How area lawmakers voted on the school retirement legislation
"SENATE
• Yes: Sen. Gerald Van Woerkom, R-Norton Shores; Sen. Wayne Kuipers, R-Holland.
HOUSE
• Yes: Rep. Goeff Hansen, R-Hart; Rep. Arlan Meekhof, R-Olive Township; Rep. David Agema, R-Grandville.
• No: Rep. Mary Valentine, D-Norton Shores; Rep. Doug Bennett, D-Muskegon Township."
Important stuff you won't get from the liberal media! We do the surfing so you can be informed AND have a life!
Friday, May 14, 2010
Property Taxes UP 10%, Soda Tax Out in Philly
Property Taxes UP, Soda Tax Out in Philly NBC Philadelphia
"To fill in a $150 million budget gap, officials made several tax increases, the most notable being a 9.9-percent jump in property taxes, officials told NBC Philadelphia.
That increase will only last for two years."
"To fill in a $150 million budget gap, officials made several tax increases, the most notable being a 9.9-percent jump in property taxes, officials told NBC Philadelphia.
That increase will only last for two years."
RealClearPolitics - Crony Capitalism: From GM to Greece, the Lies Keep Growing
RealClearPolitics - Crony Capitalism: From GM to Greece, the Lies Keep Growing
"To understand the pertinence to America of events in Greece, notice General Motors' most recent misbehavior.
A television commercial featuring CEO Ed Whitacre demonstrates the institutional murkiness and intellectual dishonesty that result when the line between public and private sectors disappears.
In the commercial, Whitacre says GM has 'repaid our government loan in full.'
Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., noted that GM used government funds to pay back the government:
It 'simply transferred $6.7 billion from one taxpayer-funded TARP account to another.'
The government still owns 60.8 percent of GM's common equity, and the Congressional Budget Office projects that the government will lose about $34 billion of the $82 billion of TARP funds dispersed to the automotive industry.
When Ryan and two colleagues asked the Treasury Department for clarification, they got this careful reply:
'Treasury has never suggested that the loan repayment represented a full return of all government assistance.'
A Treasury press release did say 'GM Repays Treasury Loan in Full.'
The loan is, however, a small part of taxpayer exposure.
Under crony capitalism, when government and corporate America merge, both dissemble."
"To understand the pertinence to America of events in Greece, notice General Motors' most recent misbehavior.
A television commercial featuring CEO Ed Whitacre demonstrates the institutional murkiness and intellectual dishonesty that result when the line between public and private sectors disappears.
In the commercial, Whitacre says GM has 'repaid our government loan in full.'
Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., noted that GM used government funds to pay back the government:
It 'simply transferred $6.7 billion from one taxpayer-funded TARP account to another.'
The government still owns 60.8 percent of GM's common equity, and the Congressional Budget Office projects that the government will lose about $34 billion of the $82 billion of TARP funds dispersed to the automotive industry.
When Ryan and two colleagues asked the Treasury Department for clarification, they got this careful reply:
'Treasury has never suggested that the loan repayment represented a full return of all government assistance.'
A Treasury press release did say 'GM Repays Treasury Loan in Full.'
The loan is, however, a small part of taxpayer exposure.
Under crony capitalism, when government and corporate America merge, both dissemble."
National Right to Work Committee
National Right to Work Committee
"The Police and Firefighters Monopoly Bargaining bill (HR 413) is a dangerous Big Labor power grab, and it working its way through the Senate at this very moment.
A vote could come up at any moment!
HR 413 would override state laws across the country, and would increase the size and cost of government services, something you and I simply cannot afford in this economic climate.
The Committee is looking to reach up to 6 million individuals to oppose this power grab by Big Labor. But they are going to need your help."
"The Police and Firefighters Monopoly Bargaining bill (HR 413) is a dangerous Big Labor power grab, and it working its way through the Senate at this very moment.
A vote could come up at any moment!
HR 413 would override state laws across the country, and would increase the size and cost of government services, something you and I simply cannot afford in this economic climate.
The Committee is looking to reach up to 6 million individuals to oppose this power grab by Big Labor. But they are going to need your help."
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Guess What Greece Has To Jettison?
Guess What Greece Has To Jettison? - IBD - Investors.com
"Policy Failure: Greece was told that if it wanted a bailout, it needed to consider privatizing its government health care system.
So tell us again why the U.S. is following Europe's welfare state model."
"Policy Failure: Greece was told that if it wanted a bailout, it needed to consider privatizing its government health care system.
So tell us again why the U.S. is following Europe's welfare state model."
Duncan, Wamp say public has right to TVA's information
Duncan, Wamp say public has right to TVA's information » Knoxville News Sentinel
"The Tennessee Valley Authority is refusing to make public the salaries of its top-paid employees, information the agency has divulged in the past."
Nothing new here....just gov-biz as usual....
"The Tennessee Valley Authority is refusing to make public the salaries of its top-paid employees, information the agency has divulged in the past."
Nothing new here....just gov-biz as usual....
No Audits for Ten Years on Companies Getting Special Tax Breaks from State
No Audits for Ten Years on Companies Getting Special Tax Breaks from State [Mackinac Center]
"For the first 10 years the state's flagship economic development program didn't do any audits of businesses that were collecting tax credits, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation CEO said Wednesday."
"For the first 10 years the state's flagship economic development program didn't do any audits of businesses that were collecting tax credits, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation CEO said Wednesday."
Psychologist Brandee Peikert sentenced to nine months in jail for LESBO sexual relationship with young client
Psychologist Brandee Peikert sentenced to nine months in jail for sexual relationship with young female client
"Prosecutors say Peikert became acquainted in 2004 with the victim, who was then a 16-year-old Kenowa Hills High School student getting therapy at Pine Rest Mental Health Services."
Your tax dollars at work!
How wonderful government is!
"Prosecutors say Peikert became acquainted in 2004 with the victim, who was then a 16-year-old Kenowa Hills High School student getting therapy at Pine Rest Mental Health Services."
Your tax dollars at work!
How wonderful government is!
9 indicted on charges of accessing Obama records
9 indicted on charges of accessing Obama records
Nine people were indicted Wednesday on federal charges of accessing President Barack Obama's student loan records while they were employed for a Department of Education contractor in Iowa.
The U.S. attorney's office said a grand jury returned the indictments in U.S. District Court in Davenport.
Nine people were indicted Wednesday on federal charges of accessing President Barack Obama's student loan records while they were employed for a Department of Education contractor in Iowa.
The U.S. attorney's office said a grand jury returned the indictments in U.S. District Court in Davenport.
New Hawaii law shuns Obama birth document requests
New Hawaii law shuns Obama birth document requests
"It's now law in Hawaii that the state government can ignore repetitive requests for President Barack Obama's birth certificate."
"It's now law in Hawaii that the state government can ignore repetitive requests for President Barack Obama's birth certificate."
Wow! Another teacher has a problem with a kid and an American flag
American Thinker Blog: Wow! Another teacher has a problem with a kid and an American flag: "Once again, an innocent American kid has been reprimanded for exhibiting an American flag. Todd Starnes at Fox News Radio reports:
Tracy Hathaway, of Salinas, CA, told FOX News Radio her 13-year-old daughter was ordered to stop drawing the American flag by an art teacher at Gavilan View Middle School.
'She had drawn the flag and was sketching the letters, ‘God bless America,' when the teacher confronted her,' Hathaway told FOX. 'She said, ‘You can't draw that - that's offensive.'
The teacher did have to sit through a mostly one-way conference with the parents of Miss Hathaway, but to the discredit of Gavilan Middle School she has not been reprimanded or made to apologize"
Tracy Hathaway, of Salinas, CA, told FOX News Radio her 13-year-old daughter was ordered to stop drawing the American flag by an art teacher at Gavilan View Middle School.
'She had drawn the flag and was sketching the letters, ‘God bless America,' when the teacher confronted her,' Hathaway told FOX. 'She said, ‘You can't draw that - that's offensive.'
The teacher did have to sit through a mostly one-way conference with the parents of Miss Hathaway, but to the discredit of Gavilan Middle School she has not been reprimanded or made to apologize"
U.S. posts 19th straight monthly budget deficit | Reuters
U.S. posts 19th straight monthly budget deficit Reuters
"The United States posted an $82.69 billion deficit in April, nearly four times the $20.91 billion shortfall registered in April 2009 and the largest on record for that month, the Treasury Department said on Wednesday."
Hopey changey is gonna kill our country unless we the people get voting in August and November.
I'm sad/glad I have no children.....
"The United States posted an $82.69 billion deficit in April, nearly four times the $20.91 billion shortfall registered in April 2009 and the largest on record for that month, the Treasury Department said on Wednesday."
Hopey changey is gonna kill our country unless we the people get voting in August and November.
I'm sad/glad I have no children.....
Jimmy Carter's grandson wins Ga. Senate seat
Jimmy Carter's grandson wins Ga. Senate seat
The eldest grandson of former President Jimmy Carter has won a suburban Atlanta state Senate seat in a special election Tuesday night."
That bodes well....
The eldest grandson of former President Jimmy Carter has won a suburban Atlanta state Senate seat in a special election Tuesday night."
That bodes well....
Trade deficit rises to $40.4 billion in March
My Way News - Trade deficit rises to $40.4 billion in March
"The U.S. trade deficit rose to a 15-month high as rising oil prices pushed crude oil imports to the highest level since the fall of 2008, offsetting another strong gain in exports.
The larger deficit is evidence of a rebounding U.S. economy."
Didn't the MSM tell us a growing "trade deficit" was a sign of a failed presidency during the Bush years?
"The U.S. trade deficit rose to a 15-month high as rising oil prices pushed crude oil imports to the highest level since the fall of 2008, offsetting another strong gain in exports.
The larger deficit is evidence of a rebounding U.S. economy."
Didn't the MSM tell us a growing "trade deficit" was a sign of a failed presidency during the Bush years?
Quebec Family Dies as Home Disappears Into Crater
Quebec Family Dies as Home Disappears Into Crater - NYTimes.com
"OTTAWA — Richard Préfontaine and his wife, Lynne Charbonneau, were watching a playoff hockey game with their two daughters on Monday night when the ground beneath their house gave way suddenly and without warning.
The house’s bright green metal roof was all that was visible the next day in a vast mud crater near the village of St. Jude, Quebec, about 50 miles northeast of Montreal.
The landslide created a hole 100 feet deep, 300 yards wide and a third of a mile long.
The family’s remains were found huddled together on a couch by the television, with rescuers discovering only their golden retriever, tied to a tree, alive."
Jeepers!
Sleep well tonight.....(is there any way the MSM can blame Bush or engler for this?)
"OTTAWA — Richard Préfontaine and his wife, Lynne Charbonneau, were watching a playoff hockey game with their two daughters on Monday night when the ground beneath their house gave way suddenly and without warning.
The house’s bright green metal roof was all that was visible the next day in a vast mud crater near the village of St. Jude, Quebec, about 50 miles northeast of Montreal.
The landslide created a hole 100 feet deep, 300 yards wide and a third of a mile long.
The family’s remains were found huddled together on a couch by the television, with rescuers discovering only their golden retriever, tied to a tree, alive."
Jeepers!
Sleep well tonight.....(is there any way the MSM can blame Bush or engler for this?)
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Letters: Use science, economics when discussing wind farms
Letters: Use science, economics when discussing wind farms
"All mega wind farms produce power at significantly higher cost than any other means.
When the various subsidies are removed, the cost is as much as 10 times greater than coal.
All wind projects are subsidized, even those in Europe.
None makes money."
Excellent letter
"All mega wind farms produce power at significantly higher cost than any other means.
When the various subsidies are removed, the cost is as much as 10 times greater than coal.
All wind projects are subsidized, even those in Europe.
None makes money."
Excellent letter
Democrats Reject 5% Down Payment Rule
Democrats Reject 5% Down Payment Rule
"The Senate today rejected a proposal by Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., to impose a minimum 5% down payment for virtually all home mortgages.
The amendment to the broader financial regulatory overhaul bill, which failed 42-57, would have required income verification and an assessment of borrowers’ ability to repay as well."
"The Senate today rejected a proposal by Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., to impose a minimum 5% down payment for virtually all home mortgages.
The amendment to the broader financial regulatory overhaul bill, which failed 42-57, would have required income verification and an assessment of borrowers’ ability to repay as well."
Prosecutor says Muskegon Heights Police Department evidence room was 'in complete disarray'; Michigan State Police investigating
Prosecutor says Muskegon Heights Police Department evidence room was 'in complete disarray'; Michigan State Police investigating
"The Muskegon Heights Police Department has not properly secured evidence from hundreds of cases in its property room, and now authorities are concerned that money or other evidence may have been taken, according to the Muskegon County Prosecutor’s Office."
Oh yeah, and how 'bout any cases that relied on the Heights police "professionalism"?
This ought to be a big surprise to any citizen but it is the reality of Muskegon Heights today.
And this type of non-professional is the "standard" of the "leadership" of the Heights.
Until that disaster of a city elects and appoints qualified leaders, they will continue to suffer.
The days of morons, crooks and thieves have got to be getting old to the responsible residents of Muskegon Heights.
"The Muskegon Heights Police Department has not properly secured evidence from hundreds of cases in its property room, and now authorities are concerned that money or other evidence may have been taken, according to the Muskegon County Prosecutor’s Office."
Oh yeah, and how 'bout any cases that relied on the Heights police "professionalism"?
This ought to be a big surprise to any citizen but it is the reality of Muskegon Heights today.
And this type of non-professional is the "standard" of the "leadership" of the Heights.
Until that disaster of a city elects and appoints qualified leaders, they will continue to suffer.
The days of morons, crooks and thieves have got to be getting old to the responsible residents of Muskegon Heights.
Michigan Average Teacher Salaries Continue to Rise
Michigan Average Teacher Salaries Continue to Rise [Mackinac Center]
"counting salaries of teachers in conventional schools (93 percent of all teachers) produces an average salary of $62,556."
"Underpaid" teachers?
Less than 6 months of work......rotten product.....early retirement.......guilt edged benefits...... underpaid?
"counting salaries of teachers in conventional schools (93 percent of all teachers) produces an average salary of $62,556."
"Underpaid" teachers?
Less than 6 months of work......rotten product.....early retirement.......guilt edged benefits...... underpaid?
Pay No Attention To The Inflation Problem
Pay No Attention To The Inflation Problem NetRight Daily
"Severe inflation is coming, and unless the Government reverses its actions immediately, the 535 Mary Poppins’ of Congress will have created the monster that they claim they are trying to prevent."
"Severe inflation is coming, and unless the Government reverses its actions immediately, the 535 Mary Poppins’ of Congress will have created the monster that they claim they are trying to prevent."
Paul Ryan: Radical or Sellout? - Reason Magazine
Paul Ryan: Radical or Sellout? - Reason Magazine
PAUL RYAN, free market extremist:.....
Paul Ryan, free market sellout:........
Which of these two snapshots represents the real Ryan?
They both do.
A very interesting analysis of the GOP's best hope for victory...at whatever level Ryan wants.
PAUL RYAN, free market extremist:.....
Paul Ryan, free market sellout:........
Which of these two snapshots represents the real Ryan?
They both do.
A very interesting analysis of the GOP's best hope for victory...at whatever level Ryan wants.
Don't use oil spill as excuse to deep-six domestic drilling
Our view on energy: Don't use oil spill as excuse to deep-six domestic drilling - USATODAY.com
"The easy thing to do after the catastrophic oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico would be to kill President Obama's shiny new plan to expand offshore drilling.
Many formerly pro-drilling coastal politicians, from California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to Florida Gov. Charlie Crist, are calling for doing just that."
"The easy thing to do after the catastrophic oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico would be to kill President Obama's shiny new plan to expand offshore drilling.
Many formerly pro-drilling coastal politicians, from California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to Florida Gov. Charlie Crist, are calling for doing just that."
Who Will Bail Out America?
The American Spectator : Who Will Bail Out America?
"Social Security, Medicare and the retirement of the baby boom generation wasn't enough of a burden for the American taxpayer.
We will now be paying as well for the generous pensions of Greek bureaucrats retiring in the warm Mediterranean sun at age 55, thanks to the foresighted leadership of our very own international statesman, Barack Obama."
"Social Security, Medicare and the retirement of the baby boom generation wasn't enough of a burden for the American taxpayer.
We will now be paying as well for the generous pensions of Greek bureaucrats retiring in the warm Mediterranean sun at age 55, thanks to the foresighted leadership of our very own international statesman, Barack Obama."
CBO: Health Care Bill Will Cost $115 Billion More Than Previously Assessed
CBO: Health Care Bill Will Cost $115 Billion More Than Previously Assessed
"The director of the Congressional Budget Office said Tuesday that the health care reform legislation would cost, over the next ten years, $115 billion more than previously thought, bringing the total cost to more than $1 trillion."
BIG surprise.......right?
"The director of the Congressional Budget Office said Tuesday that the health care reform legislation would cost, over the next ten years, $115 billion more than previously thought, bringing the total cost to more than $1 trillion."
BIG surprise.......right?
Video: A Day in the Life of the Regulatory State
Video: A Day in the Life of the Regulatory State
"A few days ago, we wrote about the EPA's shameless and wasteful video contest soliciting the submission of YouTube videos explaining the alleged benefits of government regulations.
Our friends at the Competitive Enterprise Institute submitted the video below - check it out:"
"A few days ago, we wrote about the EPA's shameless and wasteful video contest soliciting the submission of YouTube videos explaining the alleged benefits of government regulations.
Our friends at the Competitive Enterprise Institute submitted the video below - check it out:"
Harvard Astrophysicist: Global Warming Probabilities Are Absolute Crap, The AGW Movement is All About Profit
YID With LID: Harvard Astrophysicist: Global Warming Probabilities Are Absolute Crap, The AGW Movement is All About Profit
"Soon is known for his view that most global warming is caused by solar variation (the normal cycle of sunspots).
Dr Soon questions the theory that man-made green house gases have created global warming trend.
In fact Soon believes the earth is and cooling.
He also believes that some of the 'numbers crunching' used to come up with the global warming theory is crap and that its about time his fellow scientists to “take back climate science.” and stop catering to the moonbats crying wolf."
"Soon is known for his view that most global warming is caused by solar variation (the normal cycle of sunspots).
Dr Soon questions the theory that man-made green house gases have created global warming trend.
In fact Soon believes the earth is and cooling.
He also believes that some of the 'numbers crunching' used to come up with the global warming theory is crap and that its about time his fellow scientists to “take back climate science.” and stop catering to the moonbats crying wolf."
Cape Wind rate shock
Cape Wind rate shock - BostonHerald.com
"The controversial Cape Wind project will cost taxpayers and ratepayers more than $2 billion to build - three times its original estimate.
That colossal cost is the driving force behind the sky-high electric rates it plans to charge Massachusetts customers in coming years."
Nothing new here.
Only the delusional and the ill educated believe that wind power is anything other than a scam to empower and enrich a select few.
Anyone want to bet what will happen to electric rates if we Michigan fools allow the "wind farms" to desecrate our lakeshore?
http://muskegonpundit.blogspot.com/2009/07/futurepundit-germans-to-pay-much-for.html
and this
http://muskegonpundit.blogspot.com/2009/04/energy-costs-being-bumped-2000-per.html
"The controversial Cape Wind project will cost taxpayers and ratepayers more than $2 billion to build - three times its original estimate.
That colossal cost is the driving force behind the sky-high electric rates it plans to charge Massachusetts customers in coming years."
Nothing new here.
Only the delusional and the ill educated believe that wind power is anything other than a scam to empower and enrich a select few.
Anyone want to bet what will happen to electric rates if we Michigan fools allow the "wind farms" to desecrate our lakeshore?
http://muskegonpundit.blogspot.com/2009/07/futurepundit-germans-to-pay-much-for.html
and this
http://muskegonpundit.blogspot.com/2009/04/energy-costs-being-bumped-2000-per.html
Illinois $13 Billion Budget Woes Reach Boiling Point; Governor Quinn Works for Union Thugs and Promises to Raise Taxes by 50%; Bill Brady for Governor
Mish's Global Economic Trend Analysis: Illinois $13 Billion Budget Woes Reach Boiling Point; Governor Quinn Works for Union Thugs and Promises to Raise Taxes by 50%; Bill Brady for Governor
"Inquiring minds are again focusing on problems in state budgets.
Illinois is in a dogfight with California, New York, and New Jersey for the dubious honor of being the state deepest in fiscal do-do.
Although New Jersey is addressing its fiscal issues thanks to Governor Chris Christie... Illinois, California, and New York are flopping around like a 50 pound sea bass in 3 inches of water."
"Inquiring minds are again focusing on problems in state budgets.
Illinois is in a dogfight with California, New York, and New Jersey for the dubious honor of being the state deepest in fiscal do-do.
Although New Jersey is addressing its fiscal issues thanks to Governor Chris Christie... Illinois, California, and New York are flopping around like a 50 pound sea bass in 3 inches of water."
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