 budget cuts & Top 10 revenue ideas by Jamie http://www.thecenterformichigan.net/blog/special-report-top-10-budget-cuts-top-10-revenue-ideas/comment-page-1/#comment-4811 Jamie Sat, 13 Mar 2010 22:20:06 +0000 http://www.thecenterformichigan.net/blog/?p=3071#comment-4811 There’s a reason the beer tax hasn’t been raised: It’s a bad idea that will hurt the middle class citizens who are already struggling, and that includes putting local jobs at risk. Despite Michigan ’s tough economy, Michigan ’s beer sector is saving and creating jobs. Raising the tax on beer means craft brewers and distributors will have an extra hundreds of thousands of extra costs every year that will endanger jobs in this sector. There’s a reason the beer tax hasn’t been raised: It’s a bad idea that will hurt the middle class citizens who are already struggling, and that includes putting local jobs at risk. Despite Michigan ’s tough economy, Michigan ’s beer sector is saving and creating jobs. Raising the tax on beer means craft brewers and distributors will have an extra hundreds of thousands of extra costs every year that will endanger jobs in this sector.

]]> Comment on SPECIAL REPORT: Top 10 budget cuts & Top 10 revenue ideas by Kit http://www.thecenterformichigan.net/blog/special-report-top-10-budget-cuts-top-10-revenue-ideas/comment-page-1/#comment-4810 Kit Sat, 13 Mar 2010 17:56:07 +0000 http://www.thecenterformichigan.net/blog/?p=3071#comment-4810 Michigan already has the highest beer tax in the region. It’s 300 percent higher than Wisconsin. It’s higher than in Indiana and Ohio, and made even more expensive because of our bottle deposits, which those states don’t have. If the beer tax goes up any more, Michigan beer will be at an even greater disadvantage. Michigan should support local businesses and jobs; we cannot afford to loose any more business to states across the border. It's time to stop singling out industries and pass real budget reforms that can fix our budget crisis once and for all. Michigan already has the highest beer tax in the region. It’s 300 percent higher than Wisconsin. It’s higher than in Indiana and Ohio, and made even more expensive because of our bottle deposits, which those states don’t have. If the beer tax goes up any more, Michigan beer will be at an even greater disadvantage. Michigan should support local businesses and jobs; we cannot afford to loose any more business to states across the border.
It's time to stop singling out industries and pass real budget reforms that can fix our budget crisis once and for all.

]]> Comment on Local government efficiency: 2 steps forward, 1 step back by The Bain Report: “Articles that Affect You and Your Family” « Craig W. Wright http://www.thecenterformichigan.net/blog/local-government-efficiency-2-steps-forward-1-step-back/comment-page-1/#comment-4809 The Bain Report: “Articles that Affect You and Your Family” « Craig W. Wright Sat, 13 Mar 2010 13:21:13 +0000 http://www.thecenterformichigan.net/blog/?p=2968#comment-4809 [...] Posted by rabman13 on Saturday, March 13, 2010 Richardville’s amendment “Benefit’s Unions” to the detriment of the Municipalities This amendment offered by Senator Richardville (R) Monroe to Michigan’s Public Act 312 increases the benefit to union institutional interests and places a burden on the local Municipalities. SB 1072 does not amend the Act in a meaningful way only transfers the burden to the already cash strapped Municipalities. SB 1072 fails to address a crucial piece of PA 312 — the local unit of government’s ability to pay. Nothing in this bill requires an arbitrator to consider first and foremost whether a community can pay an award. An arbitrator can say a community does not have the money to pay and yet still hand down an unaffordable award. Passed in the Senate on February 10, 2010 Senate Bill 1072 (Senate Roll Call 45) The Center for Michigan » Local government efficiency: 2 steps forward, 1 step back [...] [...] Posted by rabman13 on Saturday, March 13, 2010 Richardville’s amendment “Benefit’s Unions” to the detriment of the Municipalities This amendment offered by Senator Richardville (R) Monroe to Michigan’s Public Act 312 increases the benefit to union institutional interests and places a burden on the local Municipalities. SB 1072 does not amend the Act in a meaningful way only transfers the burden to the already cash strapped Municipalities. SB 1072 fails to address a crucial piece of PA 312 — the local unit of government’s ability to pay. Nothing in this bill requires an arbitrator to consider first and foremost whether a community can pay an award. An arbitrator can say a community does not have the money to pay and yet still hand down an unaffordable award. Passed in the Senate on February 10, 2010 Senate Bill 1072 (Senate Roll Call 45) The Center for Michigan » Local government efficiency: 2 steps forward, 1 step back [...]

]]> Comment on Education Town Hall Report: Support for Pre-K and funding, scrutiny of bennies by Jan Pardy http://www.thecenterformichigan.net/blog/education-town-hall-report-support-for-pre-k-and-funding-scrutiny-of-bennies/comment-page-1/#comment-4808 Jan Pardy Sat, 13 Mar 2010 04:01:47 +0000 http://www.thecenterformichigan.net/blog/?p=3105#comment-4808 It should be noted that the retirement system uses a formula for computing retirement benefits. This means that full retirement is not the same for all. For example "full retirement" for a teacher with 30 years of experience is equal to 45% of the top 3 consecutive years of pay... let's say it's $60,000...so that person's retirement would be $27000 annually for retirement. But a teacher with say 40 years of experience would get 60% of the top 3 consecutive years of pay or $36000. And I would like to say that as a teacher with 40 years of experience, I feel as if I am being forced to retire under all of the proposals that are out there. It should not be assumed that as a 40 year veteran I am burned out and no longer able to do my job. There are teachers in my district with only 15 years of experience that make as much as I do. "The powers that be" in Lansing want to force me to retire so I can be replaced by a lower paid teacher. But what does my school lose when I retire? Their lead elementary science teacher, the person who is the expert at understanding the MEAP data, an instructional leader, a member of the school improvement committee, a teacher who has knowledge and concern for the community and its families, but most of all a teacher who already knows how to teach and does a good job of it. It should be noted that the retirement system uses a formula for computing retirement benefits. This means that full retirement is not the same for all. For example "full retirement" for a teacher with 30 years of experience is equal to 45% of the top 3 consecutive years of pay… let's say it's $60,000…so that person's retirement would be $27000 annually for retirement. But a teacher with say 40 years of experience would get 60% of the top 3 consecutive years of pay or $36000.

And I would like to say that as a teacher with 40 years of experience, I feel as if I am being forced to retire under all of the proposals that are out there. It should not be assumed that as a 40 year veteran I am burned out and no longer able to do my job. There are teachers in my district with only 15 years of experience that make as much as I do. "The powers that be" in Lansing want to force me to retire so I can be replaced by a lower paid teacher. But what does my school lose when I retire? Their lead elementary science teacher, the person who is the expert at understanding the MEAP data, an instructional leader, a member of the school improvement committee, a teacher who has knowledge and concern for the community and its families, but most of all a teacher who already knows how to teach and does a good job of it.

]]> Comment on Education Town Hall Report: Support for Pre-K and funding, scrutiny of bennies by Michael Krause http://www.thecenterformichigan.net/blog/education-town-hall-report-support-for-pre-k-and-funding-scrutiny-of-bennies/comment-page-1/#comment-4807 Michael Krause Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:33:11 +0000 http://www.thecenterformichigan.net/blog/?p=3105#comment-4807 Proposal A was flawed from the begining. Its assumptions were based on constant economic growth, which never happens especially in an industrial state. Children are our future and I want the best teacher I can find for all children. Just like we want the best doctor when we are sick. If schools are to continue to attract the best and brightest, competitve pay and benefits must be in the formula. Good teachers don't just work a 40 hour week. Nor is the underfunding of their modest pension plan their fault, a 2008 Wall St. melt down is the biggest problem. Health Care is another issue and our local Bad Axe District Teachers just dropped MESSA for lower cost coverage, so yes some teachers understand kids come first. Dedicated teachers don't work 40 hour weeks, they work for hours grading papers, planning curriculm and being a person who cares for a child they have in their classroom when no one else is there to care for them. A dedicated teacher does what is best for their classroom , no matter how many new unfunded programs come from Lansing or Washigton. MEAP, No Child Left Behind,Algebra II graduation requirements when they still can't read, to name just a few wastefull programs. So it is time for those in a leadership role to make bold long term changes that will correct the major flaws caused by Proposal A. Increased taxes and a reduction in unfunded education mamdates must occur now. That is what legislators were elected to do. Not throw it back into the lap of the voter. What's to worry Mr or Mrs legislator after 6 years you have your pension and benefits anyway so stick you neck out and solve the problem. I for one am not afraid of paying my fair share to help our children become the best they can be. Proposal A was flawed from the begining. Its assumptions were based on constant economic growth, which never happens especially in an industrial state. Children are our future and I want the best teacher I can find for all children. Just like we want the best doctor when we are sick. If schools are to continue to attract the best and brightest, competitve pay and benefits must be in the formula. Good teachers don't just work a 40 hour week. Nor is the underfunding of their modest pension plan their fault, a 2008 Wall St. melt down is the biggest problem. Health Care is another issue and our local Bad Axe District Teachers just dropped MESSA for lower cost coverage, so yes some teachers understand kids come first.

Dedicated teachers don't work 40 hour weeks, they work for hours grading papers, planning curriculm and being a person who cares for a child they have in their classroom when no one else is there to care for them.

A dedicated teacher does what is best for their classroom , no matter how many new unfunded programs come from Lansing or Washigton. MEAP, No Child Left Behind,Algebra II graduation requirements when they still can't read, to name just a few wastefull programs.

So it is time for those in a leadership role to make bold long term changes that will correct the major flaws caused by Proposal A. Increased taxes and a reduction in unfunded education mamdates must occur now. That is what legislators were elected to do. Not throw it back into the lap of the voter.

What's to worry Mr or Mrs legislator after 6 years you have your pension and benefits anyway so stick you neck out and solve the problem. I for one am not afraid of paying my fair share to help our children become the best they can be.

]]> Comment on Education Town Hall Report: Support for Pre-K and funding, scrutiny of bennies by Jeff Salisbury http://www.thecenterformichigan.net/blog/education-town-hall-report-support-for-pre-k-and-funding-scrutiny-of-bennies/comment-page-1/#comment-4806 Jeff Salisbury Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:22:28 +0000 http://www.thecenterformichigan.net/blog/?p=3105#comment-4806 I want to correct and clarify some remarks State Rep. Tim Melton made at the Town Hall when he attempted to portray the MPSRS retirement system as broken or at least unsustainable. Contrary to Rep. Melton's scenario, ONLY Public School Employees hired after 1990 and who ALSO joined the Member Investment Plan (MIP) can retire with a full pension at age 46 - so...let's assume as he did in his hypothetical example, that the new teacher is hired at age 22 in 1990 - then buys 5 years of service credit - works for 25 years THEN he/she COULD retire and collect a full pension (at minimum age of 46) - It also should be noted that the current US male life expectancy is 74 ( which makes his example a rare event for that former school employee to live to age 87 - given that life expectancy, it's more likely that person might collect a pension for about 27 years - but not rather unlikely for the 40 years that Rep. Melton described. All Public School employees NOT in the MIP cannot retire with a full pension until age 55 assuming 30 years of service or 60 with at least 10 years of service. Rep. Melton's hypothetical had limited validity. I want to correct and clarify some remarks State Rep. Tim Melton made at the Town Hall when he attempted to portray the MPSRS retirement system as broken or at least unsustainable. Contrary to Rep. Melton's scenario, ONLY Public School Employees hired after 1990 and who ALSO joined the Member Investment Plan (MIP) can retire with a full pension at age 46 – so…let's assume as he did in his hypothetical example, that the new teacher is hired at age 22 in 1990 – then buys 5 years of service credit – works for 25 years THEN he/she COULD retire and collect a full pension (at minimum age of 46) – It also should be noted that the current US male life expectancy is 74 ( which makes his example a rare event for that former school employee to live to age 87 – given that life expectancy, it's more likely that person might collect a pension for about 27 years – but not rather unlikely for the 40 years that Rep. Melton described. All Public School employees NOT in the MIP cannot retire with a full pension until age 55 assuming 30 years of service or 60 with at least 10 years of service. Rep. Melton's hypothetical had limited validity.

]]> Comment on Bipartisan freshmen demand movement on term limits and budget reforms by Lyle Tyler http://www.thecenterformichigan.net/blog/bipartisan-freshmen-demand-movement-on-term-limits-and-budget-reforms/comment-page-1/#comment-4805 Lyle Tyler Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:02:15 +0000 http://www.thecenterformichigan.net/blog/?p=3074#comment-4805 Congratulations to the Bipartison Caucus for bringing these two important issues into focus. Bill Rogers and Tim Bledsoe are showing real leadership skills that reflect the feelings of the public. We are tired of the bickering and expect the legislature to work together to solve problems! Congratulations to the Bipartison Caucus for bringing these two important issues into focus. Bill Rogers and Tim Bledsoe are showing real leadership skills that reflect the feelings of the public. We are tired of the bickering and expect the legislature to work together to solve problems!

]]> Comment on SPECIAL REPORT: Top 10 budget cuts & Top 10 revenue ideas by Robert R http://www.thecenterformichigan.net/blog/special-report-top-10-budget-cuts-top-10-revenue-ideas/comment-page-1/#comment-4804 Robert R Fri, 12 Mar 2010 14:23:50 +0000 http://www.thecenterformichigan.net/blog/?p=3071#comment-4804 I would agree significant cuts in the pay and benefits of public workers are in order. There are alot of other reforms that need to be made as well. But that will not close the budget hole. A cuts only budget will only hurt this state. We collect sales tax on goods only, and this is one of the most limited in the country. Most states tax services to some extent. We need to do so as well. Raising gas tax to fund road repairs is essential. Our roads and bridges are crumbling. There are long term solutions that are better, but that is for another day. Raise beer and wine tax, even just a little will help. We want a growing and thriving state. That takes jobs. Who would locate their business in this state. We cannot expect business to invest in our state if we will not invest in ourselves I would agree significant cuts in the pay and benefits of public workers are in order. There are alot of other reforms that need to be made as well. But that will not close the budget hole. A cuts only budget will only hurt this state. We collect sales tax on goods only, and this is one of the most limited in the country. Most states tax services to some extent. We need to do so as well. Raising gas tax to fund road repairs is essential. Our roads and bridges are crumbling. There are long term solutions that are better, but that is for another day. Raise beer and wine tax, even just a little will help. We want a growing and thriving state. That takes jobs. Who would locate their business in this state. We cannot expect business to invest in our state if we will not invest in ourselves

]]> Comment on Bipartisan freshmen demand movement on term limits and budget reforms by Robert R http://www.thecenterformichigan.net/blog/bipartisan-freshmen-demand-movement-on-term-limits-and-budget-reforms/comment-page-1/#comment-4803 Robert R Fri, 12 Mar 2010 13:41:12 +0000 http://www.thecenterformichigan.net/blog/?p=3074#comment-4803 Term limits were enacted due to entrenched legislatures working for reelection instead of their constituents. It was felt that term limits would eliminate that. It has not, and now inexperienced legislators parrot the party mantra instead of doing any real problem solving. Is the solution a part time legislature without term limits? Term limits were enacted due to entrenched legislatures working for reelection instead of their constituents. It was felt that term limits would eliminate that. It has not, and now inexperienced legislators parrot the party mantra instead of doing any real problem solving. Is the solution a part time legislature without term limits?

]]> Comment on Education Town Hall Report: Support for Pre-K and funding, scrutiny of bennies by Paul Derwich http://www.thecenterformichigan.net/blog/education-town-hall-report-support-for-pre-k-and-funding-scrutiny-of-bennies/comment-page-1/#comment-4802 Paul Derwich Fri, 12 Mar 2010 04:21:18 +0000 http://www.thecenterformichigan.net/blog/?p=3105#comment-4802 It is becoming increasingly popular to portray education retirees as fat cats out of touch with reality. Rep Melton calls the retirement burden unsustainable. A look beneath the surface as to why the retirement fund is now underfunded is revealing. When the retirement fund had an excess, then Gov Engler "borrowed" money from the fund and shifted the responsibility for keeping the fund solvent from the State to local district's per pupil allocation. As many Districts began to have financial problems they offered Early Retirement Incentives- ERI's. This added unprojected educators to the retirement pool. Now, to "Help" Districts, the Legislature is contemplating additional retirement incentives to entice 39,00 teachers to retire. These potential early additions to the retirement pool will only further drive-up the cost to Districts. The retirement formula has remained unchanged. What has changed is that there has been a large influx of new retirees that where not expected to enter the system this early. When looking at the retiree benefit problem from this perspective, I am reminded of the words of Pogo: "I have found the enemy and we is them". It is becoming increasingly popular to portray education retirees as fat cats out of touch with reality. Rep Melton calls the retirement burden unsustainable. A look beneath the surface as to why the retirement fund is now underfunded is revealing. When the retirement fund had an excess, then Gov Engler "borrowed" money from the fund and shifted the responsibility for keeping the fund solvent from the State to local district's per pupil allocation. As many Districts began to have financial problems they offered Early Retirement Incentives- ERI's. This added unprojected educators to the retirement pool. Now, to "Help" Districts, the Legislature is contemplating additional retirement incentives to entice 39,00 teachers to retire. These potential early additions to the retirement pool will only further drive-up the cost to Districts. The retirement formula has remained unchanged. What has changed is that there has been a large influx of new retirees that where not expected to enter the system this early. When looking at the retiree benefit problem from this perspective, I am reminded of the words of Pogo: "I have found the enemy and we is them".

]]> Comment on TAKE ACTION: Tell House leaders to take up budget and term limits reforms by Jan C. Dolan http://www.thecenterformichigan.net/blog/take-action-tell-house-leaders-to-take-up-budget-and-term-limits-reforms/comment-page-1/#comment-4801 Jan C. Dolan Fri, 12 Mar 2010 01:58:46 +0000 http://www.thecenterformichigan.net/blog/?p=3084#comment-4801 12 years in each house would be much preferable to the current term limits. As a former legislator, I appreciated having colleagues with years of service mentoring the newbys. I also believe June 30 for final passage of the budget, which is the date school districts and communities have their budgets in place is logical and should be encouraged with a day's pay loss for every day missed after the June 30 target. 12 years in each house would be much preferable to the current term limits. As a former legislator, I appreciated having colleagues with years of service mentoring the newbys. I also believe June 30 for final passage of the budget, which is the date school districts and communities have their budgets in place is logical and should be encouraged with a day's pay loss for every day missed after the June 30 target.

]]> Comment on TAKE ACTION: Tell House leaders to take up budget and term limits reforms by Jan C. Dolan http://www.thecenterformichigan.net/blog/take-action-tell-house-leaders-to-take-up-budget-and-term-limits-reforms/comment-page-1/#comment-4800 Jan C. Dolan Fri, 12 Mar 2010 01:50:20 +0000 http://www.thecenterformichigan.net/blog/?p=3084#comment-4800 As a former legislator in the Michigan House, I served with many, who,because of their longer time of service in the House were willing and able to mentor their newly elected colleages. This appears to be sadly missing today. As a former legislator in the Michigan House, I served with many, who,because of their longer time of service in the House were willing and able to mentor their newly elected colleages. This appears to be sadly missing today.

]]> Comment on TAKE ACTION: Tell House leaders to take up budget and term limits reforms by Jan C.Dolan http://www.thecenterformichigan.net/blog/take-action-tell-house-leaders-to-take-up-budget-and-term-limits-reforms/comment-page-1/#comment-4799 Jan C.Dolan Fri, 12 Mar 2010 01:37:59 +0000 http://www.thecenterformichigan.net/blog/?p=3084#comment-4799 Increasing the term limits to twelve years in the House and twelve years in the Senate would allow for the retention of some institutional memory and increase the probability of developing some bi-partisan working relationships. Hold the legislature to passing the budget by June 30 with a day's pay deduction for any day past that date. Increasing the term limits to twelve years in the House and twelve years in the Senate would allow for the retention of some institutional memory and increase the probability of developing some bi-partisan working relationships. Hold the legislature to passing the budget by June 30 with a day's pay deduction for any day past that date.

]]> Comment on Education Town Hall Report: Support for Pre-K and funding, scrutiny of bennies by JIm Zielske http://www.thecenterformichigan.net/blog/education-town-hall-report-support-for-pre-k-and-funding-scrutiny-of-bennies/comment-page-1/#comment-4798 JIm Zielske Thu, 11 Mar 2010 23:24:50 +0000 http://www.thecenterformichigan.net/blog/?p=3105#comment-4798 With healthcare cost projected to increase this year by 15.6% and pension benefits increasing from 16.94% to 19.41% and tax revenue down, it is understandable that this system is unsustainable. Foundation allowances have increased 4 out of the last 5 years but all increases are eaten up by these over generous entitlements. Until all stackholders, Mea,and taxpayers come together to find common ground education will continue to spiral downward with layoffs, school closures and larger class sizes. Reforms are needed on BOTH the expence and revenue sides or we will continue to maintain the status quo of this unsustainable system. With healthcare cost projected to increase this year by 15.6% and pension benefits increasing from 16.94% to 19.41% and tax revenue down, it is understandable that this system is unsustainable. Foundation allowances have increased 4 out of the last 5 years but all increases are eaten up by these over generous entitlements. Until all stackholders, Mea,and taxpayers come together to find common ground education will continue to spiral downward with layoffs, school closures and larger class sizes. Reforms are needed on BOTH the expence and revenue sides or we will continue to maintain the status quo of this unsustainable system.

]]> Comment on Bipartisan freshmen demand movement on term limits and budget reforms by Barb O'Kelly http://www.thecenterformichigan.net/blog/bipartisan-freshmen-demand-movement-on-term-limits-and-budget-reforms/comment-page-1/#comment-4797 Barb O'Kelly Thu, 11 Mar 2010 22:37:14 +0000 http://www.thecenterformichigan.net/blog/?p=3074#comment-4797 The real significance of this isn't extending term limits (which I favor)--it's having bi-partisan proposals come forward! We need to encourage these folks and re-elect them so they can assume leadership roles. The real significance of this isn't extending term limits (which I favor)–it's having bi-partisan proposals come forward! We need to encourage these folks and re-elect them so they can assume leadership roles.

]]> Comment on Stumbling Senate blocks sensible tourism funding by T. Allen Blackburn http://www.thecenterformichigan.net/blog/stumbling-senate-blocks-sensible-tourism-funding/comment-page-1/#comment-4796 T. Allen Blackburn Thu, 11 Mar 2010 22:23:42 +0000 http://www.thecenterformichigan.net/blog/?p=3067#comment-4796 This is exactly why we need to vote this group of embarrassments out of office and start over. The current batch of nincompoops is why term-limits may be a good thing. These people cannot get past their own short sighted positions to compromise with the other side for the benefit of Michigan. They are so polarized, by choice, that Michigan is guaranteed to fail. And we in Michigan will fail along side of them because we cannot get out of our TV chairs to get involved in letting Lansing know what we want. I agree, how sad. This is exactly why we need to vote this group of embarrassments out of office and start over. The current batch of nincompoops is why term-limits may be a good thing. These people cannot get past their own short sighted positions to compromise with the other side for the benefit of Michigan. They are so polarized, by choice, that Michigan is guaranteed to fail. And we in Michigan will fail along side of them because we cannot get out of our TV chairs to get involved in letting Lansing know what we want. I agree, how sad.

]]> Comment on SPECIAL REPORT: Top 10 budget cuts & Top 10 revenue ideas by T. Allen Blackburn http://www.thecenterformichigan.net/blog/special-report-top-10-budget-cuts-top-10-revenue-ideas/comment-page-1/#comment-4795 T. Allen Blackburn Thu, 11 Mar 2010 22:09:26 +0000 http://www.thecenterformichigan.net/blog/?p=3071#comment-4795 I bid on services for the State every few years. They want us to cut each others throats out here to get the costs so low that you have to eliminate raises and benefits for your employees to give them the lowest cost services. I think they should feel the pain they have inflicted on us for several years while they have had their gravy train benefits, retirement accounts, raises, good salaries. I am all for Bishop's plan to cut their salaries by 5% and freeze them for five years, make them pay for 20% of their health care costs. Let them see how they have forced us to live all of these years. There is plenty of fluff to cut from State employees to balance this budget and not cut further in to services that the state provides. Let them eat cake for a change. I bid on services for the State every few years. They want us to cut each others throats out here to get the costs so low that you have to eliminate raises and benefits for your employees to give them the lowest cost services. I think they should feel the pain they have inflicted on us for several years while they have had their gravy train benefits, retirement accounts, raises, good salaries. I am all for Bishop's plan to cut their salaries by 5% and freeze them for five years, make them pay for 20% of their health care costs. Let them see how they have forced us to live all of these years. There is plenty of fluff to cut from State employees to balance this budget and not cut further in to services that the state provides. Let them eat cake for a change.

]]> Comment on TAKE ACTION: Tell House leaders to take up budget and term limits reforms by Phyllis Wahlberg http://www.thecenterformichigan.net/blog/take-action-tell-house-leaders-to-take-up-budget-and-term-limits-reforms/comment-page-1/#comment-4793 Phyllis Wahlberg Thu, 11 Mar 2010 20:04:09 +0000 http://www.thecenterformichigan.net/blog/?p=3084#comment-4793 Move on term limit issue!! Assure budget approval by June 30. Best yet, make a 2 year budget so something besides just passing a budget gets done!! Move on term limit issue!! Assure budget approval by June 30. Best yet, make a 2 year budget so something besides just passing a budget gets done!!

]]> Comment on SUCCESS STORY: Netbooks and impressive grades at Detroit's Cesar Chavez Academy by Toni Bunton http://www.thecenterformichigan.net/blog/success-story-netbooks-and-impressive-grades-at-detroits-cesar-chavez-academy/comment-page-1/#comment-4792 Toni Bunton Thu, 11 Mar 2010 19:32:10 +0000 http://www.thecenterformichigan.net/blog/?p=2955#comment-4792 I am so proud of the success that CCA has. You're a great leader Juan!!! I am so proud of the success that CCA has. You're a great leader Juan!!!

]]> Comment on Stumbling Senate blocks sensible tourism funding by Jane Hoyle http://www.thecenterformichigan.net/blog/stumbling-senate-blocks-sensible-tourism-funding/comment-page-1/#comment-4791 Jane Hoyle Thu, 11 Mar 2010 19:22:27 +0000 http://www.thecenterformichigan.net/blog/?p=3067#comment-4791 I often wonder why we don't also mention, in Michigan's favor, that, besides beauty, lakes, beaches, bike trails etc., we are 600' above sea level, (take that all you coastal folks), don't have huricanes, maybe and occasional little easthquake and once in awhile a tornado. And,we have four distinct and beautiful seasons. What other state can make all these claims? None that I can think of. I often wonder why we don't also mention, in Michigan's favor, that, besides beauty, lakes, beaches, bike trails etc., we are 600' above sea level, (take that all you coastal folks), don't have huricanes, maybe and occasional little easthquake and once in awhile a tornado. And,we have four distinct and beautiful seasons. What other state can make all these claims? None that I can think of.

]]> Comment on SUCCESS STORY: Manufacturer moves beyond autos by Neil Karl http://www.thecenterformichigan.net/blog/success-story-manufacturer-moves-beyond-autos/comment-page-1/#comment-4790 Neil Karl Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:51:35 +0000 http://www.thecenterformichigan.net/blog/?p=3069#comment-4790 Does the AMS-16 Group qualify for Michigan tax abatements or a Renaissance Zone? How is AMS competing in the national and global economies? Does the AMS-16 Group qualify for Michigan tax abatements or a Renaissance Zone? How is AMS competing in the national and global economies?

]]> Comment on Education Town Hall Report: Support for Pre-K and funding, scrutiny of bennies by Duane L. http://www.thecenterformichigan.net/blog/education-town-hall-report-support-for-pre-k-and-funding-scrutiny-of-bennies/comment-page-1/#comment-4789 Duane L. Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:25:22 +0000 http://www.thecenterformichigan.net/blog/?p=3105#comment-4789 Our edcuation system has used student report cards as a means of communicating to all affected participants the progress/performance of the students learning. That seems to have proven to be such an effective tool that it has survived all past reforms. I wonder why with all the desire by Townhall particpants there was no discussion about creating a reporting tool for the progress/performance of the Michigan education system. The reasons for and the methods used in the student report card scheme are applicable to the Michigan Education system. If you want to improve something, measure it and report results on a regular schedule. Our edcuation system has used student report cards as a means of communicating to all affected participants the progress/performance of the students learning. That seems to have proven to be such an effective tool that it has survived all past reforms.
I wonder why with all the desire by Townhall particpants there was no discussion about creating a reporting tool for the progress/performance of the Michigan education system.
The reasons for and the methods used in the student report card scheme are applicable to the Michigan Education system. If you want to improve something, measure it and report results on a regular schedule.

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