Michigan Budget, Michigan Legislature
"It's not really all that hard to cut state government spending — if you're willing to think outside the box and if you reject, 'But that's not the way we've done it in the past!' You also have to be willing to anger certain special interests (including government employees and their unions) who benefit from the status quo.
If you are willing to do those things, then here's a list of ways to achieve $2.24 billion in savings."
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Wind turbine plant could create 219 jobs
Wind turbine plant could create 219 jobs
"The Michigan Economic Growth Authority board Tuesday tried to sway WindTronics officials' plant location decision by granting the company a 10-year, $3.7 million tax break if it selects an existing building in Muskegon's Port City Industrial Park.
WindTronics plans to invest $4.4 million in its first manufacturing plant that would employ up to 219 workers within five years. Michigan Economic Development Corp. officials say such a plant in Muskegon would generate an additional 243 indirect jobs."
How many times will we hear these same promises of jobs (taxpayer cost is $17,000 per job!) with zero follow up by ANYONE when the jobs don't pan out and the lies are buried?
Has our wonderful Muskegon Chronicle heard what's happened in Greenville? Yep!
"The Michigan Economic Growth Authority board Tuesday tried to sway WindTronics officials' plant location decision by granting the company a 10-year, $3.7 million tax break if it selects an existing building in Muskegon's Port City Industrial Park.
WindTronics plans to invest $4.4 million in its first manufacturing plant that would employ up to 219 workers within five years. Michigan Economic Development Corp. officials say such a plant in Muskegon would generate an additional 243 indirect jobs."
How many times will we hear these same promises of jobs (taxpayer cost is $17,000 per job!) with zero follow up by ANYONE when the jobs don't pan out and the lies are buried?
Has our wonderful Muskegon Chronicle heard what's happened in Greenville? Yep!
But they'll never tell us in their paper.
Michigan unemployment in April reaches highest mark since 1983
12.9%
"A year ago, Michigan's April unemployment rate was 7.9 percent."
"A year ago, Michigan's April unemployment rate was 7.9 percent."
No worries, failure is the new "success"!
Lots of Obamamana flows to those who excel at the new "success".
Automotive Pension Disaster; $42 Billion in Pension Promises Completely Unfunded
Automotive Pension Disaster; $42 Billion in Pension Promises Completely Unfunded
"The potential for General Motors Corp. and Chrysler LLC to end their plans has left the PBGC facing the prospect of adding 900,000 current and future beneficiaries. The PBGC, which pays retirement income to almost 44 million Americans, estimates that $77 billion of the automotive industry’s pensions are underfunded, with about $42 billion of that not funded at all."
Doesn't ANYONE understand the ramifications of this disaster that is here now?
"The potential for General Motors Corp. and Chrysler LLC to end their plans has left the PBGC facing the prospect of adding 900,000 current and future beneficiaries. The PBGC, which pays retirement income to almost 44 million Americans, estimates that $77 billion of the automotive industry’s pensions are underfunded, with about $42 billion of that not funded at all."
Doesn't ANYONE understand the ramifications of this disaster that is here now?
Japan economy shrinks at record 15.2 percent pace
Japan economy shrinks at record 15.2 percent pace
"Japan's economy contracted by a 15.2 percent annual pace in the first quarter - its sharpest drop on record - as exports plunged, companies slashed production and families cut back on spending, the government said Wednesday.
But the outlook is hopeful."
"Japan's economy contracted by a 15.2 percent annual pace in the first quarter - its sharpest drop on record - as exports plunged, companies slashed production and families cut back on spending, the government said Wednesday.
But the outlook is hopeful."
DOWN 15.2%?!!!
In one quarter?!!!
This is the Japan we were told to emulate by the democrats?
This is the same style of economics foisted on us by today's Obamanomics.
Rail heads petition to stop moving toxins
Rail heads petition to stop moving toxins
"Federal law requires railroads to transport such materials, which are used in manufacturing, agriculture and water treatment."
"Federal law requires railroads to transport such materials, which are used in manufacturing, agriculture and water treatment."
Responsible credit-card users to “subsidize” deadbeats now
Responsible credit-card users to “subsidize” deadbeats now
"Just a little friendly congressional intervention in the marketplace to shift risk from people who can’t afford the product to people who can. Hey — it worked out with mortgages, didn’t it?"
"Just a little friendly congressional intervention in the marketplace to shift risk from people who can’t afford the product to people who can. Hey — it worked out with mortgages, didn’t it?"
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
MAYBE THIS EXPLAINS DEMOCRATS
MAYBE THIS EXPLAINS DEMOCRATS
"Teachers don't know no stinkin' math.
MALDEN, Mass. (WPRI) - According to state education officials, nearly three-quarters of the people who took the state elementary school teacher’s licensing exam this year failed the new math section.
The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is releasing the results Tuesday. They say that only 27 percent of the more than 600 candidates who took the test passed. The test was administered in March of this year."
"Teachers don't know no stinkin' math.
MALDEN, Mass. (WPRI) - According to state education officials, nearly three-quarters of the people who took the state elementary school teacher’s licensing exam this year failed the new math section.
The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is releasing the results Tuesday. They say that only 27 percent of the more than 600 candidates who took the test passed. The test was administered in March of this year."
LA, Other CA Cities Most Polluted In US | Sweetness & Light
LA, Other CA Cities Most Polluted In US Sweetness & Light: "A report by the American Lung Association
17 May 2009: Six out of ten Americans live in urban areas where air pollution can cause major health problems. While a new report for the American Lung Association acknowledges substantial progress against air pollution in many areas of the USA, it finds nearly every major city was still burdened by air pollution. Despite America’s growing “green” movement, the air in many cities became dirtier during the past 12 months. The research names Pittsburgh, Los Angeles and Bakersfield as the most polluted US cities."
17 May 2009: Six out of ten Americans live in urban areas where air pollution can cause major health problems. While a new report for the American Lung Association acknowledges substantial progress against air pollution in many areas of the USA, it finds nearly every major city was still burdened by air pollution. Despite America’s growing “green” movement, the air in many cities became dirtier during the past 12 months. The research names Pittsburgh, Los Angeles and Bakersfield as the most polluted US cities."
Global warming could be twice as bad as forecast
Global warming could be twice as bad as forecast
"Global warming's effects this century could be twice as extreme as estimated just six years ago, scientists reported on Tuesday.
Earth's median surface temperature could rise 9.3 degrees F (5.2 degrees C) by 2100, the scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology found, compared to a 2003 study that projected a median temperature increase of 4.3 degrees F (2.4 degrees C).
The new study, published in the American Meteorological Society's Journal of Climate, said the difference in projection was due to improved economic modeling and newer economic data than in previous scenarios.
Earlier climate warming may also have been masked by the global cooling effect of 20th-century volcanoes and by the emission of soot, which can add to warming, the scientists said in a statement.
To reach their conclusions, the MIT team used computer simulations that took world economic activity as well as climate processes into account, they said in a statement."
"Global warming's effects this century could be twice as extreme as estimated just six years ago, scientists reported on Tuesday.
Earth's median surface temperature could rise 9.3 degrees F (5.2 degrees C) by 2100, the scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology found, compared to a 2003 study that projected a median temperature increase of 4.3 degrees F (2.4 degrees C).
The new study, published in the American Meteorological Society's Journal of Climate, said the difference in projection was due to improved economic modeling and newer economic data than in previous scenarios.
Earlier climate warming may also have been masked by the global cooling effect of 20th-century volcanoes and by the emission of soot, which can add to warming, the scientists said in a statement.
To reach their conclusions, the MIT team used computer simulations that took world economic activity as well as climate processes into account, they said in a statement."
Caroline Glick: Iran's global reach
Caroline Glick: Iran's global reach
"As far as Washington is concerned, Iran's latest threats to destroy Israel were nothing more than payback for statements by Netanyahu and other senior Israeli officials regarding Israel's refusal to countenance a nuclear armed Iran.
Over the past several weeks, we have learned that the administration has made its peace with Iran's nuclear aspirations."
There is little question that it will take a major attack with WMDs for Obama to act... and even that might not be enough!
"As far as Washington is concerned, Iran's latest threats to destroy Israel were nothing more than payback for statements by Netanyahu and other senior Israeli officials regarding Israel's refusal to countenance a nuclear armed Iran.
Over the past several weeks, we have learned that the administration has made its peace with Iran's nuclear aspirations."
There is little question that it will take a major attack with WMDs for Obama to act... and even that might not be enough!
Vehicle break-ins on sharp rise in Muskegon County
Vehicle break-ins on sharp rise in Muskegon County
"Over the past two months, Muskegon County has been plagued by hundreds of vehicle break-ins, and in most cases the victim left valuables visible in an unlocked vehicle, police said.
Between March 1 and Friday, authorities countywide responded to 308 such incidents,"
The jails and prisons are full and the bad guys know it's a slap on their thieving wrist if they get caught.
Bummer dudes....
"Over the past two months, Muskegon County has been plagued by hundreds of vehicle break-ins, and in most cases the victim left valuables visible in an unlocked vehicle, police said.
Between March 1 and Friday, authorities countywide responded to 308 such incidents,"
The jails and prisons are full and the bad guys know it's a slap on their thieving wrist if they get caught.
Bummer dudes....
Monday, May 18, 2009
State may back off on new kindergarten rule
State may back off on new kindergarten rule
"It's not a lot to go on, but rumors out of Lansing are that the full-day requirement for developmental kindergarten next year will be delayed.
That means some districts expect to still offer half-day 'young fives' or DK programs in the fall, but that could change depending on the state's budget process."
"It's not a lot to go on, but rumors out of Lansing are that the full-day requirement for developmental kindergarten next year will be delayed.
That means some districts expect to still offer half-day 'young fives' or DK programs in the fall, but that could change depending on the state's budget process."
Soak the Rich, Lose the Rich
Soak the Rich, Lose the Rich
"Here's the problem for states that want to pry more money out of the wallets of rich people. It never works because people, investment capital and businesses are mobile: They can leave tax-unfriendly states and move to tax-friendly states........
.....we found that from 1998 to 2007, more than 1,100 people every day including Sundays and holidays moved from the nine highest income-tax states such as California, New Jersey, New York and Ohio and relocated mostly to the nine tax-haven states with no income tax, including Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire and Texas.
We also found that over these same years the no-income tax states created 89% more jobs and had 32% faster personal income growth than their high-tax counterparts."
"Here's the problem for states that want to pry more money out of the wallets of rich people. It never works because people, investment capital and businesses are mobile: They can leave tax-unfriendly states and move to tax-friendly states........
.....we found that from 1998 to 2007, more than 1,100 people every day including Sundays and holidays moved from the nine highest income-tax states such as California, New Jersey, New York and Ohio and relocated mostly to the nine tax-haven states with no income tax, including Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire and Texas.
We also found that over these same years the no-income tax states created 89% more jobs and had 32% faster personal income growth than their high-tax counterparts."
Happiness Is ... Being Old, Male and Republican
Happiness Is ... Being Old, Male and Republican
"Americans grow happier as they age, surveys find. And a new Pew Research Center survey shows the tendency is holding up as the economy tanks.
Happiness is a complex thing. Past studies have found that happiness is partly inherited, that Republicans are happier than Democrats, and that old men tend to be happier than old women."
"Americans grow happier as they age, surveys find. And a new Pew Research Center survey shows the tendency is holding up as the economy tanks.
Happiness is a complex thing. Past studies have found that happiness is partly inherited, that Republicans are happier than Democrats, and that old men tend to be happier than old women."
Seriously, find a happy liberal!
They don't exist!
Bummer dudes......dudettes....
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Is the Dog-o-Matic an owner's best friend?
"Frenchman Romain Jarry, 31, who insists the device is not cruel, hopes to introduce it to Britain next year after it proved a huge success in his home town of St Max, near Nancy.
It costs the equivalent of £13 to wash a small dog, £22 for medium size, rising to £31 for the largest customers. Cats can also be catered for - at the small-dog price."
It costs the equivalent of £13 to wash a small dog, £22 for medium size, rising to £31 for the largest customers. Cats can also be catered for - at the small-dog price."
Spilled mercury causes hazmat cleanup in Hazel Park
Spilled mercury causes hazmat cleanup in Hazel Park
"Investigators are trying to figure out how a small amount of highly toxic mercury ended up on a sidewalk on Dequindre just south of Nine Mile Road.
A pedestrian called police at about 9 a.m. Sunday to report seeing a substance that looked like mercury, Sgt. Craig Fowler said.
'We called the hazmat crew and they confirmed that it did appear to be mercury,' Fowler said."
I remember when we were kids in the 50s we'd smash open thermometers to get the mercury and play with it for weeks.
None of us got sick or died.
We didn't even think to put it on out hotdogs....... but most of us are now conservatives......OMG!
Is mercury fondeling corrolated with conservatism?
And that is why libs want to keep it from young minds...........?
"Investigators are trying to figure out how a small amount of highly toxic mercury ended up on a sidewalk on Dequindre just south of Nine Mile Road.
A pedestrian called police at about 9 a.m. Sunday to report seeing a substance that looked like mercury, Sgt. Craig Fowler said.
'We called the hazmat crew and they confirmed that it did appear to be mercury,' Fowler said."
I remember when we were kids in the 50s we'd smash open thermometers to get the mercury and play with it for weeks.
None of us got sick or died.
We didn't even think to put it on out hotdogs....... but most of us are now conservatives......OMG!
Is mercury fondeling corrolated with conservatism?
And that is why libs want to keep it from young minds...........?
Man, 85, charged in fatal hammer attack on neighbor
Man, 85, charged in fatal hammer attack on neighbor
Hammer licensing?
If it saves just one life.....
Brady Hammer-Control?
Hammer licensing?
If it saves just one life.....
Brady Hammer-Control?
Legal savvy, empathy keep Granholm on Supreme Court short list, experts say
Legal savvy, empathy keep Granholm on Supreme Court short list, experts say
"Michael Traugott, a political science professor at University of Michigan, says Granholm's strength is her mix of legal and political skills.
'If he doesn't want someone who's hasn't spent their life on the bench, who has practical experience, then you can see how she could fit,' he said.
'She has good legal experience. But she also has the experience that goes to the issue of empathy he seems to want.'"
But where do these "experts" prove Granholm's empathy for employers, employees or taxpayers?
Well, they don't.
But "those people" don't matter anymore.....
"Michael Traugott, a political science professor at University of Michigan, says Granholm's strength is her mix of legal and political skills.
'If he doesn't want someone who's hasn't spent their life on the bench, who has practical experience, then you can see how she could fit,' he said.
'She has good legal experience. But she also has the experience that goes to the issue of empathy he seems to want.'"
But where do these "experts" prove Granholm's empathy for employers, employees or taxpayers?
Well, they don't.
But "those people" don't matter anymore.....
More state cutbacks on way
More state cutbacks on way
"State departments are bracing for 8 percent cuts next year in the wake of an agreement by the state's top economists Friday that the treasury will take in $1.72 billion less in tax collections next year than expected.
The cuts will mean more state worker layoffs and reductions in programs and services on top of statewide cuts ordered earlier this month by Gov. Jennifer Granholm to balance this year's budget."
Notice no interest in their President's concept of "shared sacrifice".
State workers who aren't laid off (those with GM/Chrysler seniority) seem to prefer others share the sacrifice....just like all government employees in our state.
"State departments are bracing for 8 percent cuts next year in the wake of an agreement by the state's top economists Friday that the treasury will take in $1.72 billion less in tax collections next year than expected.
The cuts will mean more state worker layoffs and reductions in programs and services on top of statewide cuts ordered earlier this month by Gov. Jennifer Granholm to balance this year's budget."
Notice no interest in their President's concept of "shared sacrifice".
State workers who aren't laid off (those with GM/Chrysler seniority) seem to prefer others share the sacrifice....just like all government employees in our state.
Popular village of Three Oaks nearly broke
Popular village of Three Oaks nearly broke
"Three Oaks -- Not many communities of 1,800 have a poet laureate, community radio station, art-film house, and a downtown park that shows silent movies accompanied by an orchestra.
This isle of whimsy tucked in the southwest corner of Michigan differs from other quaint burgs in one other way.
It's nearly broke."
How could this happen?
With all this free stuff?
....... could there be a connection?
"Three Oaks -- Not many communities of 1,800 have a poet laureate, community radio station, art-film house, and a downtown park that shows silent movies accompanied by an orchestra.
This isle of whimsy tucked in the southwest corner of Michigan differs from other quaint burgs in one other way.
It's nearly broke."
How could this happen?
With all this free stuff?
....... could there be a connection?
Michigan's broke, but it could be worse
Michigan's broke, but it could be worse
"Most of the economic stimulus money flowing into Lansing from Washington will go to keep state and school budgets in balance, not to fund hundreds of millions in job-creating infrastructure projects beyond those receiving stimulus money earmarked for that purpose"
So the "economic stimulus" is really not a stimulus but a public employee bailout just like the bailout for Chrysler and GM?
And about as successful too.
"Most of the economic stimulus money flowing into Lansing from Washington will go to keep state and school budgets in balance, not to fund hundreds of millions in job-creating infrastructure projects beyond those receiving stimulus money earmarked for that purpose"
So the "economic stimulus" is really not a stimulus but a public employee bailout just like the bailout for Chrysler and GM?
And about as successful too.
Column: Rumors of our demise premature
Column: Rumors of our demise premature
"I refer to the loose talk we've heard that The Muskegon Chronicle is going out of business, or has moved all of its employees to Grand Rapids, or has moved out of its downtown Muskegon building, or whatever else ignorant people are offering as their versions of truth these days.
None of the statements above is true."
It would be nice if The Chronicle continued its Terri Schiavo live-but-dying grip on life.
It would be way better if they started to report on what really is happening in our county, city/township governments and the MAISD and school spending vs how our kids are educated.
But that doesn't seem to be in the cards..... or Chairman Keep woulda told us, right?
"I refer to the loose talk we've heard that The Muskegon Chronicle is going out of business, or has moved all of its employees to Grand Rapids, or has moved out of its downtown Muskegon building, or whatever else ignorant people are offering as their versions of truth these days.
None of the statements above is true."
It would be nice if The Chronicle continued its Terri Schiavo live-but-dying grip on life.
It would be way better if they started to report on what really is happening in our county, city/township governments and the MAISD and school spending vs how our kids are educated.
But that doesn't seem to be in the cards..... or Chairman Keep woulda told us, right?
Gas-tax increase introduced
Gas-tax increase introduced
"Lawmakers and road advocates began what will be a months-long push to raise $1.8 billion in higher gas tax and registration fees over the next half-decade that they say is required to keep Michigan roads in decent repair."
The tax-increase tsunami is rollin' folks!
Call you legislators or forever hold your peace.
"Lawmakers and road advocates began what will be a months-long push to raise $1.8 billion in higher gas tax and registration fees over the next half-decade that they say is required to keep Michigan roads in decent repair."
The tax-increase tsunami is rollin' folks!
Call you legislators or forever hold your peace.
One-size-fits-all laws strain local resources
One-size-fits-all laws strain local resources
"And, as one state official put it, it's another instance of 'one size fits all' laws.
If that were the only recent unfunded mandate ordered by the state or federal government, the city would take it and run like a thief.
Of course, it isn't."
"And, as one state official put it, it's another instance of 'one size fits all' laws.
If that were the only recent unfunded mandate ordered by the state or federal government, the city would take it and run like a thief.
Of course, it isn't."
Biden Reveals Location of Secret VP Bunker
Biden Reveals Location of Secret VP Bunker
"Biden told his dinnermates about the existence of a secret bunker under the old U.S. Naval Observatory, which is now the home of the vice president.
The bunker is believed to be the secure, undisclosed location"
Not any more....
"Biden told his dinnermates about the existence of a secret bunker under the old U.S. Naval Observatory, which is now the home of the vice president.
The bunker is believed to be the secure, undisclosed location"
Not any more....
5 Reasons Ethanol is a Major Scam
5 Reasons Ethanol is a Major Scam:
"3. All fuels laced with ethanol reduce the vehicle's fuel efficiency, and the E85 blend drops gas mileage between 30% and 40%, depending on whether you use the EPA's fuel mileage standards or those of the Dept. of Energy."
"3. All fuels laced with ethanol reduce the vehicle's fuel efficiency, and the E85 blend drops gas mileage between 30% and 40%, depending on whether you use the EPA's fuel mileage standards or those of the Dept. of Energy."
Saturday, May 16, 2009
43 stun-gunned at prisons' Take Your Kids to Work Day
43 stun-gunned at prisons' Take Your Kids to Work Day
"A total of 43 children were directly and indirectly shocked by electric stun guns during simultaneous ''Take Your Sons and Daughters to Work Day'' events gone wrong at three state prisons, according to new information provided Friday by the Florida Department of Corrections."
"A total of 43 children were directly and indirectly shocked by electric stun guns during simultaneous ''Take Your Sons and Daughters to Work Day'' events gone wrong at three state prisons, according to new information provided Friday by the Florida Department of Corrections."
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