Gun Control by Executive Order? - Scott Coffina - National Review Online
Executive orders are not constitutionally sanctioned or prohibited, but once signed, they have the force of law.
Presidents have utilized them to drive policy within the executive branch since the dawn of the republic. In some cases, presidents have acted quite aggressively through executive orders.
President Lincoln suspended the writ of habeas corpus during the Civil War; President Roosevelt established internment camps during World War II; and President Truman mandated equal treatment of all members of the armed forces — all through executive orders.
Significantly, all three of these actions were rooted in the president’s constitutional authority as commander-in-chief of the armed forces, in the midst of national emergencies
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Mentally challenged girl, 15, 'gang raped under her desk during class as teacher did NOTHING'
Mentally challenged girl, 15, 'gang raped under her desk during class as teacher did NOTHING' | Mail Online
A mentally challenged 15-year-old New York girl endured a brutal gang rape as she was trapped beneath her by two boys with her teacher only feet away, alleges a lawsuit filed Friday.
The special needs student, identified only by the initials K.J., was allegedly sexually assaulted for 10 minutes as another student 'hit her on the head whenever she tried to escape,' during a science class at Martin De Porres Academy in Elmont, N.Y.
A mentally challenged 15-year-old New York girl endured a brutal gang rape as she was trapped beneath her by two boys with her teacher only feet away, alleges a lawsuit filed Friday.
The special needs student, identified only by the initials K.J., was allegedly sexually assaulted for 10 minutes as another student 'hit her on the head whenever she tried to escape,' during a science class at Martin De Porres Academy in Elmont, N.Y.
As he was saying… | Hernando Today
As he was saying… | Hernando Today
"The fact that we are here today to debate raising America's debt limit is a sign of leadership failure. It is a sign that the U.S. government cannot pay its own bills.
It is a sign that we now depend on ongoing financial assistance from foreign countries to finance our government's reckless fiscal policies. Increasing America's debt weakens us domestically and internationally. Leadership means that, 'the buck stops here.'
"Instead, Washington is shifting the burden of bad choices today onto the backs of our children and grandchildren. America has a debt problem and a failure of leadership. Americans deserve better."
— Sen. Barack H. Obama, March 2006
What an incriminating and indicting statement uttered by the president, who has rung up more debt than the first 43 put together.
By his own words he is a colossal failure as a leader as he continues to have trillion-dollar deficits with no sign of addressing the issue in a realistic way.
"The fact that we are here today to debate raising America's debt limit is a sign of leadership failure. It is a sign that the U.S. government cannot pay its own bills.
It is a sign that we now depend on ongoing financial assistance from foreign countries to finance our government's reckless fiscal policies. Increasing America's debt weakens us domestically and internationally. Leadership means that, 'the buck stops here.'
"Instead, Washington is shifting the burden of bad choices today onto the backs of our children and grandchildren. America has a debt problem and a failure of leadership. Americans deserve better."
— Sen. Barack H. Obama, March 2006
What an incriminating and indicting statement uttered by the president, who has rung up more debt than the first 43 put together.
By his own words he is a colossal failure as a leader as he continues to have trillion-dollar deficits with no sign of addressing the issue in a realistic way.
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
70 years ago today, Strom Thurmond’s mistress was put to death
70 years ago today, Strom Thurmond’s mistress was put to death - Palmetto Public Record
On this day in 1943, a South Carolina woman named Sue Logue was executed along with her brother-in-law, George Logue, and a down-on-his-luck plasterer named Clarence Bagwell.
The Logues had hired Bagwell to kill their neighbor, who had previously killed Sue Logue’s husband over a feud concerning a dead calf.
What makes this story interesting is that before Sue Logue’s arrest, she had been having an affair with an Edgefield County school superintendent named Strom Thurmond.
Yes, that Strom Thurmond. Logue was a teacher in Thurmond’s district, and rumor has it that the two had once been “caught in the act” in the future senator’s own office.
When police surrounded Logue’s house to arrest her, Thurmond — by now a local judge — even intervened in the standoff to ensure that she came quietly (no pun intended).
What makes the story even more interesting is that before Logue was to be executed, Thurmond rode with her from the Columbia women’s penitentiary to the prison which housed Death Row, and even managed to “get it in” one last time before his mistress was executed.
On this day in 1943, a South Carolina woman named Sue Logue was executed along with her brother-in-law, George Logue, and a down-on-his-luck plasterer named Clarence Bagwell.
The Logues had hired Bagwell to kill their neighbor, who had previously killed Sue Logue’s husband over a feud concerning a dead calf.
What makes this story interesting is that before Sue Logue’s arrest, she had been having an affair with an Edgefield County school superintendent named Strom Thurmond.
Yes, that Strom Thurmond. Logue was a teacher in Thurmond’s district, and rumor has it that the two had once been “caught in the act” in the future senator’s own office.
When police surrounded Logue’s house to arrest her, Thurmond — by now a local judge — even intervened in the standoff to ensure that she came quietly (no pun intended).
What makes the story even more interesting is that before Logue was to be executed, Thurmond rode with her from the Columbia women’s penitentiary to the prison which housed Death Row, and even managed to “get it in” one last time before his mistress was executed.
Cheap energy today: The best friend and salvation of the poor
Cheap energy today: The best friend and salvation of the poor | AEIdeas
"”Somehow we have to figure out how to boost the US price of gasoline to the levels in Europe.” ~Stephen Chu, US Secretary of Energy
“Under my plan of a cap-and-trade system, electricity rates would necessarily skyrocket.” ~President Barack Hussein Obama
Willis Eschenbach responds (emphasis mine) on Watts Up With That (the world’s most viewed site on global warming and climate change):
Here’s my problem with these brilliant plans.
Regardless of whatever hypothetical possible future benefit they might or might not bring in fifty years, right here and now in the present they are absolutely devastating to the poor."
"”Somehow we have to figure out how to boost the US price of gasoline to the levels in Europe.” ~Stephen Chu, US Secretary of Energy
“Under my plan of a cap-and-trade system, electricity rates would necessarily skyrocket.” ~President Barack Hussein Obama
Willis Eschenbach responds (emphasis mine) on Watts Up With That (the world’s most viewed site on global warming and climate change):
Here’s my problem with these brilliant plans.
Regardless of whatever hypothetical possible future benefit they might or might not bring in fifty years, right here and now in the present they are absolutely devastating to the poor."
Muskegon doctor returns to closed abortion clinic, calls it a 'crime scene'
Muskegon doctor returns to closed abortion clinic, calls it a 'crime scene' | MLive.com
According to police reports released to MLive and The Muskegon Chronicle after a Freedom of Information Act request, police investigating the broken door reported unsanitary conditions throughout the clinic, including used hypodermic needles in unsecured containers, “blood on the floor and walls in multiple locations” as well as dripping from a sink trap in a patient room, and “uncovered buckets containing unknown fluids” in the operating room.
According to police reports released to MLive and The Muskegon Chronicle after a Freedom of Information Act request, police investigating the broken door reported unsanitary conditions throughout the clinic, including used hypodermic needles in unsecured containers, “blood on the floor and walls in multiple locations” as well as dripping from a sink trap in a patient room, and “uncovered buckets containing unknown fluids” in the operating room.
Collapse of Higher-Ed Bubble Draws Near
Collapse of Higher-Ed Bubble Draws Near [Mackinac Center]
Legislators had better start paying attention, because like the implosion of the housing bubble, the higher ed one is all but certain to have an impact on future budgets.
Legislators had better start paying attention, because like the implosion of the housing bubble, the higher ed one is all but certain to have an impact on future budgets.
Liberal tax leaves bitter taste in some smoothie drinkers' mouths
Liberal tax leaves bitter taste in some smoothie drinkers' mouths | ksl.com
Burnett said his goal isn't to offend. First, it's to provide people with a healthy product.
Second, it's to start a conversation about what he sees as the over-regulation of the energy industry and the continued financial problems facing the United States.
Burnett said his goal isn't to offend. First, it's to provide people with a healthy product.
Second, it's to start a conversation about what he sees as the over-regulation of the energy industry and the continued financial problems facing the United States.
New Study Shows Better Results For Public Charter School Students Compared To Students In Conventional ...
New Study Shows Better Results For Public Charter School Students Compared To Students In Conventional ... [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
The students who took advantage of school choice had academic growth 82 percent above the state average in reading and 72 percent above the state average in math.
The students who took advantage of school choice had academic growth 82 percent above the state average in reading and 72 percent above the state average in math.
Monday, January 14, 2013
Calling All Cauliflower
Calling All Cauliflower - NYTimes.com
At my house we eat cauliflower like popcorn.
Using a simple recipe from Alice Waters, we slice it thin, toss in olive oil and salt, and roast.
One head of cauliflower is never enough
At my house we eat cauliflower like popcorn.
Using a simple recipe from Alice Waters, we slice it thin, toss in olive oil and salt, and roast.
One head of cauliflower is never enough
New pay-per-mile scheme would boost taxes 250 percent
New pay-per-mile scheme would boost taxes 250 percent | WashingtonExaminer.com
An on-again, off-again move by the Obama administration to scrap the federal gas tax in favor of a pay-per-mile fee would boost the tab to Americans as high as 250 percent, raising their current tax of 18.4 cents a gallon to as high as 46 cents, according to a new government study.
An on-again, off-again move by the Obama administration to scrap the federal gas tax in favor of a pay-per-mile fee would boost the tab to Americans as high as 250 percent, raising their current tax of 18.4 cents a gallon to as high as 46 cents, according to a new government study.
Most of the Arrested Anti-Right-to-Work Protesters Have SEIU 'Dues Skim' Connections
Most of the Arrested Anti-Right-to-Work Protesters Have SEIU 'Dues Skim' Connections [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
"Seven of the eight people facing felony charges for their alleged actions on Dec.6 at the State Capitol are affiliated with the SEIU Healthcare Michigan union.
That's the union that has taken more than $33 million from home-based caregivers in Michigan."
"Seven of the eight people facing felony charges for their alleged actions on Dec.6 at the State Capitol are affiliated with the SEIU Healthcare Michigan union.
That's the union that has taken more than $33 million from home-based caregivers in Michigan."
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Obama faces 'limited' options on executive action on gun violence
Obama faces 'limited' options on executive action on gun violence - The Hill
"His options are limited," Adam Winkler, constitutional scholar at the UCLA School of Law, said by phone Friday.
"He can seek to better enforce existing federal law, but he can't act contrary to existing federal law."
Winkler and others say Obama can install changes like new importation limits on weapons, tougher law-enforcement policies and greater cooperation between federal agencies sharing criminal and mental-health records – all without Congress's blessing.
.....Much of the focus seems to be on efforts to strengthen the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), an FBI database through which licensed gun dealers are required to screen potential buyers before selling weapons.
Under federal law, felons, illegal immigrants, drug abusers, spousal abusers and the severely mentally ill may not buy or own firearms.
But the system is riddled with holes, as many states – and even federal agencies – have declined to share records with NICS.
Indeed, an examination of 60 federal agencies in October 2011 revealed that only eight had shared mental-health records with NICS, while only three had submitted drug-abuse records, according to FBI data provided to Mayors Against Illegal Guns, an advocacy group.
Among the agencies that had not shared any records on substance abusers was the Drug Enforcement Administration.
"His options are limited," Adam Winkler, constitutional scholar at the UCLA School of Law, said by phone Friday.
"He can seek to better enforce existing federal law, but he can't act contrary to existing federal law."
Winkler and others say Obama can install changes like new importation limits on weapons, tougher law-enforcement policies and greater cooperation between federal agencies sharing criminal and mental-health records – all without Congress's blessing.
.....Much of the focus seems to be on efforts to strengthen the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), an FBI database through which licensed gun dealers are required to screen potential buyers before selling weapons.
Under federal law, felons, illegal immigrants, drug abusers, spousal abusers and the severely mentally ill may not buy or own firearms.
But the system is riddled with holes, as many states – and even federal agencies – have declined to share records with NICS.
Indeed, an examination of 60 federal agencies in October 2011 revealed that only eight had shared mental-health records with NICS, while only three had submitted drug-abuse records, according to FBI data provided to Mayors Against Illegal Guns, an advocacy group.
Among the agencies that had not shared any records on substance abusers was the Drug Enforcement Administration.
James M. Buchanan | Fellows | Cato Institute
James M. Buchanan | Fellows | Cato Institute
Buchanan and Tullock’s 1962book, The Calculus of Consent, aggressively questionedthis scenario: why do we assume that because a government acts, itnecessarily solves a given problem?
Don’t public as well as privateactors pursue their self-interest?
For his work in Public Choice economics, Buchanan received theNobel Prize in 1986
Buchanan and Tullock’s 1962book, The Calculus of Consent, aggressively questionedthis scenario: why do we assume that because a government acts, itnecessarily solves a given problem?
Don’t public as well as privateactors pursue their self-interest?
For his work in Public Choice economics, Buchanan received theNobel Prize in 1986
Patient Prescription Drug Records May be Used to Deny Americans their Constitutional Rights
Patient Prescription Drug Records May be Used to Deny Americans their Constitutional Rights
All Americans who have been prescribed psychiatric medications could be denied their constitutional rights under gun control legislation expected to be introduced into the U.S. Senate on January 22nd.
Although the actual text of the bill is not yet available to the public, the heavy emphasis on “mental health” in recent gun control discussions echoes the present-day denial of Second Amendment rights to veterans diagnosed with PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder).
In an effort to deny gun ownership “privileges” to as many Americans as possible, Sen. Feinstein and other proponents of total citizen disarmament could simply expand the definition of those deemed “mentally unfit” for gun purchases to include anyone who has ever been prescribed an antidepressant or a drug for ADHD.
I give credit for this realization to Jon Rappoport, editor of No More Fake News.
In a phone conversation yesterday evening, he brought this to my attention, even describing psychiatrists as “the new cops” who get to determine whether you have any rights at all.
Conducting further research on the subject, I found that a national database of prescription drug users already exists. It was created by the National All Schedules Prescription Electronic Reporting Act (NASPER) signed into law by President George W. Bush in 2005.
All Americans who have been prescribed psychiatric medications could be denied their constitutional rights under gun control legislation expected to be introduced into the U.S. Senate on January 22nd.
Although the actual text of the bill is not yet available to the public, the heavy emphasis on “mental health” in recent gun control discussions echoes the present-day denial of Second Amendment rights to veterans diagnosed with PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder).
In an effort to deny gun ownership “privileges” to as many Americans as possible, Sen. Feinstein and other proponents of total citizen disarmament could simply expand the definition of those deemed “mentally unfit” for gun purchases to include anyone who has ever been prescribed an antidepressant or a drug for ADHD.
I give credit for this realization to Jon Rappoport, editor of No More Fake News.
In a phone conversation yesterday evening, he brought this to my attention, even describing psychiatrists as “the new cops” who get to determine whether you have any rights at all.
Conducting further research on the subject, I found that a national database of prescription drug users already exists. It was created by the National All Schedules Prescription Electronic Reporting Act (NASPER) signed into law by President George W. Bush in 2005.
Saturday, January 12, 2013
The Public Employee Union Problem
The Public Employee Union Problem [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
Politicians granting unsustainable government employee salaries, benefits and pensions is a problem everywhere, but the states with the strongest public-sector unions will have the hardest time correcting it. More broadly, as long as these incestuous relationships between government unions and the political class remain in place and unchallenged, the size and scope of government will continue to grow.
Politicians granting unsustainable government employee salaries, benefits and pensions is a problem everywhere, but the states with the strongest public-sector unions will have the hardest time correcting it. More broadly, as long as these incestuous relationships between government unions and the political class remain in place and unchallenged, the size and scope of government will continue to grow.
Eliminate armed guards for the President, Vice-President, and their families, and establish Gun Free Zones around them
Gun Free Zones are supposed to protect our children, and some politicians wish to strip us of our right to keep and bear arms.
Those same politicians and their families are currently under the protection of armed Secret Service agents.
If Gun Free Zones are sufficient protection for our children, then Gun Free Zones should be good enough for politicians.
Those same politicians and their families are currently under the protection of armed Secret Service agents.
If Gun Free Zones are sufficient protection for our children, then Gun Free Zones should be good enough for politicians.
The Right-to-Freeload myth
Sherk: The Right-to-Freeload myth | www.michiganview.com | The Michigan View
"The trouble with our liberal friends is not that they are ignorant," President Reagan once quipped, "but that they know so much that isn't so."
He could have been talking about the opposition to right-to-work legislation proposed in Michigan.
The chief argument against right-to-work laws is factually incorrect.
Although most union members do not know it, the law does not require their union to negotiate on behalf of non-members.
"The trouble with our liberal friends is not that they are ignorant," President Reagan once quipped, "but that they know so much that isn't so."
He could have been talking about the opposition to right-to-work legislation proposed in Michigan.
The chief argument against right-to-work laws is factually incorrect.
Although most union members do not know it, the law does not require their union to negotiate on behalf of non-members.
Hostess sells Wonder bread and five other brands to Tastykakes baker for $390m with new Twinkies owner expected in a matter of weeks
Hostess sells Wonder bread and five other brands to Tastykakes baker for $390m with new Twinkies owner expected in a matter of weeks | Mail Online
The company's demise came after years of management turmoil and turnover, with workers saying the company failed to invest its brands.
Hostess filed for its second Chapter 11 bankruptcy in less than a decade this January, citing costs associated with its unionized workforce.
The company's demise came after years of management turmoil and turnover, with workers saying the company failed to invest its brands.
Hostess filed for its second Chapter 11 bankruptcy in less than a decade this January, citing costs associated with its unionized workforce.
It had about 18,500 employees when it announced that it was shutting down after it was unable to reach a deal on a new contract with striking workers.
SkyDaddy Bloomberg Takes a liking to Playing Deity UPDATED
SkyDaddy Bloomberg Takes a liking to Playing Deity UPDATED
Yesterday, Mayor Michael Bloomberg and city officials unveiled a new initiative to limit supplies of prescription painkillers in the city’s emergency rooms as a way to combat what they described as a growing addiction problem in the region.
Some critics, as documented by The New York Times, however, felt the move would unnecessarily hurt poor and uninsured patients who use emergency rooms as their primary care doctor.
Needless to say, Mr. Bloomberg was not swayed by this line of argument.
“The city hospitals we control, so … we’re going to do it and we’re urging all of the other hospitals to do it, voluntary guidelines.
Somebody said, oh, somebody wrote, ‘Oh then maybe there won’t be enough painkillers for the poor who use the emergency rooms as their primary care doctor,’” the mayor said on his weekly radio show with John Gambling.
“Number one, there’s no evidence of that.
Number two, supposing it is really true, so you didn’t get enough painkillers and you did have to suffer a little bit.
The other side of the coin is people are dying and there’s nothing perfect …
There’s nothing that you can possibly do where somebody isn’t going to suffer, and it’s always the same group [claiming], ‘Everybody is heartless.’ Come on, this is a very big problem.”
In the same interview, Mr. Bloomberg stressed the initiative’s simple rationale is to prevent extra pills from piling up in the cabinets of New Yorkers who no longer need them, where they can pose a health risk if they’re abused.
Yesterday, Mayor Michael Bloomberg and city officials unveiled a new initiative to limit supplies of prescription painkillers in the city’s emergency rooms as a way to combat what they described as a growing addiction problem in the region.
Some critics, as documented by The New York Times, however, felt the move would unnecessarily hurt poor and uninsured patients who use emergency rooms as their primary care doctor.
Needless to say, Mr. Bloomberg was not swayed by this line of argument.
“The city hospitals we control, so … we’re going to do it and we’re urging all of the other hospitals to do it, voluntary guidelines.
Somebody said, oh, somebody wrote, ‘Oh then maybe there won’t be enough painkillers for the poor who use the emergency rooms as their primary care doctor,’” the mayor said on his weekly radio show with John Gambling.
“Number one, there’s no evidence of that.
Number two, supposing it is really true, so you didn’t get enough painkillers and you did have to suffer a little bit.
The other side of the coin is people are dying and there’s nothing perfect …
There’s nothing that you can possibly do where somebody isn’t going to suffer, and it’s always the same group [claiming], ‘Everybody is heartless.’ Come on, this is a very big problem.”
In the same interview, Mr. Bloomberg stressed the initiative’s simple rationale is to prevent extra pills from piling up in the cabinets of New Yorkers who no longer need them, where they can pose a health risk if they’re abused.
Inside the new climate row as Mystic Met Office goes cool on warming
Inside the new climate row as Mystic Met Office goes cool on warming • The Register:
If it holds true, then global temperatures will have experienced a 20-year standstill, with no statistically significant warming.
The Met didn't predict, as the BBC erroneously reported, a 0.43C increase in global temperature over the next five years........
"By putting out the information on Christmas Eve they were just burying bad news – that they have got their climate change forecast wrong," said Stringer.
The Met didn't predict, as the BBC erroneously reported, a 0.43C increase in global temperature over the next five years........
"By putting out the information on Christmas Eve they were just burying bad news – that they have got their climate change forecast wrong," said Stringer.
A twenty year period without statistically significant warming doesn't falsify the theory that manmade industrial emissions are the key driver in climate change - the oceans may be storing energy that isn't yet manifest in higher atmospheric temperatures.
But it certainly wasn't in the script, which raises questions over the validity of the models on which policy decisions have been made, as the BBC's Paul Hudson points out here.
11 of the last 12 annual Met forecasts erred on the warm side - so new and better models should be widely welcomed.
But it certainly wasn't in the script, which raises questions over the validity of the models on which policy decisions have been made, as the BBC's Paul Hudson points out here.
11 of the last 12 annual Met forecasts erred on the warm side - so new and better models should be widely welcomed.
Another claim by the Met has also drawn fire - as the criticism directly addresses the validity of the Met's science, rather than its communications strategy.
Last week the Met made a widely-reported claim that Britain is experiencing more frequent extreme rainfall.
Statistical analysis of rainfall records by the Met Office claimed to show days of heavy rainfall had become more common in England since 1960.
"The apparent trend mirrors increases in extreme rain seen in other parts of the world," wrote the BBC's Roger Harrabin.
Last week the Met made a widely-reported claim that Britain is experiencing more frequent extreme rainfall.
Statistical analysis of rainfall records by the Met Office claimed to show days of heavy rainfall had become more common in England since 1960.
"The apparent trend mirrors increases in extreme rain seen in other parts of the world," wrote the BBC's Roger Harrabin.
For Channel 4 news, the Met's statistical press release was apocalyptic.
There were "clear signals of wetter weather emerging", apparently:
There were "clear signals of wetter weather emerging", apparently:
But the claim has puzzled some observers, not least because last March the Met was predicting a continuing drought for the UK, advising last March that:
"The probability that UK precipitation for April-May-June will fall into the driest of our five categories is 20-25% whilst the probability that it will fall into the wettest of our five categories is 10-15%".
.....Comment
.....Comment
And that seems to encapsulate the problem.
Forecasting is notoriously difficult, and every scientist working in the field deserves some understanding. It's the agency executives' desire to feed the news media with alarmist and politically-motivated "stories" that's the problem - and perhaps the fact that the Met Office is dependent on global warming being a clear and present danger for much of its funding nowadays.
It's hard to imagine the shoddy rainfall press release being issued were this not the case.
Time for new management at the Met? ®
Before you file your income tax form: 6 things to know about Michigan's changes
Before you file your income tax form: 6 things to know about Michigan's changes | MLive.com
The new income tax rules impact retirement income and many different credits, such as those for certain charitable donations or for low- and medium-income families.
The changes were meant to make the tax structure "fair and efficient and address structural budget deficit that plagued the state for a number of years,” said Terry Stanton, spokesman for the Michigan Department of Treasury.
One of the biggest adjustments will reduce or eliminate the Homestead Property Tax Credit for some homeowners and renters.
The state treasury sent out informational postcards to about a half million taxpayers who are most likely to be affected by the new rules, Stanton said.
Seniors age 65 and older, taxpayers with household resources of more than $50,000 and homeowners whose property has a taxable value of more than $135,000 are most likely to be impacted.
That includes North Muskegon resident Sharon Clark, 62, who says she’s unhappy with the increased tax burden.
“This follows a new taxation on retired people’s pensions, so it’s like the people who are retired and on fixed incomes are the ones who are being slammed by this,” she said.
She also noted that some people who received the postcard didn’t understand it, and said she’s concerned for seniors and others who don’t have computers or Internet access to seek more information.
The homestead credit used to be a small portion of the tax return, but now requires a few pages that need to be filled out, said Michael Bozimowski, director of state and local tax services for Rehmann, an accounting, tax and financial planning firm with 12 locations in Michigan.
Bozimowski recommended people talk to their tax preparers early in order to gain a better understanding.
“The law has changed. It’s now a fact of life we have to deal with,” he said. “Communication and preparation, not just of the return, but of the impact, is going to be key on an individual basis.”
Free volunteer-based tax preparation is available to low- and moderate-income taxpayers. Michigan State University offers free services, along with several West Michigan colleges and universities.
Information about free e-filing options is available at www.mifastfile.org.
Here are some of the key components of the tax changes with a short description. A full explanation can be found on at www.michigan.gov/taxes.
Tax rate:
Michigan reduced its income tax rate from 4.35 to 4.25 percent in October 2012. The annualized income tax rate for 2012 is 4.33 percent and applies to all income received last year.
Exemptions:
The personal exemption was increased from $3,700 to $3,763 for 2012. It will increase to $3,900 for the 2013 tax year. The following exemptions are no longer allowed: special exemption for seniors, $600 for children age 18 and younger, and unemployment compensation greater than half of adjusted gross income.
Homestead Property Tax Credit:
The maximum $1,200 credit is no longer available to homes with a taxable value greater than $135,000. That cap does not apply to rented homesteads.
Previously, taxpayers could claim a credit if their household income was $82,650 or less. Now, taxpayers with household resources (which includes more than just income) totaling more than $50,000 will no longer receive the credit. Credits are reduced for households with resources ranging from $41,001-$50,000.
Seniors can receive the full credit if their household resources are no more than $21,000. The credit would be reduced by 4 percent for each additional $1,000 in household resources up to $30,000. Senior claimants can receive 60 percent of the credit if they have resources of $30,000 to $41,000. After that, the phase out applies. A full explanation can be found here.
Retirement changes:
Pension income taxes are based on age, and joint filers go by the age of the older person.There is no change for taxpayers born before 1946. For filers born before 1946, public pensions will continue to be exempt from income taxes, and for private pensions they can subtract up to $47,309 for single filers and $94,618 for joint filers.
Taxpayers born between 1946 and 1952 receive a smaller pension tax exemption of $40,000 for joint filers and $20,000 for single filers. They can no longer exempt public pensions or subtract for interest, dividends and capital gains.
Taxpayers born after 1952 will pay taxes on all pension income, except for Social Security and military pensions. There are certain exemptions or subtractions allowed once taxpayers turn 67. See a full explanation here.
Earned Income Tax Credit:
The Michigan Earned Income Tax Credit for low- and medium-income individuals and families is reduced from 20 percent of the federal credit to 6 percent. The average credit will drop 70 percent from $439 to $132, according to the Michigan League for Public Policy.
Other tax credits:
Non-refundable tax credits for the following expenses are no longer allowed: college tuition and fees, city income taxes, automobile donations, public contributions, donations to homeless shelters, food banks, community foundations and the Family Development Program, and contributions to medical savings accounts. Refundable credits are no longer allowed for excess adoption expenses or stillbirths.
The new income tax rules impact retirement income and many different credits, such as those for certain charitable donations or for low- and medium-income families.
The changes were meant to make the tax structure "fair and efficient and address structural budget deficit that plagued the state for a number of years,” said Terry Stanton, spokesman for the Michigan Department of Treasury.
One of the biggest adjustments will reduce or eliminate the Homestead Property Tax Credit for some homeowners and renters.
The state treasury sent out informational postcards to about a half million taxpayers who are most likely to be affected by the new rules, Stanton said.
Seniors age 65 and older, taxpayers with household resources of more than $50,000 and homeowners whose property has a taxable value of more than $135,000 are most likely to be impacted.
That includes North Muskegon resident Sharon Clark, 62, who says she’s unhappy with the increased tax burden.
“This follows a new taxation on retired people’s pensions, so it’s like the people who are retired and on fixed incomes are the ones who are being slammed by this,” she said.
She also noted that some people who received the postcard didn’t understand it, and said she’s concerned for seniors and others who don’t have computers or Internet access to seek more information.
The homestead credit used to be a small portion of the tax return, but now requires a few pages that need to be filled out, said Michael Bozimowski, director of state and local tax services for Rehmann, an accounting, tax and financial planning firm with 12 locations in Michigan.
Bozimowski recommended people talk to their tax preparers early in order to gain a better understanding.
“The law has changed. It’s now a fact of life we have to deal with,” he said. “Communication and preparation, not just of the return, but of the impact, is going to be key on an individual basis.”
Free volunteer-based tax preparation is available to low- and moderate-income taxpayers. Michigan State University offers free services, along with several West Michigan colleges and universities.
Information about free e-filing options is available at www.mifastfile.org.
Here are some of the key components of the tax changes with a short description. A full explanation can be found on at www.michigan.gov/taxes.
Tax rate:
Michigan reduced its income tax rate from 4.35 to 4.25 percent in October 2012. The annualized income tax rate for 2012 is 4.33 percent and applies to all income received last year.
Exemptions:
The personal exemption was increased from $3,700 to $3,763 for 2012. It will increase to $3,900 for the 2013 tax year. The following exemptions are no longer allowed: special exemption for seniors, $600 for children age 18 and younger, and unemployment compensation greater than half of adjusted gross income.
Homestead Property Tax Credit:
The maximum $1,200 credit is no longer available to homes with a taxable value greater than $135,000. That cap does not apply to rented homesteads.
Previously, taxpayers could claim a credit if their household income was $82,650 or less. Now, taxpayers with household resources (which includes more than just income) totaling more than $50,000 will no longer receive the credit. Credits are reduced for households with resources ranging from $41,001-$50,000.
Seniors can receive the full credit if their household resources are no more than $21,000. The credit would be reduced by 4 percent for each additional $1,000 in household resources up to $30,000. Senior claimants can receive 60 percent of the credit if they have resources of $30,000 to $41,000. After that, the phase out applies. A full explanation can be found here.
Retirement changes:
Pension income taxes are based on age, and joint filers go by the age of the older person.There is no change for taxpayers born before 1946. For filers born before 1946, public pensions will continue to be exempt from income taxes, and for private pensions they can subtract up to $47,309 for single filers and $94,618 for joint filers.
Taxpayers born between 1946 and 1952 receive a smaller pension tax exemption of $40,000 for joint filers and $20,000 for single filers. They can no longer exempt public pensions or subtract for interest, dividends and capital gains.
Taxpayers born after 1952 will pay taxes on all pension income, except for Social Security and military pensions. There are certain exemptions or subtractions allowed once taxpayers turn 67. See a full explanation here.
Earned Income Tax Credit:
The Michigan Earned Income Tax Credit for low- and medium-income individuals and families is reduced from 20 percent of the federal credit to 6 percent. The average credit will drop 70 percent from $439 to $132, according to the Michigan League for Public Policy.
Other tax credits:
Non-refundable tax credits for the following expenses are no longer allowed: college tuition and fees, city income taxes, automobile donations, public contributions, donations to homeless shelters, food banks, community foundations and the Family Development Program, and contributions to medical savings accounts. Refundable credits are no longer allowed for excess adoption expenses or stillbirths.
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