At current prices, the Treasury would lose more than $12 billion on its GM bailout.
Important stuff you won't get from the liberal media! We do the surfing so you can be informed AND have a life!
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Before you file your income tax form: 6 things to know about Michigan's changes | MLive.com
Before you file your income tax form: 6 things to know about Michigan's changes | MLive.com
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.
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.
Remember the good ol' days, with lots of state income tax deductions?
Tim Skubick: Remember the good ol' days, with lots of state income tax deductions? | MLive.com
But get a load of the tax deductions or exemptions that you use to get that ain’t no more.
If you made a contribution to charities last year, the credit you got in 2011, you will not get in 2012.
If you paid a city income tax, that credit is caput.
You use to get credit for college and tuition fees. Adios to that boys and girls.
And other credits are hit: renewable energy surcharge, home heating credit for seniors, an exemption for unemployment compensation, earned income tax credit, homestead property tax credit, and for kids at home under 18, the $600 deduction is out the window.
Tell junior to get a job to make up the lost credit.
But get a load of the tax deductions or exemptions that you use to get that ain’t no more.
If you made a contribution to charities last year, the credit you got in 2011, you will not get in 2012.
If you paid a city income tax, that credit is caput.
You use to get credit for college and tuition fees. Adios to that boys and girls.
And other credits are hit: renewable energy surcharge, home heating credit for seniors, an exemption for unemployment compensation, earned income tax credit, homestead property tax credit, and for kids at home under 18, the $600 deduction is out the window.
Tell junior to get a job to make up the lost credit.
Government Scientist Gets Fired for Telling the Truth
Government Scientist Gets Fired for Telling the Truth - David Spady
The purpose of fictional environmental science is to sway public opinion through what amounts to propaganda. Intransigent purveyors of “green” propaganda know their greatest enemy is truth.
One of the most famous propaganda experts was Germany’s Joseph Goebbels, who taught that if a lie is repeated often enough it will eventually be accepted as truth.
Goebbels also knew that truth has to be suppressed if it contradicts the objectives of the propaganda.
Goebbels wrote, “It thus becomes vitally important for the State to use all of its powers to repress dissent, for the truth is the mortal enemy of the lie, and thus by extension, the truth is the greatest enemy of the State.”
The purpose of fictional environmental science is to sway public opinion through what amounts to propaganda. Intransigent purveyors of “green” propaganda know their greatest enemy is truth.
One of the most famous propaganda experts was Germany’s Joseph Goebbels, who taught that if a lie is repeated often enough it will eventually be accepted as truth.
Goebbels also knew that truth has to be suppressed if it contradicts the objectives of the propaganda.
Goebbels wrote, “It thus becomes vitally important for the State to use all of its powers to repress dissent, for the truth is the mortal enemy of the lie, and thus by extension, the truth is the greatest enemy of the State.”
Friday, January 18, 2013
Mark Steyn: Fake dead girlfriends and fake debt limits
Mark Steyn: Fake dead girlfriends and fake debt limits | dollar, trillion, debt - Opinion - The Orange County Register:
Forty-four nations voted at Bretton Woods to make the dollar the world's reserve currency.
If they were meeting today, I doubt they'd give that status to a nation piling on over a trillion in federal debt per year, 70 percent of which its left hand (the U.S. Treasury) borrows from its right hand (the Federal Reserve) through the Nigerian email equivalent of Paul Krugman's trillion-dollar groat.
Meanwhile, I see the Bundesbank has decided to move 300 tons of German gold from the Federal Reserve in New York back to Frankfurt. It's probably nothing.
And what's to stop the Fed replacing it with 300 tons of Boston Cream donuts and declaring them of equivalent value? Or maybe 300 imaginary dead football girlfriends, all platinum blondes.
If they were meeting today, I doubt they'd give that status to a nation piling on over a trillion in federal debt per year, 70 percent of which its left hand (the U.S. Treasury) borrows from its right hand (the Federal Reserve) through the Nigerian email equivalent of Paul Krugman's trillion-dollar groat.
Meanwhile, I see the Bundesbank has decided to move 300 tons of German gold from the Federal Reserve in New York back to Frankfurt. It's probably nothing.
And what's to stop the Fed replacing it with 300 tons of Boston Cream donuts and declaring them of equivalent value? Or maybe 300 imaginary dead football girlfriends, all platinum blondes.
Reader panel members react to using Craig School as a juvenile transition center
Flash views: Reader panel members react to using Craig School as a juvenile transition center | MLive.com
Agreeing with Griffin was Jim Riley of Norton Shores, who doesn't think the county has made a case for moving the transition center.
If county commissioners and administrator Bonnie Hammersley have a compelling reason to move the facility, they have yet to clearly present their rationale to the public.
In that vacuum of clarity, I say detach the juvenile transition center issue from the new jail discussion and keep the JTC in its current location.
Agreeing with Griffin was Jim Riley of Norton Shores, who doesn't think the county has made a case for moving the transition center.
If county commissioners and administrator Bonnie Hammersley have a compelling reason to move the facility, they have yet to clearly present their rationale to the public.
In that vacuum of clarity, I say detach the juvenile transition center issue from the new jail discussion and keep the JTC in its current location.
Michigan Senators Introduce Firearms Freedom Act
Michigan Senators Introduce Firearms Freedom Act – Tenth Amendment Center Blog
"Senators Pavlov, Jones, Green, Casperson, Meekhof, Proos, Jansen, Brandenderg, Hildenbrand, Nofs, Colbeck, Emmons and Marleau introduced SB0063, which would protect firearms made and remaining in Michigan from unconstitutional federal regulation. SB0063 was referred to the Committee on Judiciary, chaired by Senator Jones."
"Senators Pavlov, Jones, Green, Casperson, Meekhof, Proos, Jansen, Brandenderg, Hildenbrand, Nofs, Colbeck, Emmons and Marleau introduced SB0063, which would protect firearms made and remaining in Michigan from unconstitutional federal regulation. SB0063 was referred to the Committee on Judiciary, chaired by Senator Jones."
Food service vulnerable to food allergy lawsuits
WASHINGTON: Food service vulnerable to food allergy lawsuits | Health | Macon.com
A settlement stemming from a lack of gluten-free foods available to students at a Massachusetts university could serve as a precedent for people with other allergies or conditions, including peanut sensitivities or diabetes.
Institutions and businesses subject to the Americans With Disabilities Act could be open to lawsuits if they fail to honor requests for accommodations by people with food allergies.
A settlement stemming from a lack of gluten-free foods available to students at a Massachusetts university could serve as a precedent for people with other allergies or conditions, including peanut sensitivities or diabetes.
Institutions and businesses subject to the Americans With Disabilities Act could be open to lawsuits if they fail to honor requests for accommodations by people with food allergies.
Coast West Music Festival to bring country stars LeAnn Rimes, Josh Turner to Muskegon 4th of July
Coast West Music Festival to bring country stars LeAnn Rimes, Josh Turner to Muskegon 4th of July | MLive.com: "It has a name: The Coast West Music Festival. It will take place from July 1 to 6, and its first two confirmed acts are country music stars Josh Turner and LeAnn Rimes, who will perform on July 4."
DRUDGE REPORT 2013®
DRUDGE REPORT 2013®
CABLE NEWS RACE
WEDS JAN 16 2013
FOXNEWS O'REILLY 3,356,000
DISC AMISH MAFIA 3,200,000
FOXNEWS FIVE 2,323,000
FOXNEWS HANNITY 2,276,000
FOXNEWS BAIER 2,235,000
FOXNEWS SHEP 1,813,000
CMDY DAILY SHOW 1,790,000
FOXNEWS GRETA 1,637,000
CMDY COLBERT 1,360,000
MSNBC MADDOW 1,096,000
MSNBC SCHULTZ 1,020,000
MSNBC HARDBALL 875,000
MSNBC SHARPTON 839,000
MSNBC O'DONNELL 831,000
CNN COOPER 604,000
CNN PIERS 592,000
CABLE NEWS RACE
WEDS JAN 16 2013
FOXNEWS O'REILLY 3,356,000
DISC AMISH MAFIA 3,200,000
FOXNEWS FIVE 2,323,000
FOXNEWS HANNITY 2,276,000
FOXNEWS BAIER 2,235,000
FOXNEWS SHEP 1,813,000
CMDY DAILY SHOW 1,790,000
FOXNEWS GRETA 1,637,000
CMDY COLBERT 1,360,000
MSNBC MADDOW 1,096,000
MSNBC SCHULTZ 1,020,000
MSNBC HARDBALL 875,000
MSNBC SHARPTON 839,000
MSNBC O'DONNELL 831,000
CNN COOPER 604,000
CNN PIERS 592,000
The End of the University as We Know It
The End of the University as We Know It - Nathan Harden - The American Interest Magazine
In fifty years, if not much sooner, half of the roughly 4,500 colleges and universities now operating in the United States will have ceased to exist.
In fifty years, if not much sooner, half of the roughly 4,500 colleges and universities now operating in the United States will have ceased to exist.
Thursday, January 17, 2013
2013 State of the State, Gov. Rick Snyder
2013 State of the State, Gov. Rick Snyder [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
The biggest expansion included the call for a $1.2 billion increase in state-funded road and infrastructure spending. Revenue sources for that money could include increases in vehicle registration and fuel taxes.
The biggest expansion included the call for a $1.2 billion increase in state-funded road and infrastructure spending. Revenue sources for that money could include increases in vehicle registration and fuel taxes.
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
State of the State 2013: Gov. Rick Snyder proposes road funding, changes to voting, education
State of the State 2013: Gov. Rick Snyder proposes road funding, changes to voting, education | MLive.com
“The big deal is roads – road funding,” Snyder strategy director Bill Rustem told reporters prior to Snyder’s speech. “
Snyder wants it done early because he knows it is going to be a tough issue, Rustem said.
The road money plan could include raising vehicle registration fees.
It also would shift the tax system from the current 19-cent per gallon tax paid at the pump to a percentage of the wholesale cost of gasoline, which would rise with inflation and could bring in more money.
Snyder also would consider backing local options to raise more money at the county level, such as additional vehicle registration fees.
Both Republicans and Democrats have generally agreed Michigan needs more money for road repairs and transportation system improvements.
Other topics:
Elections and voting: Snyder is expected to back some form of online voter registration and no-reason absentee voting. It would require some steps aimed at security, such as entering Social Security numbers with registration and other features.
Jobs: Snyder is expected to push for ways to better help Michigan workers develop the skills needed for high-tech, health care and other high-demand job areas. It's not clear how much of that will come up in tonight's speech, however. One item that is expected to be mentioned is a special emphasis on military veterans for some types of jobs. Snyder also is expected to announce other steps, including accreditation of a veterans affairs agency, to help better deliver services to veterans.
Education: Great Start and other early childhood education programs could get more of an emphasis in the state budget, which will be proposed in early February. Snyder also is expected to renew his call to expand the state’s Education Achievement Authority. It now includes 15 schools in Detroit, but it could potentially expand to include many of the lowest-performing 5 percent of schools in the state. Proposals that could have put the EAA in state law and expanded that program fizzled in the state Legislature late last year, but likely will be resurrected.
Social services: Snyder is expected to address expanding a program that would put more Department of Human Services workers into elementary schools. The goal would be to help children and families get basic services, so educators can focus more on education. Much of the emphasis could be on Detroit, Flint, Saginaw and Pontiac.
“The big deal is roads – road funding,” Snyder strategy director Bill Rustem told reporters prior to Snyder’s speech. “
Snyder wants it done early because he knows it is going to be a tough issue, Rustem said.
The road money plan could include raising vehicle registration fees.
It also would shift the tax system from the current 19-cent per gallon tax paid at the pump to a percentage of the wholesale cost of gasoline, which would rise with inflation and could bring in more money.
Snyder also would consider backing local options to raise more money at the county level, such as additional vehicle registration fees.
Both Republicans and Democrats have generally agreed Michigan needs more money for road repairs and transportation system improvements.
Other topics:
Elections and voting: Snyder is expected to back some form of online voter registration and no-reason absentee voting. It would require some steps aimed at security, such as entering Social Security numbers with registration and other features.
Jobs: Snyder is expected to push for ways to better help Michigan workers develop the skills needed for high-tech, health care and other high-demand job areas. It's not clear how much of that will come up in tonight's speech, however. One item that is expected to be mentioned is a special emphasis on military veterans for some types of jobs. Snyder also is expected to announce other steps, including accreditation of a veterans affairs agency, to help better deliver services to veterans.
Education: Great Start and other early childhood education programs could get more of an emphasis in the state budget, which will be proposed in early February. Snyder also is expected to renew his call to expand the state’s Education Achievement Authority. It now includes 15 schools in Detroit, but it could potentially expand to include many of the lowest-performing 5 percent of schools in the state. Proposals that could have put the EAA in state law and expanded that program fizzled in the state Legislature late last year, but likely will be resurrected.
Social services: Snyder is expected to address expanding a program that would put more Department of Human Services workers into elementary schools. The goal would be to help children and families get basic services, so educators can focus more on education. Much of the emphasis could be on Detroit, Flint, Saginaw and Pontiac.
FAA grounds Boeing 787s, issues emergency AD to cover risk of battery fires
FAA grounds Boeing 787s, issues emergency AD to cover risk of battery fires | Airline Biz Blog
“As a result of an in-flight, Boeing 787 battery incident earlier today in Japan, the FAA will issue an emergency airworthiness directive (AD) to address a potential battery fire risk in the 787 and require operators to temporarily cease operations.
“As a result of an in-flight, Boeing 787 battery incident earlier today in Japan, the FAA will issue an emergency airworthiness directive (AD) to address a potential battery fire risk in the 787 and require operators to temporarily cease operations.
Muskegon County officials hear Nelson Neighborhood opposition to juvenile facility for Craig School
Muskegon County officials hear Nelson Neighborhood opposition to juvenile facility for Craig School | MLive.com
Hammersley told the neighborhood group that she will take the message back to the county and the process will continue as she promised to keep the neighborhood and all citizens in Muskegon County informed.
Hammersley told the neighborhood group that she will take the message back to the county and the process will continue as she promised to keep the neighborhood and all citizens in Muskegon County informed.
Michigan Steel in Muskegon and sister company Rothbury Steel showing signs of financial problems
Michigan Steel in Muskegon and sister company Rothbury Steel showing signs of financial problems | MLive.com
With the closure of the Kurdziel Iron Foundry in Rothbury in 2009, a Makary business purchased the facility at 2625 W. Winston Road and opened it to great fanfare with state and local officials in April of last year.
The state of Michigan contributed $2.56 million through Grant Township and the Oceana County Road Commission to improve Winston Road from the foundry to U.S. 31 to assist in launching the company with 50 employees.
At the time, the company projected 300 jobs at Rothbury Steel, because larger castings could be produced than with the equipment at Muskegon Steel.
Hardy said her agency visited with Rothbury Steel officials late in 2012 and found operations continuing with about 60 to 70 employees.
At the time of the Rothbury Steel opening, then company President Chris Moein told MLive and The Muskegon Chronicle that business was “booming” at Michigan Steel and the company was employing 200 people in Muskegon.
Historically, Michigan Steel has employed about 120 workers, according to information from Muskegon Area First.
With the closure of the Kurdziel Iron Foundry in Rothbury in 2009, a Makary business purchased the facility at 2625 W. Winston Road and opened it to great fanfare with state and local officials in April of last year.
The state of Michigan contributed $2.56 million through Grant Township and the Oceana County Road Commission to improve Winston Road from the foundry to U.S. 31 to assist in launching the company with 50 employees.
At the time, the company projected 300 jobs at Rothbury Steel, because larger castings could be produced than with the equipment at Muskegon Steel.
Hardy said her agency visited with Rothbury Steel officials late in 2012 and found operations continuing with about 60 to 70 employees.
At the time of the Rothbury Steel opening, then company President Chris Moein told MLive and The Muskegon Chronicle that business was “booming” at Michigan Steel and the company was employing 200 people in Muskegon.
Historically, Michigan Steel has employed about 120 workers, according to information from Muskegon Area First.
Blue Storm Ravages California City
Blue Storm Ravages California City | Via Meadia
This is what a blue death spiral looks like. Years and years of unsustainable pension promises, profligate spending and poor fiscal leadership slowly add up until the money runs out and there’s nothing left to pay for the services that keep the city running.
Bankruptcy can help get a city’s finances back on track, but it’s extremely difficult to run a city on a shoestring budget, as San Bernardino is now learning.
It is truly unfortunate that the good citizens of San Bernardino are caught up in this mess. In the meantime, this should serve as a warning to the rest of us.
This is what a blue death spiral looks like. Years and years of unsustainable pension promises, profligate spending and poor fiscal leadership slowly add up until the money runs out and there’s nothing left to pay for the services that keep the city running.
Bankruptcy can help get a city’s finances back on track, but it’s extremely difficult to run a city on a shoestring budget, as San Bernardino is now learning.
It is truly unfortunate that the good citizens of San Bernardino are caught up in this mess. In the meantime, this should serve as a warning to the rest of us.
Meese: Obama Could Be Impeached If He Uses Executive Order For Gun Control
Meese: Obama Could Be Impeached If He Uses Executive Order For Gun Control | RealClearPolitics
NEWSMAX: So, if the president unilaterally overrides the Second Amendment via an executive order, would this be Constitutional?
Would it be legal?
And how should Congress respond?
MEESE: Well it would not be legal, it would not be Constitutional and, indeed, if he tried to override the Second Amendment in any way, I believe it would be an impeachable offense.
MEESE: Then, it would be up to the Congress to take action, such as looking in to it to see if, in fact, he has really tried to override the Constitution itself.
In which case, it would be up to them to determine what action they should take — and perhaps even to the point of impeachment.
NEWSMAX: So, if the president unilaterally overrides the Second Amendment via an executive order, would this be Constitutional?
Would it be legal?
And how should Congress respond?
MEESE: Well it would not be legal, it would not be Constitutional and, indeed, if he tried to override the Second Amendment in any way, I believe it would be an impeachable offense.
MEESE: Then, it would be up to the Congress to take action, such as looking in to it to see if, in fact, he has really tried to override the Constitution itself.
In which case, it would be up to them to determine what action they should take — and perhaps even to the point of impeachment.
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