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Income Tax Vote Opened Again Late Saturday With No Result

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Posted: 8:14 AM Sep 15, 2007
Last Updated: 3:26 PM Sep 16, 2007
Reporter: Tony Tagliavia
Email Address: tony.tagliavia@wilx.com

26 comments

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House Democrats again asked members late Saturday night to vote on an increase in the state's personal income tax from 3.9 to 4.6 percent.

The vote was put on the floor just after 10:30 p.m. Saturday with no Republican support, one Democrat in opposition and a dozen or so Democrats not voting.

This comes after 24 hours of voting on the same bill ended without a conclusion Saturday afternoon. Fourteen Democrats never voted on the tax hike. No Republicans supported it.

It all means little progress has been achieved on paper from the House session that began 10 a.m. Friday.

Minority Leader Craig DeRoche (R-Novi) said earlier Saturday his members will not change their minds through the weekend. He told News 10 more cuts and reforms would have to pass in the House, Senate and be signed by the governor before he would consider new taxes.

The income tax plan would have increased the state's personal income tax from 3.9 percent to 4.6 percent and brought in about $1.1 billion toward eliminating the state's $1.7 billion deficit.

After the vote was cleared, House Democrats called all members to the floor. They held a vote on a plan from Senate Republicans to eliminate the deficit without increasing taxes.

The vote failed after Republicans called the move "ridiculous" and said they didn't have the chance to propose their own reforms or discuss the idea thoroughly.

House Speaker Andy Dillon (D-Redford Twp.) said his members have passed plenty of government reforms but they have yet to be approved in the Senate. And he accused Republicans of calling for more reforms without discussing specific ideas with Democrats.

Dillion said negotiations with individual House Republicans continued Saturday afternoon to try and get the votes to pass the income tax hike. The plan could pass without Republican votes: 12 of the 14 Democrats who didn't vote on the plan would have to support it.

But the speaker said Saturday evening he is intent on getting bipartisan support for a tax increase.

He has said the vote needs to take place Saturday so the plan can pass in the Senate and obtain the governor's signature before October 1.

Stay with wilx.com and watch News 10 for the latest on the budget and any move to increase taxes.

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: john Location: niles on Sep 18, 2007 at 10:41 AM
As many see it,we really need to see what happens if they do not not raise taxes and just cut health and social programs,and funding here and there.no taxes,then cuts are going to hurt alot of low in come families.they will be loosing much health care assitance,help on paying bills in time of need.people working and needing a little help will be told THIS OR THAT PROGRAM,is GONE.read between the lines.Taxes cover alot of things,I pay in alot,but if it helps keep people from becoming homeless,going hungry,keeps them healthy enough that diease doesn't spread,helps them get educated,ect so be it.there's not enough jobs,and more will leave or close.the programs needed will be gone without taxes.if low income people,or the people not making it now,loose all there help and programs,no taxes won't help will they? which way do we go.no one can straighten out a state that was failing years ago,we just didn't want to see it,now we do.thoes who have been around a long time seen it coming.

Posted by: Sandflea2 Location: Dewitt on Sep 17, 2007 at 11:22 PM
Isn't it interesting that the State of Florida can get a balanced budget together with a part-time legislature? Guess what? Florida doesn't even have a state income tax and they don't have General Motors to lean on. What is wrong with Michgian?

Posted by: Donald Location: St. Johns on Sep 17, 2007 at 11:18 PM
They really need to consider cuts, not tax hikes. Cut their pay if we can't afford to pay them then they don't need to get that pay. Quit the stupid spending she goes on vacation and says she's trying to bring jobs to Michigan. Well I have yet to hear about any over-seas company investing in Michigan just the jobs going over seas or to Mexico. QUIT SPENDING THE TAX PAYERS MONEY, invest it like a good business the state should be treated like a business, cut the needless spending.

Posted by: D.L. Location: ST Johns on Sep 17, 2007 at 11:09 PM
I'm in the belief that if the we can't raise the taxes. We need to make cuts, like there wages. If we cant afford to keep running with the same spending level then they need to cut the spending, not raise the taxes. They need to decide what the really want their jobs or not. If and when the raise taxes since they can think outside their proverbial boxes there will be a recall vote.

Posted by: Sandfleigh on Sep 17, 2007 at 11:08 PM
This budget impasse is another example of the Governor not being a leader. She should be impeached!

Posted by: Mike Location: Mason on Sep 17, 2007 at 08:02 PM
The state government needs to cut spending not raise taxes. They need to cut spending like the rest of us and live within hteir means. If the Democrats succeed in raising taxes I for one will vote against the Democrats in the next election. Are the Democrats listening?

Posted by: Veronica Location: Jackson on Sep 17, 2007 at 07:00 PM
What is our ( and I stress our ) state government thinking?? Raise taxes?? The majority of us cant afford the cost of living in Michigan as it is. Higher taxes is not the cure to our states problems. Why not try going to a part-time legislature? Why doesnt our legislature and Governor take a pay cut? And I keep hearing about this "rainy day fund"...I think its raining!!! The majority of the citzens of Michigan a facing hard times, and cant afford to spending more on the goods they purchase on a regular basis. Foreclosure, bankrupcy and job loss is at an all time high in this state. A tax hike is only going to cause more people to leave, and new businesses to look elsewhere for a place to call home. Jennifer, you need to take a look at the common folks......they are the ones who pay your generous salary.

Posted by: Russ Location: Lansing on Sep 17, 2007 at 06:24 PM
It's time for all State workers, school teachers and Government to co-pay just 5% of their monthly income for Health Insurance. That would balance our budget today. You cannot keep your glutony and arrogance up on the back of taxpayers. We are not an endless supply of more money for your overspending and $40,000 a year in benefits that you enjoy above and beyond your bloated saleries.

Posted by: Anna Location: Lansing on Sep 17, 2007 at 06:17 PM
Another reason why Michigan needs a part-time legislature! They waste too much time and money. There has to be numerous laws on the books that cost to much money and are not necessary for Michigan. Start repealing some of them - an excellant way to save!

Posted by: JANET Location: DELTA TOWNSHIP on Sep 17, 2007 at 06:12 PM
AS I RECALL GRANHOLM INHERATED A BIG DEFACITE IN THE BUDGET THAT X-GOVENOR ENGLER LEFT US WITH.HE SOLD THE LIQUER CONTROL COMMISSION THAT WAS A BIG MONEY MAKER AND CUTE THE INCOME TAX TO MAKE IT LOOK GOOD FOR HIM AND HIS FRIENDS. GIVE HER A BREAK SOME PEOPLE JUST DON'T LIKE IT THAT WE HAVE A FEMALE FOR GOVERNOR BUT SHE TOOK ON A STATE IN A BIG MESS.

Posted by: Brad Blackwell Location: Grass Lake on Sep 17, 2007 at 06:09 PM
Maybe the leaders of this state including the governor should have no pay to keep money flowing to essential services and until they come up with a viable budget.

Posted by: william Location: detroit on Sep 17, 2007 at 11:48 AM
right now it don't look good,all the drama.I've seen good republicans and good democrates,and bad of each.The condition of mich started along time ago.which is the worse of two evils?As I have no clue what either party is thinking right now,none of it makes any sense.people hear the word TAXES and that gets them in panic mode,which they have that right.people have had it with one party or the other.the fact is the gov is failing the people from the top to the bottom of the chain.damed if ya do,damed if ya don't.there are so many things going on with the gov,most have No clue to what's being done behind our backs.the gov pay raises don't make any sense.there over paid,they don't do there job with tax payers money.we have no idea if their in it for the money or because they really care.CUT their wages considerably,see if they stay.let them live like the rest of the people,trying to get buy on what? bad judgement on there part keeps repeating it's self,in both parties.so--.

Posted by: Mark Location: Jackson on Sep 17, 2007 at 08:36 AM
A sales tax hits everyone across the board. The average michigan resident is getting hit with about 8% tax on their income and sales. I would rather have solutions like TX and TN where it is all sales tax.

Posted by: sue Location: Lansing on Sep 16, 2007 at 08:26 PM
Right on, donald!

Posted by: Pam Location: Jackson on Sep 16, 2007 at 02:47 PM
Having a spending freeze is one way to balance the budget.

Posted by: barb Location: holt on Sep 16, 2007 at 10:55 AM
the best way for the budget to be paid is for the government to live like the rest of us . why should we have to pay for their high-living.

Posted by: sarah Location: perry on Sep 16, 2007 at 10:35 AM
our governor has proven to us that we need to have her and her democrates, step down the aren't serving the people of michigan, they are only serving themselves. they live high and we pay for it. what will we do when G.M strikes. i say we need a re-call, granholm and her dem's just aren't who michigan needs. they are the blind leading the blind.

Posted by: anna Location: holt on Sep 16, 2007 at 10:21 AM
i'm a teenager as i look at michigan i wonder where are the honest people? do we even haveany? i go to school wondering what will happen. because of terriost. i hear the goverment, talking like we will be shut down i don't know what that means but it sounds scarey. who spends the money where does it go? maybe we need a new govenor maybe we need a new goverment. i'm 13 and i really want to grow up in michigan and be proud of it, will you help me?

Posted by: David Location: MI on Sep 15, 2007 at 10:18 PM
I am almost certain we would already have a budget deal if Dick DeVos (a businessman) would have been elected. I can't beleive people still voted for Granholm. Didn't people see this coming?

Posted by: carrie Location: mich on Sep 15, 2007 at 09:58 PM
I just hope when they get this settled,they start on 2009-2010 budget ect.but while there at it try to figure out when mich got so messed up,so they don't make the same mistakes over and over and over.

Posted by: Rick Location: Stockbridge on Sep 15, 2007 at 07:48 PM
Democrats want something to pass, even if it's wrong. They're desperate. And only bad can come from decisions made out of desperation. I want sound business decisions. The kind that Dick DeVos would have made. Not the kind that are made by those beholden to special interest groups. If they can't get it right, they should do us all a favor and resign. We should probably throw them all out and start over anyway. Would we be any worse off?

Posted by: Donald Location: Detroit, MI on Sep 15, 2007 at 07:05 PM
I think the Gov. Should Make State cuts before she asks for a Tax Hike with out doing her Budget Cuts first. I have to make a cut when I am short on funds. How about starting by cutting The First Husband`s state paid Staff?

Posted by: Maddie Location: Holt on Sep 15, 2007 at 11:57 AM
Still have 14 Democrats refusing to vote. Still have 1 Republican (Ed Gaffney) refusing to vote. Still have all 50 other Republicans saying NO to new taxes. Is your rep one of those refusing to vote while the deadline for shutting the state is fast approaching? BTW, anyone even bother to call or e-mail your rep letting him or her know your opinion?? Do not kid yourselves a tax increase will only be detrimental to the state and is NO ANSWER to Michigan's current problems If you cut the fat from government it can always be added later, if its value added, when the state is in a better financial position to do so However, with taxes, once raised are they usually lowered? Or do taxes continue to go up once lawmakers see that they can? If you want to see, where the fat can be cut to save Michigan 1.9 BILLION dollars follow the link http://www.mackinac.org/article.aspx?ID=8798

Posted by: Rick Location: Stockbridge on Sep 15, 2007 at 11:13 AM
The ONLY way to "fix" Michigan's budget problems, is for the Lansing glass house lawmakers to stop spending. Just like "we the people" have to when we want things that we cannot easily afford. I don'tknow of any individual that can over-spend, and then "fix" their problem by going to their boss and demanding a pay raise. The people of Michigan had better realize that WE are the boss, not Lansing Bueraucrats. They work for us, and if we don't want something, they had better listen, or be out of a job. I, for one, am ready to sign any recall petition that I see.

Posted by: David Location: MI on Sep 15, 2007 at 10:48 AM
Too little, too late for the Democrats. This type of wheeling and deeling should have been going on months ago. This last minute stuff don't cut it. We didn't elect our officials to raise our taxes. Citizens don't want a tax increasae. Aren't our legislators that represent us supposed to act on the will of the people?

Posted by: David Location: MI on Sep 15, 2007 at 08:51 AM
I think it would be cheaper for Michiganders to pay an extra penny in sales tax than having an income tax hike. In my opinion I feel the sales tax option is the lesser of two evils.

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