Business groups argue against Mich. tax increases
"Organizations representing Michigan's business community are urging lawmakers to solve the state's budget crisis without raising taxes.
Michigan faces a projected budget shortfall of at least $2.7 billion for the fiscal year starting Oct. 1. Money from the federal stimulus package won't erase the entire deficit.
The Michigan Chamber of Commerce and affiliated groups scheduled press conferences across the state Tuesday to say government should cut spending and become more efficient rather than raise taxes.
A coalition of social service, education and labor groups wants the state to raise taxes to avoid cutting services. The coalition advocates expanding the sales tax to nonessential services, switching to a graduated income tax and ending some tax exemptions."
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
Going down: Detroit isn't the only Michigan city on the fiscal skids - MLive.com
Going down: Detroit isn't the only Michigan city on the fiscal skids
"Below the radar of a lot of people, though, is another layer of trouble that is only now becoming apparent, and is only going to get worse, experts say.
We're talking about local units of government -- counties, cities, townships and school districts across the state that are facing the harsh reality of severe budget cuts as the result of the housing market collapse.
'People believe it can't get worse, but we haven't even seen the worse yet,' says Bob Daddow, deputy county executive for Oakland County.
His is just one voice among many sounding the alarm over the dark fiscal times ahead for many officials"
Here's his video from 2008!
http://muskegonpundit.blogspot.com/2008/10/perfect-storm-economic-presentation.html
The amazing fact is this isn't "new" news.
It's been out there for years.
Gotta love the MSM!
Will we NEVER learn?
"Below the radar of a lot of people, though, is another layer of trouble that is only now becoming apparent, and is only going to get worse, experts say.
We're talking about local units of government -- counties, cities, townships and school districts across the state that are facing the harsh reality of severe budget cuts as the result of the housing market collapse.
'People believe it can't get worse, but we haven't even seen the worse yet,' says Bob Daddow, deputy county executive for Oakland County.
His is just one voice among many sounding the alarm over the dark fiscal times ahead for many officials"
Here's his video from 2008!
http://muskegonpundit.blogspot.com/2008/10/perfect-storm-economic-presentation.html
The amazing fact is this isn't "new" news.
It's been out there for years.
Gotta love the MSM!
Will we NEVER learn?
Senate must raise debt ceiling above $12T
Senate must raise debt ceiling above $12T
“The Senate must move legislation to raise the federal debt limit beyond $12.1 trillion by mid-October, a move viewed as necessary despite protests about the record levels of red ink.
The move will highlight the nation’s record debt, which has been central to Republican attacks against Democratic congressional leaders and President Barack Obama. The year’s deficit is expected to hit a record $1.6 trillion.”
So what happens if they don’t? After all, Obama voted against raising the debt limit when he was in the Senate"
“The Senate must move legislation to raise the federal debt limit beyond $12.1 trillion by mid-October, a move viewed as necessary despite protests about the record levels of red ink.
The move will highlight the nation’s record debt, which has been central to Republican attacks against Democratic congressional leaders and President Barack Obama. The year’s deficit is expected to hit a record $1.6 trillion.”
So what happens if they don’t? After all, Obama voted against raising the debt limit when he was in the Senate"
When Bush spoke to students, Democrats investigated, held hearings
When Bush spoke to students, Democrats investigated, held hearings
"when President George H.W. Bush delivered a similar speech on October 1, 1991, from Alice Deal Junior High School in Washington DC, the controversy was just beginning. Democrats, then the majority party in Congress, not only denounced Bush's speech -- they also ordered the General Accounting Office to investigate its production and later summoned top Bush administration officials to Capitol Hill for an extensive hearing on the issue."
"when President George H.W. Bush delivered a similar speech on October 1, 1991, from Alice Deal Junior High School in Washington DC, the controversy was just beginning. Democrats, then the majority party in Congress, not only denounced Bush's speech -- they also ordered the General Accounting Office to investigate its production and later summoned top Bush administration officials to Capitol Hill for an extensive hearing on the issue."
Monday, September 07, 2009
So who is Ron Bloom
So who is Ron Bloom
"Former SEIU principal Ron Bloom becomes the Obama 'Manufacturing Czar.'
Jake Tapper reported this on Sunday:
In Cincinnati tomorrow, President Obama will announce that he's appointing Ron Bloom his Senior Counselor for Manufacturing Policy, White House sources tell ABC News.
Bloom is currently Senior Advisor to Secretary of the Treasury Tim Geithner as a member of the President’s Task Force on the Automotive Industry, named to that position in February. He will remain in that position even while he takes on his new task.
So who is Ron Bloom?
Jammie Wearing Fool has this:
The name Ron Bloom is one that we need to start paying attention to. He has a long history of being the negotiating face of unions in a suit. He is a Harvard Business School graduate who has worked for the unions beginning with SEIU for decades. The most recent union he represented was the United Steel Workers (USW) before becoming a part of the automotive team that Obama put together. You know the one that had the head Steven Rattner having to resign over some questions about his personal finances mixed in with a little fraudulent money gifts.Rattner was replaced by Ron Bloom, and voila the United Auto Workers (UAW), got a sweetheart deal backed up by the power of the federal government to try and stave off bankruptcy.
This is just further proof that Barack Obama knows nothing about economics but is an expert on radicalism."
"Former SEIU principal Ron Bloom becomes the Obama 'Manufacturing Czar.'
Jake Tapper reported this on Sunday:
In Cincinnati tomorrow, President Obama will announce that he's appointing Ron Bloom his Senior Counselor for Manufacturing Policy, White House sources tell ABC News.
Bloom is currently Senior Advisor to Secretary of the Treasury Tim Geithner as a member of the President’s Task Force on the Automotive Industry, named to that position in February. He will remain in that position even while he takes on his new task.
So who is Ron Bloom?
Jammie Wearing Fool has this:
The name Ron Bloom is one that we need to start paying attention to. He has a long history of being the negotiating face of unions in a suit. He is a Harvard Business School graduate who has worked for the unions beginning with SEIU for decades. The most recent union he represented was the United Steel Workers (USW) before becoming a part of the automotive team that Obama put together. You know the one that had the head Steven Rattner having to resign over some questions about his personal finances mixed in with a little fraudulent money gifts.Rattner was replaced by Ron Bloom, and voila the United Auto Workers (UAW), got a sweetheart deal backed up by the power of the federal government to try and stave off bankruptcy.
This is just further proof that Barack Obama knows nothing about economics but is an expert on radicalism."
EU warns on proposed US travel fees - Yahoo! News
EU warns on proposed US travel fees
The European Union is strongly criticizing a congressional proposal to charge a $10 fee to some visitors to the United States and suggesting it may carry a price for U.S. travelers.
If it passes, the EU says, some U.S. travelers to Europe could face retaliation.
The fee now under consideration in Congress would finance a new U.S. program to promote travel, a burden that the EU believes Americans should bear."
The European Union is strongly criticizing a congressional proposal to charge a $10 fee to some visitors to the United States and suggesting it may carry a price for U.S. travelers.
If it passes, the EU says, some U.S. travelers to Europe could face retaliation.
The fee now under consideration in Congress would finance a new U.S. program to promote travel, a burden that the EU believes Americans should bear."
Porker of the month
Porker of the month
"Rep. Abercrombie’s latest outrage is to slip a provision (Sec. 2833) into the House version of the 2010 Defense Authorization Act that would double the construction costs of relocating 11,600 U.S. troops from Japan to Guam.
The original cost estimate was $15 billion, $10 billion of which is associated with construction of living quarters for military personnel and their families.
However, Sec. 2833 requires that the wages paid to construction workers match the “prevailing” wages in Hawaii, which are 250 percent higher than those on Guam. The Congressional Budget Office estimates this “would increase the need for discretionary appropriations by about $10 billion over the 2010-2014 period.”"
"Rep. Abercrombie’s latest outrage is to slip a provision (Sec. 2833) into the House version of the 2010 Defense Authorization Act that would double the construction costs of relocating 11,600 U.S. troops from Japan to Guam.
The original cost estimate was $15 billion, $10 billion of which is associated with construction of living quarters for military personnel and their families.
However, Sec. 2833 requires that the wages paid to construction workers match the “prevailing” wages in Hawaii, which are 250 percent higher than those on Guam. The Congressional Budget Office estimates this “would increase the need for discretionary appropriations by about $10 billion over the 2010-2014 period.”"
French healthcare is 'badly run'
French healthcare is 'badly run'
"France must make big changes to its health system in order to cut waste and increase efficiency, a government-commissioned report is warning."
"France must make big changes to its health system in order to cut waste and increase efficiency, a government-commissioned report is warning."
A day—and a death—to remember
A day—and a death—to remember
"On June 25, Michael Jackson’s death dominated the headlines.
It was a sad day for his family, friends and fans.
But another death went nearly unnoticed.
Lt. Brian Bradshaw was killed by an explosive device in Afghanistan.
Bradshaw didn’t make headlines around the world.
But nearly everyone in his hometown came out to mourn.
Martha Gillis is Bradshaw’s aunt.
She’s worried that a soldier’s death is often invisible to the public.
She hopes his nation will remember him."
"On June 25, Michael Jackson’s death dominated the headlines.
It was a sad day for his family, friends and fans.
But another death went nearly unnoticed.
Lt. Brian Bradshaw was killed by an explosive device in Afghanistan.
Bradshaw didn’t make headlines around the world.
But nearly everyone in his hometown came out to mourn.
Martha Gillis is Bradshaw’s aunt.
She’s worried that a soldier’s death is often invisible to the public.
She hopes his nation will remember him."
The Founding Fathers Could Never Have Foreseen Obama
The Founding Fathers Could Never Have Foreseen Obama
"Now that the majority of Americans are finally realizing what kind of a Dufus they’ve elected to the Presidency, and those who know it but will NEVER admit they know it, what happens in the next three and a half years?
How can the world deal with a LAME DUCK Presidency just six months into office?
Everything this President has touched has turned into crap.
In less than 6 months he’s spent more money than ALL PREVIOUS PRESIDENTS COMBINED from the time of George W Washington, indebting the USA to the tune of TRILLIONS of dollars and still counting."
"Now that the majority of Americans are finally realizing what kind of a Dufus they’ve elected to the Presidency, and those who know it but will NEVER admit they know it, what happens in the next three and a half years?
How can the world deal with a LAME DUCK Presidency just six months into office?
Everything this President has touched has turned into crap.
In less than 6 months he’s spent more money than ALL PREVIOUS PRESIDENTS COMBINED from the time of George W Washington, indebting the USA to the tune of TRILLIONS of dollars and still counting."
David Sirota: Glenn Beck Is A 'Right-Wing Political Terrorist'; Van Jones Is 'A National Hero' | NewsBusters.org
David Sirota: Glenn Beck Is A 'Right-Wing Political Terrorist'; Van Jones Is 'A National Hero'
"what I think what's going on here is that the White House is listening to the right-wing's political terrorists, people like Glenn Beck, people like conservative activists who have targeted Van Jones because Van Jones is an African-American"
"what I think what's going on here is that the White House is listening to the right-wing's political terrorists, people like Glenn Beck, people like conservative activists who have targeted Van Jones because Van Jones is an African-American"
Whitehall wants $22 million bond issue
White Lake Beacon
"Whitehall District Schools is once again investigating the possibility of going to voters with a bond vote for facility improvements.
Last May voters decidedly defeated a $22 million bond issue. "
Be afraid...very afraid!
"Whitehall District Schools is once again investigating the possibility of going to voters with a bond vote for facility improvements.
Last May voters decidedly defeated a $22 million bond issue. "
Be afraid...very afraid!
Largest U.S. brewers say beer prices will take a hop up
Largest U.S. brewers say beer prices will take a hop up
"Drink up! Beer prices are going up.
The two largest U.S. beer sellers say they plan to raise prices,"
"Drink up! Beer prices are going up.
The two largest U.S. beer sellers say they plan to raise prices,"
Jobless press benefit extension
Jobless press benefit extension
"Since June 2008, Congress has extended jobless benefits three times.
Unemployed workers initially qualify for up to 26 weeks.
But with the extensions, Michiganians are eligible for 79 weeks of benefits -- or 1 1/2 years.
The proposed extension would boost the number of weeks to 92 -- a year and nine months."
Because of high unemployment, Michigan's unemployment insurance trust fund -- which is paid for by a tax on employers laying off workers -- is depleted, forcing the state to borrow $2 billion from the federal government
"Since June 2008, Congress has extended jobless benefits three times.
Unemployed workers initially qualify for up to 26 weeks.
But with the extensions, Michiganians are eligible for 79 weeks of benefits -- or 1 1/2 years.
The proposed extension would boost the number of weeks to 92 -- a year and nine months."
Because of high unemployment, Michigan's unemployment insurance trust fund -- which is paid for by a tax on employers laying off workers -- is depleted, forcing the state to borrow $2 billion from the federal government
Detroit takeover viewed as last resort
Detroit takeover viewed as last resort
"With increasing frequency, Mayor Dave Bing has raised the threat of receivership and warned the appointment of an emergency financial manager and even bankruptcy are possible for Detroit as he struggles to control the city's finances"
"With increasing frequency, Mayor Dave Bing has raised the threat of receivership and warned the appointment of an emergency financial manager and even bankruptcy are possible for Detroit as he struggles to control the city's finances"
Union bigs get the best deals: A sour Labor Day lesson on pensions
Union bigs get the best deals: A sour Labor Day lesson on pensions
"unions are once again seeking to recruit new members with promises of higher wages and generous pension benefits.
These promises are made despite pension funds' reports to the U.S. Labor Department showing that collectively bargained pension funds are underfunded when compared with other pensions.
In contrast, pension funds for unions' own staff and officers have been doing just fine."
"unions are once again seeking to recruit new members with promises of higher wages and generous pension benefits.
These promises are made despite pension funds' reports to the U.S. Labor Department showing that collectively bargained pension funds are underfunded when compared with other pensions.
In contrast, pension funds for unions' own staff and officers have been doing just fine."
Sunday, September 06, 2009
The hunt is on for more ammunition in Nevada, U.S.
The hunt is on for more ammunition in Nevada, U.S.
"The scarcity of ammunition is part of a trend that began immediately after the presidential election, retailers say."
"The scarcity of ammunition is part of a trend that began immediately after the presidential election, retailers say."
No.10 turns on Obama and Clinton for criticising decision to release Lockerbie bomber
No.10 turns on Obama and Clinton for criticising decision to release Lockerbie bomber
"The US was kept fully in touch about everything that was going on with regard to Britain’s discussions with Libya in recent years and about Megrahi,’ said the Whitehall aide.
‘We would never do anything about Lockerbie without discussing it with the US. It is disingenuous of them to act as though Megrahi’s return was out of the blue."
"The US was kept fully in touch about everything that was going on with regard to Britain’s discussions with Libya in recent years and about Megrahi,’ said the Whitehall aide.
‘We would never do anything about Lockerbie without discussing it with the US. It is disingenuous of them to act as though Megrahi’s return was out of the blue."
DARN THAT YOUTUBE
DARN THAT YOUTUBE
"Rep. Baron Hill, D-Indiana, cannot possibly be this big a jerk all the time.
At a recent town hall, a young woman raised her hand and identified herself as a journalism student working on a school project who was told she could not videotape the event.
Student: Why can't I film this, isn't this my right?
Baron Hill: This is my town hall meeting, and I set the rules, and I've had these rules... (jeering) Let me repeat that one more time.
This is my town hall meeting for you.
And you're not going to tell me how to run my Congressional office.
Now, the reason why I don't allow filming is that usually the films that are done end up on YouTube in a compromising position.
Hey, guess what? He ended up on YouTube anyway:"
"Rep. Baron Hill, D-Indiana, cannot possibly be this big a jerk all the time.
At a recent town hall, a young woman raised her hand and identified herself as a journalism student working on a school project who was told she could not videotape the event.
Student: Why can't I film this, isn't this my right?
Baron Hill: This is my town hall meeting, and I set the rules, and I've had these rules... (jeering) Let me repeat that one more time.
This is my town hall meeting for you.
And you're not going to tell me how to run my Congressional office.
Now, the reason why I don't allow filming is that usually the films that are done end up on YouTube in a compromising position.
Hey, guess what? He ended up on YouTube anyway:"
How to Insure Every American
Congressmen John Shadegg and Pete Hoekstra: How to Insure Every American
"•Costs and Control. The health-care reform debate centers on how to lower the cost of care, and who should ultimately control health-care decisions.
Under the current system, nobody is focused on controlling costs."
"•Costs and Control. The health-care reform debate centers on how to lower the cost of care, and who should ultimately control health-care decisions.
Under the current system, nobody is focused on controlling costs."
Rep. Rangel pushes the envelope of arrogance.
Rep. Rangel pushes the envelope of arrogance.
"Beyond that, it turns out Rep. Rangel failed to report assets totaling more than $1 million on legally required financial-disclosure forms going back to at least 2001.
The news comes on top of revelations last year that Rep. Rangel didn’t report — and didn’t pay taxes on — income from a villa in the Caribbean. In that matter, the IRS gave him a sweetheart deal; the congressman paid about $10,000 in back taxes but was not assessed any penalty or interest.
Can we have the guy who audited him?"
"Beyond that, it turns out Rep. Rangel failed to report assets totaling more than $1 million on legally required financial-disclosure forms going back to at least 2001.
The news comes on top of revelations last year that Rep. Rangel didn’t report — and didn’t pay taxes on — income from a villa in the Caribbean. In that matter, the IRS gave him a sweetheart deal; the congressman paid about $10,000 in back taxes but was not assessed any penalty or interest.
Can we have the guy who audited him?"
Despite rip current safeguards, drownings have not diminished along Lake Michigan shore
Despite rip current safeguards, drownings have not diminished along Lake Michigan shore
"at least 46 others caught in rip currents have drowned in Lake Michigan since 2002,"
"at least 46 others caught in rip currents have drowned in Lake Michigan since 2002,"
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