Tough Talk With Taros “Capital Cronyism” Hosted by Paul Taros

This was Recorded Live March 6, 2017 at the Bloomfield Township Public Television Studios. Paul interviews Former Monroe County Republican Chairman Jeff Andring and Former Republican Elected Official and Candidate R Al Bain.

Jeff Andring and Randy Bain are Co-Founders of the Conservative Caucus of Monroe County. At about the 18:32 minute mark Mr. Andring talks about the recent Insurance Fee Rate Hike by the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association bestowed on the states drivers. Click the link below to view interview.
https://youtu.be/hOGDQzqPG00 

“But how is this legal plunder to be identified? Quite simply. See if the law takes from some persons what belongs to them and gives it to other persons to whom it does not belong.

See if the law benefits one citizen at the expense of another by doing what the citizen himself cannot do without committing a crime.” ~ Frédéric Bastiat

A1 Tough Talk With Taros

Political “party” for the “Party of One” at the MAC Policy Conference

Michigan’s Crony elitist to gather on Mackinac Island to talk business, politics and racial diversity.

The Mackinac policy conference kicked off this week and the real lobbying will be in full swing this weekend. The who’s who of public trough “feeders” will be there.

But remember, prices increase onsite for registration at the Conference. Prices are now: $2,150 for Chamber members and $2,925 for Future members. Wonder if the lobbyist are admitted free for their campaign coffer donations?

What a joke all those feeding at the public trough have an opinion on cutting their taxpayer funded perks.

Here’s a perfect example of those receiving our tax money through the “failed” MEDC. Doug Rothwell, president and CEO of business group Business Leaders for Michigan, said the cuts would hurt the state’s post-recession recovery.

“While we understand that roads are an important issue to the state, this reduction in FY16 funding severely limits the state’s ability to have an economic development strategy moving forward.”

MEDC CEO Steve Arwood said in a statement. “Furthermore, it threatens to eliminate the entire Pure Michigan tourism effort — an industry which supports 214,333 jobs in our state.”

The tourism industry did their own study on funding the Ad campaign and found that the return on investment just wasn’t there for them to fund it!

Oh but it’s OK for we taxpayers to fund it though! The public trough feeders will all be at Mackinaw this weekend lobbying hard as to keep their snouts in that trough!

The new road funding plan proposed by the House would “divert” money from the Pure Michigan Ad Campaign, the “failed” Economic Development (MEDC) and Obama’s favorite contributors those Hollywood Film Producers.

The Lawmakers’ plan to “shift” more than $100 million earmarked for these taxpayer funded subsidies to roads. Divert Money Feeders Road Plan

Common Core Scam: Conflict of Interest Politicians Using Our Children for “Wall Street Profits”

The Michigan lawmakers who voted to implement the common core educational standards in Michigan are using our school children for a money making scheme. Common Core Stop

Government is not a protector of your rights, or a servant of the people. It’s an Enterprise. It’s a system that has operated over the last 150 years, as a “for profit” activity, stealing the wealth generated by human labor.

This system of government has two goals…self-preservation and enrichment of its elected representatives, by assuming itself to be a legitimate thief for corporations and organizations who return the favor.

Common Core standards for K-12 students approved by Republican controlled Senate. The cowards in Lansing used a voice vote whereas the voting citizens cannot see who voted for or against when the Senate approved a resolution that allows the department of education to implement Obama’s national common core standards.

A “Voice Vote” means each Senator’s position on the bill is not recorded.
http://archive.freep.com/article/20131024/NEWS06/310240218/common-core-education-standards-assessment

2013 House Concurrent Resolution 11: Authorize adoption of “Common Core” school standards
Introduced by Rep. Tim Kelly (R) on September 25, 2013, to authorize the State Board of Education and the Michigan Department of Education to spend money to implement “Common Core” curriculum promoted by an entity associated with the National Governors Association and the Council of Chief State School Officers.
http://michiganvotes.org/2013-HCR-11

Pearson Plc North American Education Pearson plc (PSO) – NYSE
The Michigan Dept of Treasury (Investment Management) is Michigan (State Of) State Treasurer which is the 7th largest shareholder in Pearson plc listed on the NYSE. Pearson is also listed on the London Stock Exchange.
https://finance.yahoo.com/q/mh?s=PSO+Major+Holders

Business Summary Pearson Plc North American Education
https://finance.yahoo.com/q/pr?s=PSO+Profile

Who benefits from the “Common Core” curriculum in US schools?
This information is off the “World Socialist Web Site” Pearson PLC, a British multinational company headquartered in London, England, is the largest education company and book publisher in the world. Pearson Ed the American subsidiary of Pearson PLC wrote the curriculum and testing materials for the CCSS. The company stands to make billions of dollars selling these products to school districts across the United States.
http://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2013/08/05/core-a05.html

Top 10 Reasons to Oppose Common Core
http://www.freedomworks.org/content/top-10-reasons-oppose-common-core

Fight Is On for Common Core Contracts
With financial (Federal Funds) and policy incentives from the Obama administration, 45 states and D.C. initially adopted Common Core. This is akin to ObamaCare’s you can keep your health insurance plan and doctor only this is and you can keep your “Education” for your children too.

Bottom line is our children’s education should and must be left to the patents, teachers and the school board that the people elect not politicians for a money making scheme. As states race to implement the Common Core academic standards, companies are fighting for a slice of the accompanying testing market, expected to be worth billions of dollars in coming years.

That jockeying has brought allegations of bid-rigging in one large pricing agreement involving 11 states such as Mississippi where a contract to Pearson PLC sidestepped the state’s contract-review board, which had found the transaction illegal because it failed to meet state rules regarding a single-source bid.
http://www.wsj.com/articles/fight-is-on-for-common-core-contracts-1415752728

Common Core Based On UN Education Program
The UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) have a program called “Education for All” that includes the same people and same ideas as Common Core.

The Global Fund for Education was formulated by the UN; “agreed to” by Barack Obama, funded by Bill Gates, and Common Core was imposed on the American people through Department of Education (DOE) funding schemes. ~ Jeffrey Kibler
http://www.knowthelies.com/node/9142

Common Core in the Communist Manifesto
Free education for all children in government schools. Abolition of children’s factory labor in its present form. Combination of education with industrial production.

People are being taxed to support what we call ‘public’ schools, which train the young to work for the communal debt system.

We also call it the Department of Education, the NEA and Outcome Based “Education.” Examination of these planks reveals a very disturbing trend in America today!
http://laissez-fairerepublic.com/tenplanks.html

Educational Data Mining Violate the Fourth Amendment of the Constitution
http://www.flstopcccoalition.org/collection-of-data-and-loss-of-privacy/ Common Core Violates Fourth Amendment

Governor Snyder Executive Order 2010-15 P-20 Longitudinal Data System
http://www.michigan.gov/snyder/0,1607,7-277-57738_57679_57726-252714–,00.html A Snyder Granholm

Governor Granholm Executive Order 2010-16 P-20 Longitudinal Data System
http://www.michigan.gov/formergovernors/0,4584,7-212-57648_21975-242309–,00.html

Governor Snyder Common Core Connected to Snyder’s P-20 Longitudinal Data System
How is the Common Core Connected? The adoption and implementation of the Common Core State Standards has furthered the government’s expansion efforts, because the authors of the Common Core are clear: the success of the standards hinges on the increased collection of student data.
http://www.hslda.org/docs/news/2013/201309100.asp?src=CR Common Core Violates Constitution

Governor Granholm P-20 LONGITUDINAL DATA SYSTEM ADVISORY COUNCIL
SIGNED BY EXECUTIVE ORDER No. 2010 – 15 – This Order is effective October 18, 2010 at 12:01 a.m. Given under my hand and the Great Seal of the State of Michigan this 18th day of August, in the year of our Lord, two thousand and ten. JENNIFER M. GRANHOLM GOVERNOR – BY THE GOVERNOR:
https://www.legislature.mi.gov/%28S%28cwkacfjvoncubruhsvqbwg45%29%29/mileg.aspx?page=getobject&objectname=2010-EO-15 Common Core Tenth Amendment

United States Constitution Tenth Amendment
The Tenth Amendment helps to define the concept of federalism, the relationship between Federal and state governments.

As Federal activity has increased, so too has the problem of reconciling state and national interests as they apply to the Federal powers to tax, to police, and to regulations such as wage and hour laws, disclosure of “personal information” in record keeping systems, and laws related to strip-mining.
https://www.law.cornell.edu/constitution/tenth_amendment

Melanie Kurdys: I attended the March 2-3 Governor’s Economic & Education Summit. Surprise, surprise, MEDC is a huge player in “fixing education”, paying employers to train their existing employees, paying employers to develop training programs for new employees, paying employers to participate in creating a “workforce pipeline” with programs in community colleges, high schools and middle schools.

MEDC is paying for equipment like welding systems, to facilitate this training. MEDC is a player in creating “a seamless system of human capital from Pre-natal to the workforce”.

While we have been watching the Education policy and appropriations legislation, this has been happening for about a year and a half. Tell me again why we elected this Governor? Common Core Rotten Rockerfeller

“SPOT ON ASSESMENT OF OUR ELECTED POLITICIANS”

Forget the politicians. The politicians are put there to give you the idea that you have freedom of choice . . . you don’t. You have no choice. You have owners. They own you. They own everything. They own all the important land. They own, and control the corporations.

They’ve long since bought, and paid for the Senate, the Congress, the state houses, the city halls, they got the judges in their back pockets and they own all the big media companies, so they control just about all of the news and information you get to hear.

They got you by the short and curlies‘. They spend billions of dollars every year lobbying . . . lobbying, to get what they want . . . Well, we know what they want. They want more for themselves and less for everybody else, but I’ll tell you what they don’t want . . . they don’t want a population of citizens capable of critical thinking.

They don’t want well informed, well educated people capable of critical thinking. They’re not interested in that . . . that doesn’t help them. That’s against their interests. That’s right. They don’t want people who are smart enough to sit around a kitchen table and think about how badly they’re getting screwed by a system that threw them overboard 30 frigging’ years ago.

They don’t want that. You know what they want? They want obedient workers . . . Obedient workers, people who are just smart enough to run the machines and do the paperwork. And just dumb enough to passively accept all these increasingly shittier jobs with the lower pay, the longer hours, the reduced benefits, the end of overtime and vanishing pension that disappears the minute you go to collect it, and now they’re coming for your Social Security money.

They want your frigging ‘ retirement money. They want it back so they can give it to their criminal friends on Wall Street, and you know something? They’ll get it . . . they’ll get it all from you sooner or later cause they own this frigging ‘ place.

It’s a big club and you ain’t in it. You and I are not in The big club. By the way, it’s the same big club they use to beat you over the head with all day long when they tell you what to believe.

All day long beating you over the head with their media telling you what to believe, what to think and what to buy. The table has tilted folks. The game is rigged and nobody seems to notice. Nobody seems to care. Good honest hard-working people . . . white collar, blue collar it doesn’t matter what color shirt you have on.

Good honest hard-working people continue, these are people of modest means . . . continue to elect these rich bastards who don’t give a shit about you. They don’t give a shit about you . . . they don’t give a shit about you.

They don’t care about you at all . . . at all . . . at all, and nobody seems to notice. Nobody seems to care. That’s what the owners count on.

The fact that Americans will probably remain willfully ignorant of the big red, white and blue stick that’s being jammed up their backsides everyday, because the owners of this country know the truth. It’s called the American Dream because you have to be asleep to believe it. ~ George Carlin

Michigan Lawmakers Giveaway over $7 Billion in Subsides

Taxpayer Funded Business Subsidies: Profits & Tax Breaks for them “Higher Taxes” for us Citizens

Business Subsidies or Road Tax Increase? In May you will decide at the Ballot Box. What do Lansing lawmakers do when they commit “grand theft” of our road fund monies on subsidies for economic development instead of on Michigan roads?

They let the taxpayers hang themselves by voting on a ballot proposal “tax increase” holding our roads hostage if we don’t vote yes.

The MEDC is like a bad movie titled, Michigan Taxpayers Subsidize the Wealthiest Businesses or how Michigan Taxpayer Funded Subsidies supply funds for Corporation profits.

“These subsidy awards are getting out of control,” said Philip Mattera, research director of Good Jobs First and principal author of the report.

http://www.wcpo.com/money/local-business-news/new-study-ranks-ohio-third-in-the-award-of-large-public-subsidies-for-company-expansion

Jennifer Granholm pursuing Toyota engineering center Economic Money

In 2005, Toyota landed a $38.9 million tax credit from the Michigan Economic Development Corp.’s Michigan Economic Growth Authority (MEGA) board to fuel the expansion of its technical center in York Township.

http://www.annarbor.com/business-review/bob-lutz-criticizes-jennifer-granholm-for-pursuing-toyota-engineering-center/

Michigan Taxpayers Pony Up Subsidies for Toyota…Yet Again!

What’s the old saying, third times a charm? In this round of taxpayer funded subsidies The Michigan Strategic Fund has awarded the automaker another $4 million. In addition to this subsidy, Toyota received a State Education Tax Abatement with an estimated value of about $1.3 million.

http://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/autos/foreign/2014/12/18/toyota-invests-ann-arbor/20580241/

MEDC Approves Incentives for Toyota

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced that Toyota has been awarded $4 million. York Township is additionally considering approval of local incentives in the form of a 12-year property tax abatement that could save the company up to $4.6 million.

The project was secured through a collaborative effort involving MEDC, York Township and Snyder’s Ann Arbor SPARK.

http://www.economicdevelopmenthq.com/blog/michigan-economic-development-incentives-toyota-jobs/

One of Ann Arbor SPARK board of directors are: Charles Gulash, vice president, Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing. Can you say conflict of interest?

http://www.annarborusa.org/about-us/news/SPARK-announces-new-board

This isn’t the first incentive dance Toyota has been to. In 2008 as a Campaign Manager for a State Rep. candidate I attended a meeting with him in York Township and he spoke at that meeting against the first subsidy. The promise then was 400 jobs that never materialized!

Toyota said it plans to build a new facility on its Michigan campus “subject” to final approval of state and local “incentives” to accommodate the 250 workers. That subject to “local incentives” is code word for us the Michigan taxpayers who will pony up through the “failed” MEDC just mark my words!

http://www.freep.com/article/20140428/BUSINESS01/304280056/toyota-moving-texas-los-angeles

Toyota moves bolster Michigan Tech Center with Taxpayer money

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20140428/AUTO0104/304280038/0/auto01/Toyota-shift-North-American-HQ-Texas-add-jobs-Michigan

Toyota moves thousands of jobs from socialist California to capitalist Texas

Why not the “Comeback State” Michigan? I’ll tell you why it’s no different than California! Michigan will get 250 jobs in Snyder’s Ann Arbor if the taxpayer subsidies are sufficient which they already received in 2008.

http://winteryknight.wordpress.com/2014/04/29/toyota-moves-thousands-of-jobs-from-socialist-california-to-capitalist-texas/

Toyota & 5,000 Jobs to Leave California for Texas

http://thepeoplesrepublicofcalifornia.blogspot.com/2014/04/toyota-5000-jobs-to-leave-california.html

Take a look at the incentives Toyota received from different state and local offices to locate their plant in certain locations. From Wikipedia: Toyota has received a little over a billion USD in federal, state, and local government tax subsidies and incentives including: * $323.9 million in subsidies for the plant in Tupelo from Mississippi taxpayers. * $371 million in subsidies for the Georgetown plant from Kentucky taxpayers. * $227.5 million in subsidies and tax incentives for the Tundra plant by Local, Texas, and U.S. taxpayers.

Michigan has the most megadeals, with 29, followed by New York with 23; Ohio and Texas with a dozen each; Louisiana and Tennessee with 11 each; and Alabama, Kentucky and New Jersey with 10 each.

“Megadeals” are defined as taxpayer funded incentive packages (subsidies) worth more than $75 Million. This does not include those subsidy giveaways under the $75 Million benchmark such as the Film and Movie Producer subsidies given away here in Michigan or smaller business subsidies.

In dollar terms, New York is spending the most, with megadeals totaling $11.4 billion. Next is Michigan with $7.1 billion, followed by five states in the $3 billion range: Oregon, New Mexico, Washington, Louisiana, and Texas. Twenty-one states have megadeals costing $1 billion or more.

Some of the deals involve little if any new-job creation; indeed, one in ten of the deals involve the mere relocation of an existing facility, often within the same state and sometimes within the same metropolitan area. Some of these retention deals were granted in so-called “job blackmail” episodes.

The La-Z-Boy Corporation in Monroe pulled one of these so-called “job blackmail” episodes when it threatened to move out of Monroe unless the taxpayers of Michigan provided subsidies for building their new headquarters, the MEDC caved and awarded then up to $12.7 Million in taxpayer money.

La-Z-Boy Awarded $3.7 Million “Plus” from The Michigan Strategic Fund

Furniture maker plans to build a new world headquarters in Monroe after state approval this week on a $3.7 million incentive package. This “taxpayer funded” package could be worth $12.7 million over nine years when the package’s grants and tax breaks are combined and that is contingent on La-Z-Boy adding 50 jobs.

Dan Swallow, director of economic and community development for Monroe, said the two grants and the tax abatement were paramount to keeping La-Z-Boy fully committing to staying in Monroe. The company had stated it would remain in Monroe if everything could be worked out, but if it couldn’t, it might be forced to go to another county or state.

http://www.toledoblade.com/Retail/2012/12/21/La-Z-Boy-a-big-step-closer-to-new-headquarters-Michigan-OKs-3-7M-aid-for-50M-project.html

Right after La-Z-Boy got our tax dollars the company reported third-quarter profits that soared. Michigan-based La-Z-Boy said Tuesday its operating income was up 37 percent in the fiscal 2013 third quarter, to $23.3 million, compared with $17 million in the same quarter of 2012. The company ended the quarter with $112 million in cash and equivalents.

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/la-z-boy-reports-fiscal-2013-third-quarter-results-191882971.html

Are corporate subsidies worth the money? 

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/are-corporate-subsidies-worth-the-money/

History of the MEDC: The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) was started by Republican Governor John Engler expanded by Democrat Governor Jennifer Granholm and put on steroids by Governor Rick Snyder.

The Michigan Jobs Commission (MJC) By Joseph P. Overton and Aaron Steelman, published on April 1, 1996

https://www.mackinac.org/5327

Study: Michigan Economic Development Corporation Published on May 4, 2004 (Now Part of The Department of Labor and Economic Growth)

http://www.mackinac.org/6561

A Brief History of State Economic Development By Michael D. LaFaive, published on Oct. 6, 2005

http://www.mackinac.org/7375

THE LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FINANCING ACT – Act 281 of 1986

http://www.legislature.mi.gov/%28S%28iwwxm445lieanr555ydmnd2v%29%29/mileg.aspx?page=GetObject&objectname=mcl-Act-281-of-1986

Governor John Engler appoints Board of Directors for the new Michigan Economic Development Corporation. The two most notable board members are Governor John Engler (general chair); Rick Snyder, Avalon Investments, Inc., Ann Arbor (chair)

http://www.michiganbusiness.org/press-releases/engler-appoints-board-for-new-michigan-economic-development-corporation/

Rick Snyder’s two Venture Capital Companies Avalon Inc. hit with liens for unpaid taxes

http://www.annarbor.com/business-review/rick-snyders-venture-capital-companies-hit-with-liens-for-unpaid-taxes/

John Engler assumes leadership as Business Roundtable Preesident. Business Roundtable (BRT) is an association of chief executive officers of leading U.S. companies working to promote crony public policy.

http://businessroundtable.org/engler

Economic Development Subsidies Report Megadeals: By Philip Mattera and Kasia Tarczynska with Greg LeRoy. “Megadeals” are defined as taxpayer funded incentive packages (subsidies) worth more than $75 Million. This does not include those subsidy giveaways under the $75 Million benchmark such as the Film and Movie Producer subsidies given away here in Michigan or smaller business subsidies.Economic Subsidies by State 1

Click “Full report” in the link below to view how over $7 Billion of your tax dollars has been wasted on subsidies here in Michigan since 1986.

http://www.goodjobsfirst.org/publications/megadeals-largest-economic-development-subsidy-packages-ever-awarded-state-and-local-go

Another Crony Gov. Rick Snyder Appointee Target of FBI Probe

                                                    “The Boji Files” Boji Ficano Snyder Richardville
The Snyder administration scandals’ starring his appointee’s is just unconscionable. All this corruption revolves around real-estate, real estate development and construction with our legislators in Lansing. The list is like the energizer bunny it just keeps going and going.
The “Friends and Family” program and the “Business Buddies” fund is alive and well in Lansing and it’s definitely not in the best interest of the citizens of Michigan. Those you elect to serve you are serving the lobbyist and special interest group’s best interest not yours.

FBI Probe into Democrat Bob Ficano and his buddy Snyder Appointee Ron Boji
http://www.wxyz.com/news/local-news/investigations/even-with-ficanos-days-numbered-fbi-probe-into-wayne-county-stretches-into-year-three

Wayne County has been ordered to repay an $850,000 federal grant
With the help of Wayne County, developer Ron Boji received federal funds to build it. Boji was a longtime supporter of Ficano, showering him with campaign donations and throwing a fundraiser at his mansion in Orchard Lake.
http://www.wxyz.com/news/local-news/investigations/hud-orders-wayne-county-to-repay-850k-grant-after-fmr-asst-ceos-conflict-with-developer

Despite all the baggage connected to Boji, he’s still a BIG favorite of crony capitalist Governor Rick Snyder. Governor appoints Ron Boji to Michigan Strategic Fund Monday, January 7, 2013

LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Rick Snyder has appointed Ron Boji, of Orchard Lake, to the Michigan Strategic Fund board of directors.
http://www.michigan.gov/snyder/0,4668,7-277–292353–,00.html

Ron Boji appointed to state Transportation Commission
Snyder today announced the appointment of Ron Boji, of Orchard Lake, to the state Transportation Commission.
http://www.michigan.gov/snyder/0,4668,7-277–314872–,00.html

Ron Boji was appointed by Gov. Rick Snyder effective Oct. 17, 2013. Mr. Boji is involved with Bob Ficano in the FBI ongoing probe.
http://www.michigan.gov/mdot/0,4616,7-151-9623_31969_31970-315012–,00.html

2013 Senate Bill 509: Authorize new state Senate office building
Introduced by Sen. Randy Richardville (R) on September 17, 2013
To authorize the sale of the Farnum Senate office building in Lansing and construction of a new building for Senators’ offices.

This was referred to the Senate Government Operations Committee on September 17, 2013. It was reported in the Senate on November 13, 2013, with the recommendation that the bill pass.
http://michiganvotes.org/2013-SB-509

Richardville Pushes Questionable Real Estate Bill “MIGOP” History of Crony Capitalism Combined With Unsavory Characters Casts Dark Cloud Over SB 509
https://bainreport.wordpress.com/2014/01/09/richardville-pushes-questionable-real-estate-bill-migop-history-of-crony-capitalism-combined-with-unsavory-characters-casts-dark-cloud-over-sb-509/

Michigan Senate moves to allow sale of Michigan Senate building to Ron Boji
http://www.mlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2013/12/michigan_senate_moves_to_allow.html

Ron Boji has hosted Ficano fund-raisers at his West Bloomfield home
Ron Boji and the Boji Group: Data and Deceit
http://ludingtoncitizen.ning.com/forum/topics/ron-boji-and-the-boji-group-data-and-deceit?xg_source=activity

Chaldean appointed to state transportation commission
LANSING — Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the appointment of Ron Boji to the state Transportation Commission. Boji is Chaldean.

Boji is president of the Boji Group, where he manages, develops and leases the company’s real estate portfolio. Can you say the Senate Farum building in Lansing or the Bob Ficano FBI ongoing investigation?
http://www.arabamericannews.com/news/news/id_7638/Chaldean-American-appointed-to-state-transportation-commission.html

Chaldean Mafia Threat Analysis
This article by the National Criminal Justice Referance Service profiles the emerging “Chaldean Mafia.”

The Chaldean Mafia is a gang composed almost exclusively of individuals tracing their roots to the country of Iraq, and has a conspicuous presence in areas with large Middle Eastern populations such as Michigan.
https://www.ncjrs.gov/App/publications/abstract.aspx?ID=200792

Urban dictionary on Chaldeans
http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Chaldean&defid=3848574

 

Masco Cut’s 160 Jobs in Spite of “Taxpayer Funded Subsidies”

The huge “tax cuts” and “taxpayer funded subsidies” Gov. Snyder and the Republican controlled legislature gave to their big businesses buddies isn’t enough to keep companies from eliminating jobs and or leaving the state such as Pulte Homes did with their move to Atlanta last year. As Jobs Cut at Masco Corporation

When you balance those cuts for big business and replace that lost revenue on the backs of Michigan’s taxpaying citizens you take away their disposable income as to spend on these same companies products.
http://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/2014/09/30/masco-spinning-division-layoffs-taylor/16477303/

In Latest Blow To Detroit and Michigan, PulteGroup Heading South To Atlanta
The PulteGroup is one of the nation’s largest home building companies. Pulte reached a point where they must pursue a strategy that better fits with the long-term growth trends for their company and industry that wasn’t here in Michigan.
http://www.forbes.com/sites/michelinemaynard/2013/05/31/in-a-blow-to-detroit-pultegroup-heads-south-to-atlanta/

Masco to spin off division cut corporate staff by 40%
Spin is the key word here goes right along with Snyder’s spin that Michigan is the “Comeback State” when businesses continue to cut jobs and or leave the state!
http://www.freep.com/story/money/business/michigan/2014/09/30/masco-spin-division-cut-hq-staff/16474313/

Michigan Economic Growth Authority Board (MEGA)
Based on the MEDC’s recommendation, the MEGA board today approved two state tax credits to “bribe” Masco to stay in Michigan over a competing site in Ohio with a “taxpayer funded” $7.3 million tax credit over 10 years to encourage the company to create new jobs and a $5.7 million “taxpayer funded” tax credit over 10 years to encourage the company to retain jobs.
http://www.mackinac.org/archives/fpi/mega/Masco_Cabinetry-3-16-10-DM.pdf

Will Masco Corporation follow PulteGroup out of Michigan?
This article was published in The Bain Report on Jun 7, 2013. A close friend does custom glass work for Masco and alerted me to this story last year.
http://bainreport.wordpress.com/2013/06/07/will-masco-corporation-follow-pultegroup-out-of-michigan/

2007 Masco Cut 8,000 Jobs
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/02/14/AR2007021401319.html

Detroit City Airport to get Michigan Taxpayers “Bailout” Too

Detroit City Airport to get $28.5 Million Taxpayer Money in Revised Bankruptcy Plan Detroit City Airport Grave Yard

The fleecing of Michigan taxpayers money continues with revised bankruptcy plan. The $28.5 million earmarked in Detroit emergency manager Kevyn Orr’s revised restructuring plan would also set aside money for a study of the airport’s role in its east-side neighborhood.

The money would come from the city’s anticipated bankruptcy settlement and the total could go as high as $40 million according to some reports. The city’s general fund has subsidized the airport in recent years because its revenues “have fallen far short of expenses,” Orr’s plan says.

This is on and above the $350 Million “bailout” proposed by Governor Rick Snyder in which the Republican controlled legislature is currently working on about a dozen Bills in Lansing in regard to this “bailout.” Detroit Bankruptcy

In 2013, the city’s general fund contributed $300,000 to fund the airport’s operations. That contribution increased to $600,000 in 2014. Some would say why not privatize the airport as to take the burden off Michigan taxpayers.

While that is a novel idea the problem with that is anyone that would purchase this airport would most likely receive taxpayer funded subsides through the “failed” MEDC under the guise of economic development and job creation.

While reading the comments on this article this one really hit home! “The city needs a jewel of a landing facility for all those revitalization fairies arriving on their little pink flying unicorns.” Wasn’t this the airport of choice for Kawme and his corrupt buddies who robbed the city of Detroit and caused this bankruptcy?

http://www.freep.com/article/20140404/NEWS01/304040017/Detroit-bankruptcy-plan-calls-for-revitalizing-Detroit-city-airport

Detroit City Airport PROPOSED MAJOR CITY AIRPORT IMPROVEMENTS Detroit City Airport 2

Where is Detroit going to get this money from being that it’s in bankruptcy? I’ll tell you…all the taxpayers of Michigan.  TOTAL INVESTMENT: Approximately. $40 MILLION.

http://www.detroitmi.gov/DepartmentsandAgencies/Airport/Improvements.aspx

Detroit’s Spruce Goose: City Airport

The city of Detroit struggles in bankruptcy and one way to move Detroit forward during and after bankruptcy is by unloading municipal assets, especially the assets that have been dragging the city down.

http://www.michigancapitolconfidential.com/19677

Detroit’s Lonely City Airport Might See $28M in Upgrades 2 Bailout Detroit too-big-fail

Kevyn Orr’s latest bankruptcy plan involves spending $28.5M to improve Coleman Young International Airport, commonly known as City Airport. The improvements would add a few modern amenities, potentially luring a commercial airline. The terminal hasn’t seen regularly scheduled passenger service in 14 years.

http://detroit.curbed.com/archives/2014/04/city-airport-could-see-millions-in-improvements.php

Detroit City Airport

The city is also exploring whether to lease or sell the Coleman A. Young Municipal Airport. Until a new strategy is decided, the city will continue to subsidize and operate the airport because it doesn’t want to trigger a requirement to repay prior Federal Aviation Administration grant money, Orr’s office said. 

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20140221/METRO01/302210096

Orr’s Detroit bankruptcy Detroit Bankruptcy 1

http://www.freep.com/article/20140221/NEWS06/302220011/governor-rick-snyder-detroit-bankruptcy-plan-of-adjustment

Detroit proposes lower pension, creditor payouts in new revised bankruptcy plan 

http://www.freep.com/article/20140331/NEWS01/303310141/Detroit-bankruptcy-plan-adjustment-disclosure

Is “Team” Snyder tied to Kawme Kilpatrick’s Criminal Enterprise?

Governor Rick Snyder’s economic “team” was one of several contractors who pumped millions into ex-Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick’s alleged criminal enterprise. Although the government hid the companies’ identities in the indictment, public records and interviews helped put names to aliases. The list of companies includes deep-pocketed donors and powerful executives. Hmmm… maybe that’s why the governor chose to abolish the “Nerd Fund” rather than to expose his donors?Kawme & Snyder

The companies involved are going to be needed by the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to help prosecute the case. “It’s always hard to say whether the payer of a bribe is culpable or a victim of the crime,” said Peter Henning, a law professor at Wayne State University and former federal prosecutor.

“Sometimes that’s hard to distinguish.” So far, most executives linked to the corruption probe have escaped indictment. Some witnesses were granted immunity and others are victims, U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade said.

Among the contractors who were allegedly extorted to retain Bobby Ferguson as a subcontractor include Walbridge, a general contractor headed by John Rakolta Jr., a longtime area powerbroker who was recently named to the Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC) by Snyder. Wayne County and its Building Authority has filed a law suit seeking to recover $154 million from 3 jail contractors including John Rakolta’s Walbridge.

John Rakolta’s film studio, Raleigh Film Studios in Pontiac was awarded taxpayer funded subsidies when this studio defaulted on it’s bond payments the taxpayers of Michigan are now on the hook for making those missed payments through the under funded state pension fund. These subsides were awarded through the “failed” MEDC prior to Rakolta being appointed to the MEDC board. Can you say conflict of interest?

As of Sept. 30, 2010, the Michigan Public School Employees’ Retirement System and the Michigan State Employees’ Retirement System were unfunded by $21.7 billion.

The “secrecy” and back-door “deals” are very suspect to say the least surrounding politicians, government, and businessmen and looks to be a scheme (scam) bilking the taxpayers of Michigan out of millions of tax dollars all for political and financial gains. Let’s just hope and pray that U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade and her “team” continue looking down this rabbit hole of corruption and bring those businessmen and politicians to justice.
http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20101217/METRO/12170403&template=artiphone

Additional Sources:
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20131031/NEWS/131039973/wayne-county-files-suit-seeks-to-recover-154-million-from-3-jail

Bob Ficano, John Rakolta And The Big Jail Problem
http://www.deadlinedetroit.com/articles/5094/bob_ficano_john_rakolta_and_the_big_jail_problem

Feds’ subpoenas target Wayne County business dealings
http://www.freep.com/article/20111117/NEWS02/111170499/Feds-subpoenas-target-Wayne-County-business-dealings

Wayne County Executive Bob Ficano replaces top officials (Romney related)
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2805204/posts

So, what was Schuette’s cut?
http://rightmi.com/old/www.rightmichigan.com/story/2013/11/4/113017/236.html

Suspicions sometimes followed after Kilpatrick, Ficano dealings along with John Rakolta
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20120909/FREE/309099962/suspicions-sometimes-followed-after-kilpatrick-ficano-dealings

John Rakolta allegedly through media reports donated $10,000.00 to Democrat Bob Ficano’s campaign war chest only to receive the contract for the new Wayne County jail project.
http://bainreport.wordpress.com/2013/11/24/welcome-to-michigans-world-of-the-political-illusion/

Public Employee Pension Systems Raided To Pay Film Studio Bills
http://www.michigancapitolconfidential.com/18384

Michigan-Subsidized Film Studio Fails; State Pension Fund Had Guaranteed Loan
http://taxfoundation.org/blog/michigan-subsidized-film-studio-fails-state-pension-fund-had-guaranteed-loan

House Cuts $25M State Film Subsidies in Proposed Budget – Not So Fast Say’s Richardville
https://bainreport.wordpress.com/2013/04/26/house-cuts-25m-state-film-subsidies-in-proposed-budget-not-so-fast-says-richardville/

Report: State pension funds bankroll Pontiac studio; taxpayers lose on films
http://www.theoaklandpress.com/general-news/20130308/report-state-pension-funds-bankroll-pontiac-studio-taxpayers-lose-on-films

Michigan Pensions Cover Missed Bond Payment for Film Studio
http://news.heartland.org/newspaper-article/2012/02/02/michigan-pensions-cover-missed-bond-payment-film-studio

Detroit News Report falls short on Michigan’s Road Fund Money Allocation Problem

Michigan ranks dead last in the nation when it comes to its per capita spending on its roads and bridges, according to a report citing U.S. Census Bureau data. Is it because Michiganders don’t pay a high enough gas tax, or have our legislators been re-directing our road tax dollars elsewhere?

Michigan has the 5th highest Gasoline Tax in the nation, only Democrat controlled CA, NY, HI, CT are higher! Michigan’s gas excise tax is 19 cents per gallon. Michigan also collects sales taxes and an environmental regulation tax for a whopping grand total of 39.4 cents per gallon.

Michigan legislators have been stealing, robbing and shifting “our” road fund monies for years! Now that the kitty is bone dry they have the gull to suggest “we taxpayers” pony up by accepting a gas tax and vehicle registration fee increases.  Article continues below the picture.

Gas Tax Hike Snyder

Michigan legislative Transportation and Infrastructure committee chairs Wayne Schmidt (R) House and Tom Casperson (R) Senate would serve their constituents and all Michigan motorist well by pushing legislation that would outlaw any further diversions of Gasoline Tax monies from roads, bridges and infrastructure. Unfortunately these two seem more concerned about “Horse Trading” with politically well connected real estate developers.

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20140213/METRO05/302130103/Michigan-ranks-last-per-capita-spending-roads-bridges

There is a clear pattern of history here of transferring  “stealing” our road tax dollars for other unspecified state spending projects by our elected officials. And our legislators have the gull to propose new taxes on the citizens of Michigan as to repair our roads! Just say no to any new road taxes!

Republican Senate Majority leader Randy Richardville gave a legislative update to the Monroe Chamber of Commerce on Friday, January 10 2014. When he was through giving this update he opened up the floor for questions.

The very first question asked from a chamber member was, there is a lot of talk about a gas tax increase and vehicle registration fee increases coming out of Lansing will we be seeing this in 2014.

Mr. Richardville responded that we will see some sort of “re-alignment” in the gas tax structure but not until after the 2014 elections! Hmmm…I would say that is code word for “yes” we will see a gas tax and vehicle registration fee increase and you can take that to the banksters who donate to their campaign coffers!

2003 “Forgive” Mackinac Bridge Authority Taxpayer Loan

At a time when the state is struggling to repair its crumbling roads, this bill and the others in the Mackinac Bridge bill package would take more than $5 million away from repairing Michigan’s roads and bridges. Further, the bills in this package would forgive a combined debt of over $65 million owed to the state (we the taxpayers) in restricted funds that are used to fix our roads.”

Fast forward to 2014 and guess what Michigan taxpayers “the chickens have come home to roost” and you Mr. and Mrs. Taxpayers of Michigan are now on the hook for fixing this problem perpetrated on the taxpayers of Michigan by the very “thieves” we have elected to serve us!

2003 House Bill 4627 Introduced by Rep. Tom Casperson (R) on May 6, 2003, to forgive state loans to the Mackinac Bridge Authority.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/2003-HB-4627

Fiscal Analysis – MACKINAC BRIDGE AUTHORITY LEGISLATION
HB 4627 (H-1) would amend Section 7 of 1952 PA 214 (the Mackinac Bridge Authority’s authorizing statute) the bill would forgive certain “advances” made to the Mackinac Bridge Authority in the Motor Fuel Tax Act – effectively from the Michigan Transportation Fund (MTF).

Tom Casperson 38th district

As of September 30, 2002, there remained an unpaid balance of $53.2 million associated with this advance. Subsection 5 of the bill indicates that this advance is repaid or forgiven effective March 1, 2003.
http://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2003-2004/billanalysis/House/pdf/2003-HFA-0464-x3.pdf

A very small legislative sampling of how our road tax money is shifted below and there are many others.

Transfer road tax money to other purposes (Senate Roll Call 539) All Senate Republicans voted in favor to reduce the amount of infrastructure project spending from the transportation economic development fund by $12 million in the Fiscal Year that ends Sept. 30, 2009, and another $12 million in the next fiscal year. House Bill 5073 diverts this money to other state spending that was Signed into law by then Gov. Jennifer Granholm on November 3, 2009.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/RollCall.aspx?ID=423745

Transfer road tax money to other purposes (Senate Roll Call 404) All Senate Republicans but one voted in favor to transfer $5.7 million from the state “Comprehensive Transportation Fund” (from which subsidies to public transportation systems are paid), and use the money instead to avoid reductions in non-transportation state spending in the 2009-2010 fiscal year. See also House Bill 5679 (which transfers money from another source into the CTF). This one was Signed into law by then Gov. Jennifer Granholm on September 17, 2010. 
http://michiganvotes.org/RollCall.aspx?ID=505897

2011 Senate Bill 411: Create “DRIC/NITC” bridge authority Introduced by Sen. Randy Richardville (R) on June 7, 2011, to “revise” the state road tax “allocation” law to “accommodate” the authority proposed by Senate Bill 410 to build a new bridge between Detroit and Windsor (the “Detroit River International Crossing” or “New International Trade Crossing,” a.k.a. “DRIC” or “NITC”). This would essentially take road fund monies away from our roads and transfer those monies to this new government authority! AKA, BIGGER GOVERNMENT!
http://michiganvotes.org/2011-SB-411

All About Michigan’s Road Funding and the Recently Proposed “Gas Tax” Increase
http://bainreport.wordpress.com/2013/02/04/all-about-michigans-road-funding-and-the-recently-proposed-gas-tax-increase/

Michigan Road Tax Investigation: Snyder, State Legislators Ignoring State Law and Continue to “Gouge” Michigan Motorists on Gas Taxes
http://bainreport.wordpress.com/2013/09/26/michigan-road-tax-investigation-snyder-state-legislators-ignoring-state-law-and-continue-to-gouge-michigan-motorists-on-gas-taxes/

Detroit News Road Report

Why Snyder and Republicans Believe in “Bailout” for Detroit’s “Comeback”

As to why Republicans believe in Detroit as the Comeback City only if you can handle the truth I’ll tell you why? Just look at all the players who are reaping taxpayers’ money for their business ventures! The politically connected businessmen and their politician buddies up in Lansing are making huge profits off us taxpayers.

The taxpayer money is being funneled and laundered through the “failed” quasi government un-elected entity the Michigan Economic Development Authority (MEDC) in a “pay to play” scheme that would make even Bernie Made-Off proud! Where’s the FBI or U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade?

This scam perpetrated on we taxpaying citizens of Michigan could be summed up as “Pure Corruption”. The pay part in this scam involving these businessmen and politicians goes through the MEDC by way of subsidies, grants, tax break incentives and or by other legislative means. Then the politicians’ campaign coffers are enriched as payback for services rendered either directly or indirectly. Follow the money!
http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20140212/OPINION01/302120002

Bad Why Corruption Reins King