What better way to insure higher prices, less competition, and bigger bureaucracies than to pass the so-called "MainStreet Fairness Act"?

A letter being sent today to the Michigan Congressional Delegation makes the following claims:

• "The signatories consist of a wide spectrum of constituencies, including small business owners, members of state retailers associations and chambers of commerce, local elected officials, and consumers, all who want to see this commonsense highly oppressive solution signed into law."
  
• "This is a critical issue for small businesses. They not only struggle to match the tax-freeShipping and logistics added prices their customers can find online, but also frequently find themselves in the frustrating position of having their stores used as showrooms by online shoppers.  Their time and resources are being used up to make sales for their out-of-state competitors."
  
• "Opponents of the Marketplace Fairness Act have tried to argue that it imposes a new tax on consumers.  But that is simply not true.  The Marketplace Fairness Act will impose no new tax or tax increase of any kind, but merely create a method that states and communities can use to collect taxes they are already owed. An incredible bureaucratic nightmare for low volume sellers who are struggling to deal with increasing regulatory conditions already.  For over two decades, the Internet sales tax loophole has prevented these taxing entities from receiving the legitimate revenue they need to fund essential public services for our residents leaving a revenue hole that taxpayers have had to fill."

It is an increase in the cost of business.  An increase in the complication of business. An Increase in the growth of government.  An increase in prices as the big box stores and larger internet retailers regain their advantage over the mom and pop enterprises.

Its cronyism.  Pure and simple.  BIG MONEY pushing the little guy out, and using the hammer of government to do it because that 'little guy' keeps competition in place.

I have said before, that there IS a way to solve this, and for the states who collect sales tax to get their revenues, but this cluster foxtrot is not a good path.  Any congressman worth his or her salt would recognize a disaster in the making for what it is.

An open letter to our state senators:

Medicaid Expansion Issue 101: The audacious statement is that we will each save $400 a year on insurance premiums because the Federal government will pick up the cost of indigent patients.
This is false Information spread by lobbyists and politicians to try to justify Medicaid expansion.

The Truth: It was almost unbelievable that a businessman now legislator in the House used this as rationale for voting to add 470,000 more Michigan residents to Medicaid, a key element of implementing ObamaCare and driving more debt for our children and grandchildren to pay, doubled by interest. The USA federal government is broke and has an insatiable appetite to spend more than it takes in. When you are in a deep hole the first rule of survival is to stop digging. Here are some points to reflect on regarding this statement:

The burdens and additional paperwork small business will face if the internet sales tax is enacted might mean nothing to the Walmarts or other big box houses which have a nexus in each and every state.  However, a small operation that does business on the internet and ALREADY faces a shipping obstacle the box houses can overcome with trucking logistics, will be forced into near impossible operating conditions.  There might be other solutions, but no-one has come close to the right ones yet.

There are some legislators that serve their (well funded) masters well.

Tax Tyrants?

Click on their images and call them to ask "why would they want to hurt Small Business in Michigan and elsewhere?"

SAY NO to HB4202 and HB4203

All of Michigan's Republicans stepped up to the plate to 'repeal' the 'affordable' health care act, with a couple of them making sure you know they did. It marks the third time the House has voted to fully repeal this law since 2011. Rep Tim Walberg (R-CD7) voted in favor of H.R. 45 to repeal the President's health care law, and said the following:

"The reality of Obamacare is millions of Americans losing access to their current health care coverage, job destroying tax hikes and mandates, and massive health insurance premium increases.  This government takeover of health care will hurt families, hurt small businesses, hurt retirees, and hurt Americans seeking to find work in our tough economy, so I voted today to repeal it.  I support common sense, patient-centered solutions such as ending lawsuit abuse, expanding the flexibility of medical savings accounts, and allowing the purchase of insurance across state lines, that will truly make health care more affordable and help families."

Fred Upton (R-CD6) heads the Energy and Commerce committee, which uses the platform to examine the costs of Obamacare (and actually uses THAT Name for it, which I find inappropriate and strange)as reported by insurers.

Candace Miller (R-CD10) referencing previous appropriations efforts alongside the repeal vote says:

"There is nothing more personal to each and every American than their health care and their relationship with their doctor.  And no issue is more important to each and every American than having a growing economy and job security.  Today the House acted for the 37th time to repeal ObamaCare because it puts at risk the doctor-patient relationship and it will destroy jobs and put countless others at risk.

To make matters even worse, last Friday the IRS admitted that it unfairly and improperly targeted conservative groups for extra scrutiny by using purely political motives for conducting their duties to enforce the tax code.  So now because of ObamaCare every American will not only have to submit all private information about their income and earnings to the IRS, they now will also now have to supply their most private health information to a government agency that currently does not have the trust of the American people.

ObamaCare has a myriad of fatal flaws that call for one action - the full repeal. The House has once again acted to get this job done and now if the Senate will join us we can get to work on a replacement to ObamaCare that has patient-centered reforms focused on protecting the doctor-patient relationship instead of putting it at risk, reducing costs instead of raising them, expanding access to care for all Americans instead of putting current care at risk, and finally creating jobs instead of destroying jobs."

And Dave Camp (R-CD4) listed a few reasons a couple days ago why repeal is a good plan.

The school superintendent wants all you Midland conservatives to make sure you get out and VOTE!

"two ballot proposals for your consideration if you are residents of the Midland Public Schools district. One, is a Sinking Fund proposal requesting 2.0 mills (millage) to be used for facility upgrades, renovations, construction and improvements. The second, a proposal for a .9 mills (millage) for the sale of Bonds totaling $20,880,000 to purchase equipment, security technology, infrastructure, etc., to support the district's technology plan"

OK get the midget imagery out of your head Tutu.

Grab an adult stylized beverage, fire up the wi-fidelity, and spend the weekend acquainting yourself with some of the issues surrounding such requests, and go to the polls a happy informed citizen on Tuesday.

"Today as millions of Americans rush to complete their federal income return and file it before the midnight deadline, it is more clear than ever that our tax code is overly complex and in desperate need of reform.  It is simply ridiculous that the average American family needs to spend countless hours simply trying to comply with the tax code or that many need to hire an army of accountants to make certain they comply.

Enough is enough.  It is time eliminate special interest tax breaks and deductions for a few so that we can simplify the tax code and lower rates for everyone. A more flatter, fairer and far simpler tax code will not only allow families to focus on meeting their needs instead of complying with the law, it will also promote economic growth that will create jobs and allow our economy to thrive.  This is the year to finally get that job done."

Rose Bogaert of WCTaxpayers, says

"Foreclosures are up for nonpayment of mortgages. They are also up for non payment of taxes. The rules allow foreclosures after two years of nonpayment of taxes. Many people have lost their lifetime investment due to job loss or wage cuts. This is a buyer's market, if you can find someone to finance you."

The event is billed as 'free' but donations will be accepted (A buck or two will be much appreciated ) to help defray the cost of materials.