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

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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

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Analysis of 12 Dissenting Republicans on Tax Cuts

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Houston we have a real big government problem here in Michigan. I am in contact with current and former legislators who are not happy with what they see is going on in Lansing. To borrow a “Dick” Snyder term this is very “divisive” indeed.

We have witnessed of late the rewards given to “termed out” legislators who carry the “Dick” Snyder water with government appointments once they leave office. This practice is so wrong on many levels. Continue reading below the PIC. Analysis 12 Dissenting Republicans

Snyder said he still has $1 Billion dollars worth of concerns about an income tax cut but I will bet dollars to doughnuts that if the Bill to give certain developers $1.8 Billion taxpayer dollars worth of subsidies that the Senate just passed reaches his desk he will sign it.

Snyder talks about long-term planning for the budget with fiscal responsibility all the while as ex-chairman of the “failed” MEDC continues giving his business buddies tax breaks after tax breaks and taxpayer funded subsides all under the guise of job creation that studies have shown never materialize.

These former and current accountants (bean counters) such as Snyder and VanSingel will spin numbers like a casino operator spins the wheel where it’s always in their favor. It is clear to me VanSingel is looking ahead to a future appointment feeding at the public trough. He appreciates Snyder’s “laser focused” big government style. Oh my…

As far as Lt. Gov. Brian Calley and his wife Julie, she should have never been elected in the first place. In my view there is definitely a conflict of interest going on when family members serve the people together at the same time.

I have seen many family members who have served at the same time here in Michigan over the years and I just don’t believe that is right. A few examples: former Senate majority leader Randy Richardville along with his uncle Senator Roger Kahn, the Stamas brothers Jim and Tony, the Kowall husband and wife “team” Mike and Eileen.

Current Speaker Tom Leonard’s wife Jenell is head of the Michigan Film Office. In spite of the film subsidies’ being cut out in Michigan the Film office has been rolled into the MEDC stable of UN-elected entities.

Those who voted against the plan said it was their position they could not vote for a $1 billion hit to the state’s budget it will be interesting to see how they vote on the Bill to give certain developers $1.8 Billion dollars worth of subsidies that the Senate just passed when it goes to the House for a vote!

For the most part George Carlin was absolutely correct when he said, “it’s just a big “club” and we citizens aren’t it.” It’s the lobbyist and special interest that rule the day in Lansing not the citizens who elected a majority of these legislators.

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Bailout for DPS up Next for Michigan Taxpayers

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It would appear that $195 Million “Bailout” just wasn’t quit enough it was just the starting point. Within 10 hours of these articles the backroom deals must have been cut? Bailout DPS Cotter Money Snyder

Anybody think this has something to do with the lawsuit that was awarded that the DPS is on the hook for? Throw in all the other liabilities’ and debt into the mix and sure looks like us taxpayer’s will pony up yet again!

In a letter to Schuette’s office dated Sept. 23 asks the attorney general to opine on whether Michigan’s Constitution was violated when the state Republican controlled Legislature passed a bill in December 2012 specifically to divert state school aid funds for the $450 million arena.

AG Schuette OKs school taxes for new Red Wings arena says it’s Constitutional
Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette quietly issued an opinion that said state taxes for schools can legally be used to fund the arena’s construction.

So this is Constitutional for the taxpayers of Michigan to fund one of the riches people in the state as listed by Forbes? Oh my….

Gov. Snyder wants the Legislature to offer DPS up to an additional $72 million a year from Michigan Taxpayers!  Snyder faces a tough challenge in getting the money for Detroit from the School Aid Fund as he planned.

It’s no wonder when money from that fund went to building the new “Red Wings Arena” with AG Schuette writing an opinion saying it was Constitutional to do so. Wake up people you are being taken by the Republicans who have complete and total control in Lansing!

Follow the timeline in the articles below.

Foundation leader: No bailout for DPS
7:15 a.m. EST November 19, 2015
http://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/politics/2015/11/18/skillman-leader-expect-foundation-rescue-dps/76031940/

Private aid floated in DPS deal
5:04 p.m. EST November 19, 2015
http://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/politics/2015/11/19/cotter-detroit-school-debt/76069582/

DPS deal needs realistic funding
9:33 a.m. EST November 15, 2015
http://www.detroitnews.com/story/opinion/editorials/2015/11/15/editorial-detroit-schools-funding/75823016/

Price of DPS plan could spike
12:07 a.m. EDT May 15, 2015
http://www.detroitnews.com/story/opinion/columnists/ingrid-jacques/2015/05/15/jacques-editor-note-dps-plan-price/27320421/

DPS to pay $350,000 to teen suing Pugh
11:50 a.m. EST November 4, 2015
http://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2015/11/04/charles-pugh-sexual-harrassment-case/75154496/

Schuette OKs school taxes for new Red Wings arena
Links inside article for more information.
http://www.metrotimes.com/Blogs/archives/2014/12/16/news-hits-schuette-oks-school-taxes-for-new-red-wings-arena

Forbes richest Americans list includes 11 from Michigan
http://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/2015/09/29/forbes-richest-americans-list-includes-michigan/73052340/

Michael & Marian Ilitch & family on Forbes Lists of wealthiest in Michigan
http://www.forbes.com/profile/michael-marian-ilitch/

Michigan Outrage: School Funds to be Spent on Arena
By Diane Ravitch who is a historian of education, an educational policy analyst, and a research professor is outraged by this and Michigan citizens should be as well.
http://dianeravitch.net/2014/12/21/michigan-outrage-school-funds-to-be-spent-on-arena/

Schuette Opinion: Use of tax revenue and public money for development

STATE OF MICHIGAN BILL SCHUETTE, ATTORNEY GENERAL OPINION
It is my opinion, therefore, that the Michigan Strategic Fund’s proposal to provide funds from the Michigan Community Revitalization Program for the purpose of assisting in the demolition of the Joe Louis Area after completion of the new arena at the Detroit Events Center does not violate section 88c(3)(a) of the MSF Act, which prohibits the use of such funds for the development of a stadium or arena for use by a professional sports team.  ~ Attorney General BILL SCHUETTE

Here is what the Michigan State Constitution says.
Article 9, § 11 of the Michigan Constitution established a State School Aid Fund funded by various tax revenues, and provides in part: There shall be established a state school aid fund which shall be used “exclusively” for aid to school districts, higher education, and school employees’ retirement systems as provided by law.

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Michigan House Republicans Vote to Increase Your Taxes

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House passes sweeping roads plan raising gas tax and vehicle registration fees. Representative Lee Chatfield defended this increase on a Facebook post saying it was tax neutral. Most of the House Democrats voted against the bill.

The tax increases are offset by tax deductions, therefore making it tax neutral ~ Lee Chatfield. How can that be when the legislators took away what they are giving us back and calling it tax neutral?
http://www.freep.com/story/news/politics/2015/10/21/michigan-roads-repairs-potholes-legislature/74360028/

Part of Michigan’s business tax reform was that it wiped out the homestead property tax which hurt seniors and middle class citizens who could least afford it. All for the crony business buddies of the politicians who donate to their campaign coffers.

Michigan taxes: Businesses pay less, you pay more
How you’re paying more. For Michigan families, changes to tax credits and deductions have been deeply felt. Michigan’s individual income tax revenue jumped 25% between 2011 and 2012, a $1.4-billion increase. 2011 Biggest Michigan Tax Overhaul 380 X 234

The remainder of the increase can be explained by deductions and tax credits that were either eliminated or modified significantly. For millions of Michigan residents, these were experienced as tax increases.

They include: $270 million from a decrease in the homestead property tax credit. $240 million from cuts to the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). $200 million from the pension tax changes. $50 million from the elimination of deductions for children. $50 million from the elimination of the special exemption for age and unemployment compensation. $90 million from elimination of other nonrefundable credits, such as city income tax, homeless/food bank contributions and contributions to public universities and public broadcasting.

The average taxpayer received half as much in credits in 2012 as in 2011. In addition, the new tax code freezes the individual income tax rate at 4.25%; before the changes, that rate was scheduled to drop 0.1 percentage point each year until it reached 3.9% in 2015. Republicans reneged on this.
http://www.freep.com/story/opinion/contributors/raw-data/2014/10/04/michigan-taxes-snyder/16683967/

Michigan Businesses get a $1.65 billion cut the citizens get to pay for it with tax increases! The difference is being made up with $1.42 billion in additional income taxes, which includes applying the tax to pensions and other retirement income. MIGOP 245 X 244

But making up for the revenue loss is more devastating to Michigan taxpayers and their families. One of the biggest income tax changes wipes out the Homestead Property Tax Credit, which has a $1,200 maximum, for households making more than $50,000 or those with homes with a taxable value of more than $135,000. The current income threshold is $82,650. The change affects some 268,500 tax filers.

Other changes were to the Michigan Earned Income Tax Credit for low-income wager earners would be reduced from 20 percent of the federal credit to 6 percent. That takes the average $430 state credit received by nearly 800,000 claimants down to $143.
http://www.mlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2011/05/gov_rick_snyder_signs_michigan.html

2011 Largest Michigan Tax Overhaul in state history House Bill 4361 Replace MBT, raise income tax, axe taxpayer credits.
Public Act 38 of 2011 Passed by the Republican controlled legislature Signed into law by Gov. Rick Snyder on May 25, 2011.
Click to see how your Representatives voted.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/RollCall.aspx?ID=570816
Click to see how your Senators voted.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/RollCall.aspx?ID=570814

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Gang of Five Targets’ Michigan’s RNC Committeeman

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While many so-called Republican legislators here in Michigan have called for Dave Agema’s resignation this whole attempt was orchestrated by a “hypocritical” former MIGOP chair with the “threat” of withholding funds to the RNC and MIGOP candidates. Betsey DeVos on Fox NewsMr. Agema, a staunch principled conservative who believes in the GOP platform and its planks was elected at the Detroit convention by an “overwhelming” majority of the MIGOP membership.

However, the Party elitist didn’t like that; they didn’t like that one bit. And ever since his election they have been hell bent on getting him ousted (Purged) and replaced with a more loyal establishment go a long to get along UN-principled “liberal” representative.

Enter the “Gang of Five” the major players in this attempted coup. While this “gang” has reached out to others with similar “threats” of who knows what whether financial support or committee assignments’ if they didn’t play ball in calling for his resignation and the fact remains they don’t care for the memberships choice!

Let’s take a closer look at the “Gang of Five’s” Purge Timeline shall we. Rience Priebus

Rience Priebus was told to eliminate Michigan’s Republican National Committeeman Dave Agema or Betsey DeVos would withhold a $750,000 donation from the RNC.

Could it be according to “unconfirmed” reports she has a gay son or close relative who is gay and didn’t appreciate the opposition to the gay agenda in spite of the GOP Platform?

Bobby Schosatk and Snyder asks Scott Walker to call for Mr. Agema’s resignation one day before an RNC meeting to put pressure on him to quit. Schostak Snyder WalkerSome of the RNC members ask Walker why he got involved in a State issue – Walker says, because Schostak and Snyder asked me to. He didn’t even know what the issue was!

Betsy DeVos decries Dave Agema’s so-called hate speech for his sharing of an article by former member of the United States House of Representatives, and retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel Allen West on social media. This despite Betsy’s and her families’ history of funding bigoted initiatives. BetsyDevos Hypocrite

No matter what side of the issue you’re on you need to evaluate both sides. The Republicans will never tell its membership what they don’t want them to know so how do you find out what that is?

When politicians speak it’s not what the right hand is saying it’s what the “left” hand is doing! “If you want to find out the dirt look to the left.”
http://www.eclectablog.com/2014/01/betsy-devos-decries-dave-agemas-hate-speech-despite-a-family-history-of-funding-bigoted-initiatives.html

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Connecting the Political Dots of “Corruption with Cronyism” Taxpayers Lose

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The voting citizens of Michigan need to wake up to the fact they are being taken by both factions of the “Party of One” and wake up fast! A Party of One

An example, one of many, is the new Senate building when the main beneficiary of the financial gain is going to a Snyder appointee Ron Boji and his Boji Group.

I am offering up a lesson on connecting the political dots for those that might not understand the political process of cronyism and corruption at the expense of us taxpayers.

OK, now follow along with me on this. Ron Boji is a huge Republican and Democrat donor. He was mentioned in the FBI probe into former Democrat Wayne County Executive Bob Ficano. Boji Ficano

Mr. Boji threw political fundraisers for ‘ole Democrat Bob at his Orchard Lake Mansion in his West Bloomfield Township home.

We have Governor Snyder appointing his buddy Ron to not one, but two unelected state authorities, the state Transportation Commission and the Michigan Strategic Fund.

The new Senate building is being floated by selling “Bonds” to finance this purchase through the Michigan Strategic Fund which is just one of many tentacles of the “failed” MEDC.

For those that may not understand the definition of “Bonds” when the state of Michigan (we taxpayers) sells or floats these Bonds the buyer of these Bonds are in fact the lenders and we taxpayers are the borrowers.

Here is where it gets interesting a last minute contribution to Snyder’s “Safe Roads Yes” campaign promoting that huge tax increase on us taxpayers know as proposal one was made by…you guessed it Ron Boji. A Boji Snyder

So ‘ole Ron gets a huge financial gain from us taxpayers by selling a property to the state (new senate building) for much more than the appraised value then gives a little back to Snyder’s tax hike campaign. So in essence’s us taxpayers you know the 80% that voted against that proposal donated to Snyder’s tax hike campaign.

Are we connecting the political dots yet? We taxpayers are being “fleeced” by the very ones we elect to serve and represent us!   

As long as the voters remain content on having the political wool pulled over their eyes this will continue unabated. So the next time you go to that voting booth remember….the Party you have been casting your vote for has two factions, the Democrat faction and the Republican faction that both reside in that “Party of One.” Vote wisely my fellow citizens of Michigan.

Note: There was no assessment done on the building prior to the purchase. Lansing’s assessor William Fowler says the Senate drastically overpaid for this building owned by Republican donor and Snyder appointee Ron Boji and his Boji Group.

William Fowler told Channel 7’s Ross Jones that the $41 million purchase price isn’t supported by the current real estate market in downtown Lansing. “Based on everything you know, is this building anywhere near worth $41 million?” asked Channel 7’s Ross Jones.

Fowler says that his office currently has Capitol View assessed at about $12 million; a figure he says is closer to what it’s actually worth.  Were it to be built brand new today, his office estimates it would cost just under $22 million.

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Michigan Lawmakers Giveaway over $7 Billion in Subsides

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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

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Another Crony Gov. Rick Snyder Appointee Target of FBI Probe

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                                                    “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

 

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

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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

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Study: 40% of Michigan Families Can’t Cover Basic Survival Expenses

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Huge Decline in Wages for Michigan’s Working Families

Pay Falls for Low-Wage Men yet Women Still Far Behind,” found that real wages of Michigan workers have fallen by more than ten percent since 1979 for broad sections of the working class.

Hourly pay for low-wage workers of “prime working age” in Michigan fell 13.4 percent between 1979-2013, while pay for mid-wage workers of prime age fell 12.7 percent.

The collapse of wages in Michigan also illustrates president Obama’s and Governor Snyder’s “insourcing” policies, which involves pushing for lower corporate taxes and lower living standards and wages for workers in order to make American cities “attractive” for business. Snyder Obama Meet

Speaking at a Milwaukee factory in 2012, Obama celebrated the results of his and Snyder’s “bailout” policies in Michigan as a model for the rest of the country: What’s happening in Detroit can happen in other cities.

Declining work rates, stagnant wages, the rise of female-headed families, inferior education, and the arrival of millions of “immigrants” with poor education and low skills are little engines pushing up the poverty rate.

http://www.brookings.edu/research/testimony/2012/06/05-poverty-families-haskins

Study: 40% of Michigan Family Households Can’t Cover Basic Survival Expenses As Families in Michigan StruggleThe report commissioned by the Michigan Association of United Ways with research led by Rutgers University focuses on people whose earnings are above the poverty line but still unable to cover expenses such as housing, transportation and health and child care.

This is further proof that Michigan is NOT the “Comeback State” as proclaimed by the Snyder administration and more should be done to help and support working families in Michigan not just the politicians Business Buddies. I would argue Tax Cuts for their Business Buddies and Tax Increases on citizens is a huge factor.

http://www.mininggazette.com/page/content.detail/id/592472/Study–40-percent-of-households-not-meeting-needs.html?isap=1&nav=5014

Family Budget Calculator

EPI’s Family Budget Calculator measures the income a family needs in order to attain a secure yet modest living standard by estimating community-specific costs of housing, food, child care, transportation, health care, other necessities, and taxes. The budgets, updated for 2013, are calculated for 615 U.S. communities and six family types (either one or two parents with one, two, or three children).

As compared with official poverty thresholds such as the federal poverty line and Supplemental Poverty Measure, EPI’s family budgets offer a higher degree of geographic customization and provide a more accurate measure of economic security. In all cases, they show families need more than twice the amount of the federal poverty line to get by.

http://www.epi.org/resources/budget/

2013 Employment and Annual Wage Estimates for Average Michigan Worker is $44,540.00 per year.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics  http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_mi.htm

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