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A review of the votes and proposals of the Michigan Legislature — Vol. 4 No. 1 — January/February 2010 DON’t tread on me Home Court Disadvantage K-zoo taxpayers may ante up for new sports arena By kenneth m. braun Kalamazoo for an estimated cost of $81.2 million. Five days later, the Pon- n Nov. 11, 2009, the Lansing tiac Silverdome — also constructed State Journal reported that the with taxpayer subsidies — was auc- KalamazooO County Board of Com- tioned off to a Canadian firm for just missioners was exploring the possibil- $583,000. Despite having almost 12 ity of creating a hotel and restaurant times the seating capacity and still be- tax to finance construction of a ing in good condition, the Silverdome 6,800-seat sports arena to be built in See “Home Court,” Page 4

Property Rights Network Commentary INSIDE THE ISSUE Page 5 The Lowdown 7 The Public Trust REPORK Should Not D.C.Ca free-marketrd group grades 9 Be Trusted Congress on earmarks By Russ harding Philosopher John Locke was an early proponent of this idea, which By kenneth m. braun Mouth & Spine hen politicians talk about holds that the sticks that make up placing natural resources the bundle are a compilation of wenty-two members of the inW public trust, landowners should the various rights that come with U.S. House of Representa- worry. The right to own and use owning private property, including Ttives scored 100 percent on the private property is a bedrock prin- the rights to live on or bequeath 2009 “RePORK Card,” a congres- ciple of a free people. These rights it. Water rights are a significant sional grading system pub- are threatened by House Bill 5319, “stick” in that bundle. With the lished by the Club for Growth which would place groundwater in introduction of House Bill 5319, in Washington, D.C. (www. public trust and require landowners Michigan property owners are ClubforGrowth.org). Higher to secure a permit from the state threatened by government action percentage scores identify the of Michigan in order to use that that would steal a stick from that politicians most willing to vote

water. Sponsored by state Rep. Dan bundle and give it to the state. to remove earmarks, or “pork,”

Midland, Michigan 48640 Michigan Midland, Scripps, D-Northport, the bill would Like most states east of the from the federal budget. There

Permit #1776 Permit

P.O. Box 568 568 Box P.O. essentially overturn more than a Mississippi River, Michigan is were 21 Republicans and one

Fenton, MI Fenton, 140 West Main Street Main West 140

PAID PAID

Mackinac Center for Public Policy Public for Center Mackinac century of Michigan water law. a riparian water-use state. In Democrat receiving perfect

U.S. POSTAGE POSTAGE U.S.

Capitol Confidential Capitol NONPROFIT ORG. NONPROFIT Property rights are often Michigan, if you own the land, you grades. Not one member from compared to a bundle of sticks. See “Public Trust,” Page 8 See “RePork Card,” Page 12 Michigan Capitol Confidential january / february 2010 | 2 Are you new to Michigan Capitol Confidential?

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989-631-0900 [email protected] Michigan Capitol Confidential january / February 2010 | 3 ad liberties government to its proper role; to care more about getting the job Check done than getting the credit; to See “Correction” Below New Year’s Resolutions deploy our supporters’ resources prudently, frugally and precisely “Balancing Act”: Lawmakers who voted IN FAVOR of allowing where they will have the greatest a cut of less than 3 percent to K-12 school aid payments for Real Reform impact; to make my board so as to balance the state budget without tax increases: senate Republicans (21) By Joseph G. Lehman represent the sector of society and co-workers glad to labor that produces the wealth and alongside me; to persevere and Allen (R) Garcia (R) Kahn (R) Sanborn (R) ome historical social capital from which never give in to discouragement; Birkholz (R) George (R) Kuipers (R) Stamas (R) Bishop (R) Gilbert (R) McManus (R) Van Woerkom (R) Sleaders famously everyone benefits; to expect and to seek God’s strength for Brown (R) Hardiman (R) Pappageorge (R) wrote resolutions to government to act as an these things. Cassis (R) Jansen (R) Patterson (R) help them achieve impartial referee and not an Happy holidays, and happy Cropsey (R) Jelinek (R) Richardville (R) + lofty goals. Even active participant in the market; New Year! senate Democrats (none) if they didn’t keep to refuse to seek government them perfectly, they probably protection of my interests at Joseph G. Lehman is president of the House Republicans (2) Mackinac Center for Public Policy. came closer than if they had set the expense of others; and to Amash (R) McMillin (R) their sights low. educate those I lead in sound House Democrats (none) In that spirit, I humbly offer principles of government. Lawmakers who voted AGAINST a cut of less than these model resolutions for real 3 percent to K-12 school aid payments so as to reform of our troubled state as For citizens CORRECTION we approach the new year. Resolved, to remember balance the state budget without tax increases: Thomas Jefferson’s observation n page 13 of the November/ senate republicans (none) For government officials that the price of liberty is December 2009 issue of Senate Democrats (15) Resolved, to read our eternal vigilance; to withhold OMichigan Capitol Confidential, Anderson (D) Cherry (D) Jacobs (D) Switalski (D) constitutions and my oath of support from those who a roll call vote accompanying Barcia (D) Clark-Coleman (D) Olshove (D) Thomas (D) office and pursue no action that promise people like me the article “Balancing Act” was Basham (D) Clarke (D) Prusi (D) Whitmer (D) Brater (D) Gleason (D) Scott (D) is not in strict fidelity to those special government favors, or not labeled properly. (Please see: documents; to pursue no policy something for nothing, or to www.mackinac.org/11464.) House Republicans (41) that benefits my constituents foist today’s problems on our The article describes a vote Agema (R) Genetski (R) Lori (R) Rocca (R) Ball (R) Green (R) Lund (R) Rogers (R) at the expense of anyone else’s; children and grandchildren; in the Legislature to reduce K-12 Bolger (R) Haines (R) Marleau (R) Schmidt, W. (R) to maintain a voting record to actively support those who spending by less than 3 percent. Booher (R) Hansen (R) Meekhof (R) Schuitmaker (R) that matches my speeches; to advance sound policies; and The Michiganvotes.org roll call Calley (R) Haveman (R) Meltzer (R) Scott, P. (R) acknowledge that government to educate our children on the description of how lawmakers Caul (R) Hildenbrand (R) Moore (R) Stamas (R) is the means of protecting my proper role of government and voted correctly identifies those Crawford (R) Horn (R) Moss (R) Tyler (R) Daley (R) Jones, Rick (R) Opsommer (R) Walsh (R) constituents’ rights and freedoms the awful consequences of its lawmakers who were not willing Denby (R) Knollenberg (R) Pavlov (R) and not the means by which abuses. to make this cut by using a label DeShazor (R) Kowall (R) Pearce (R) some constituents acquire that says “Lawmakers who voted Elsenheimer (R) Kurtz (R) Proos (R) For supporters of liberty resources from others; and to AGAINST a cut of less than House Democrats (65) and the Mackinac Center spend public monies and exert 3 percent to the K-12 school aid Angerer (D) Ebli (D) Leland (D) Segal (D) government authority with Resolved, to remember that payments. …” Barnett (D) Espinoza (D) Lemmons (D) Sheltrown (D) complete transparency, subject to those who have actively fought Unfortunately, a similar label Bauer (D) Geiss (D) Lindberg (D) Simpson (D) the greatest public scrutiny and for freedom and provided for its was not used on the top of the Bledsoe (D) Gonzales (D) Lipton (D) Slavens (D) highest moral standards. support have always been few vote box to correctly identify those Brown, L. (D) Gregory (D) Liss (D) Slezak (D) Brown, T. (D) Griffin (D) Mayes (D) Smith (D) in number; to be quick to tell lawmakers who voted IN FAVOR Byrnes (D) Haase (D) McDowell (D) Spade (D) For candidates for the Mackinac Center how it can of making the 3 percent cut. Byrum (D) Hammel (D) Meadows (D) Stanley (D) public office better advance liberty; to receive Instead, a completely unrelated Clemente (D) Haugh (D) Melton (D) Switalski (D) Resolved, to campaign on the Mackinac Center’s grateful vote description was erroneously Constan (D) Huckleberry (D) Miller (D) Tlaib (D) policy issues and not personalities thanks; and to remember that retained from an earlier edition of Corriveau (D) Jackson (D) Nathan (D) Valentine (D) Coulouris (D) Johnson (D) Neumann (D) Warren (D) and platitudes; to prepare, if even if we friends of limited this newspaper. Cushingberry (D) Jones, Robert (D) Polidori (D) Womack (D) elected, to resist strong pressures government are outspent, we are Michigan Capitol Confidential Dean (D) Kandrevas (D) Roberts (D) Young (D) to serve “the system” instead of the not outgunned. Our principles would like to apologize to its Dillon (D) Kennedy (D) Schmidt, R. (D) people; and to never sacrifice lofty inspired the revolution readers and those lawmakers Donigan (D) Lahti (D) Scott, B. (D) principles of my campaign to gain that wrested control of a who were not properly credited Durhal (D) LeBlanc (D) Scripps (D) a single vote, dollar or day in office. continent from the world’s lone for their vote to restrain state superpower in 1776. spending. We would also like to Legislators who did not vote: For leaders of businesses, thank the office of state Rep. Tom Rep. Doug Bennett (D) Sen. Tupac Hunter (D) religious organizations and For myself McMillin, R-Rochester Hills, Rep. Judy Nerat (D) other private institutions Revolved, to live by the for bringing this matter to our 2009 Senate Roll Call 506 on SB 252 Resolved, to remind public Golden Rule; to work diligently attention. The corrected version of 2009 House Roll Call 479 on HB 4447 + officials and candidates that I at the high calling of restoring the vote box appears at right. Michigan Capitol Confidential january / february 2010 | 4

$55.7 million, or more than $220 the Kalamazoo Wings, a minor home court million at 2009 prices. So the league professional hockey Check from Page One “investment” in the Silverdome team. The Wings currently play “Home Court Disadvantage”: Lawmakers who voted TO in Wings Stadium, constructed — when benchmarked against GIVE MORE TAXING POWER to local government in was sold for less than 1 percent of inflation — depreciated by 99.7 in 1974, one year before the Kalamazoo so it can finance a taxpayer-subsidized sports arena: the proposed cost for building the percent in less than 35 years. This Silverdome. The WMU Broncos senate Republicans (20) Kalamazoo arena. happened despite the building still hockey team now plays home Allen (R) Cropsey (R) Jansen (R) Pappageorge (R) The taxes proposed to finance being in good enough condition games at the on-campus Lawson Birkholz (R) Garcia (R) Jelinek (R) Patterson (R) the Kalamazoo facility were that the new owner plans to use it Ice Arena, also completed in Bishop (R) George (R) Kahn (R) Sanborn (R) made possible by a new state law for a soccer stadium. 1974; and the WMU basketball Brown (R) Gilbert (R) Kuipers (R) Stamas (R) Cassis (R) Hardiman (R) McManus (R) Van Woerkom (R) approved at the end of last year Compared to similar venues team plays at University Arena, and signed by the governor. The paid for and owned by taxpayers, which was built in 1957 and senate Democrats (17) Anderson (D) Clark-Coleman (D) Olshove (D) Thomas (D) assumption behind this expanded it is perhaps remarkable that renovated in 1994. Barcia (D) Clarke (D) Prusi (D) Whitmer (D) taxing power, and the impetus the Silverdome is still standing As with the new stadium for Basham (D) Gleason (D) Schauer (D) that also led to the Silverdome at all. The Kingdome in Seattle the University of Minnesota, Brater (D) Hunter (D) Scott (D) being built with public dollars, was finished one year after the a taxpayer subsidy for the new Cherry (D) Jacobs (D) Switalski (D) is that publicly subsidized sports Silverdome, yet never even made Kalamazoo arena was facilitated House Republicans (14) facilities create economic growth. it to its 24th anniversary and was by a vote of the Michigan Booher (R) Hildenbrand (R) Meekhof (R) Shaffer (R) However, both economic research demolished in 2000. Legislature. According to Calley (R) Huizenga (R) Nofs (R) Ward (R) Gaffney (R) Jones, Rick (R) Proos (R) and the real-world experiences of MichiganVotes.org, 2008 House The Metrodome in Hansen (R) LaJoy (R) Schuitmaker (R) the Silverdome and other similar Minneapolis, home of the NFL’s Bill 6515 expanded “the scope House Democrats (54) venues cast this assumption into Minnesota Vikings and Major of the law that authorizes local Accavitti (D) Cushingberry (D) Jackson (D) Polidori (D) considerable doubt. League Baseball’s Minnesota hotel, restaurant and rental car Angerer (D) Dean (D) Johnson (D) Sak (D) The consensus of economists Twins, is already the NFL’s ninth excise taxes to pay for municipal Bennett (D) Dillon (D) Jones, Robert (D) Scott (D) regarding taxpayer-subsidized oldest home field, despite being stadiums.” Furthermore, it also Bieda (D) Donigan (D) Lahti (D) Sheltrown (D) sports stadium construction was just 27 years of age. This year, lowers “a certain population Brown (D) Ebli (D) Law, Kathleen (D) Smith, Alma (D) Byrnes (D) Espinoza (D) LeBlanc (D) Smith, Virgil (D) summed up in 2006 by College the University of Minnesota’s Big standard, allowing Kalamazoo Byrum (D) Farrah (D) Leland (D) Spade (D) of the Holy Cross economist Ten football team moved out, County and Kalamazoo to levy Cheeks (D) Gillard (D) Lemmons (D) Tobocman (D) Victor A. Matheson, when he and the Vikings and Twins are these taxes.” Clack (D) Gonzales (D) Lindberg (D) Valentine (D) noted that “… academic econo- making plans to pack their bags On Dec. 18, 2008, 37 of 38 Clemente (D) Griffin (D) Mayes (D) Warren (D) mists are nearly universal in their very soon. members of the Michigan Senate Condino (D) Hammel (D) McDowell (D) Wojno (D) Constan (D) Hammon (D) Meadows (D) Young (D) criticism that specialized sports The University of Minnesota voted to approve this enhanced Corriveau (D) Hood (D) Meisner (D) infrastructure does little Golden Gophers football team is taxing power, with Sen. Randy Coulouris (D) Hopgood (D) Melton (D) to promote economic growth. …” on its third home since 1981. The Richardville, R-Monroe, casting Similarly, in a July 2007 school abandoned an on-campus the lone dissenting vote. That same Lawmakers who voted AGAINST giving expanded taxing article, Reason Public Policy stadium and moved to the brand- day, 54 Democrats were joined power to Kalamazoo for building sports arenas: Institute researchers Samuel new Metrodome for the 1982 by 14 Republicans in the House senate republicans (1) Staley and Leonard Gilroy football season, partially due to of Representatives to approve the Richardville (R) wrote, “More than 20 years of an assumption that the indoor bill, while 37 Republicans and two Senate Democrats (none) academic research has failed to facility would boost attendance Democrats voted “no.” It became House Republicans (37) find a significant relationship because it offered protection from Public Act 532 of 2008 when Gov. Acciavatti (R) Garfield (R) Moore (R) Rocca (R) between an investment in a sports the weather. However, removed Jennifer Granholm signed it on Agema (R) Green (R) Moss (R) Sheen (R) Amos (R) Hoogendyk (R) Nitz (R) Stahl (R) stadium and significant job or from the on-campus atmosphere, Jan. 12, 2009. Ball (R) Horn (R) Opsommer (R) Stakoe (R) income growth.” The authors also the much larger crowds barely The MichiganVotes.org roll Brandenburg (R) Hune (R) Palmer (R) Steil (R) cited researchers from Smith materialized. Gopher football’s call vote is to the right. Because Casperson (R) Knollenberg (R) Palsrok (R) Walker (R) College and Vanderbilt University latest home, TCF Bank Stadium, this vote took place at the end Caswell (R) Law, David (R) Pastor (R) Wenke (R) who in a 2000 report noted is again on campus — and of the 2007-2008 session of the Caul (R) Marleau (R) Pavlov (R) Elsenheimer (R) Meltzer (R) Pearce (R) that “independent work on the open-air. It cost $288 million Michigan Legislature, some of Emmons (R) Moolenaar (R) Robertson (R) economic impact of stadiums and to build, nearly half of which is the names listed are no longer in House Democrats (2) arenas has uniformly found that being subsidized by Minnesota the offices noted. In a few cases, Bauer (D) Simpson (D) there is no correlation between taxpayers due to a vote of the the politicians have moved on sports facility construction and Minnesota Legislature to approve to other elected offices or are Legislators who did not vote: economic development.” construction of the building. currently seeking same. Official Even if there were significant Like the Metrodome, the Web sites and campaign Web Rep. Craig DeRoche (R) Rep. Aldo Vagnozzi (D) Rep. Fred Miller (D) economic benefits from proposed arena for Kalamazoo sites that could be located for taxpayer-subsidized stadiums, is intended to initially house them are provided in the box on + the impact would often wear a mixture of professional and Page 6. This is a vote from the 2007-2008 session of the Michigan Legislature. out fast as teams have a habit of college teams. It was announced Some lawmakers are no longer members in the current session. quickly discarding the buildings that the Western Michigan Kenneth M. Braun is the senior managing editor of Michigan Capitol Confidential. He 2008 Senate Roll Call 824 on HB 6515 and moving on. In 1975, the University basketball and hockey may be reached at [email protected]. 2008 House Roll Call 1161 on HB 6515 Silverdome was completed for teams will share the space with A publication of the Mackinac Center for Public Policy

Michigan Capitol Confidential january / February 2010 | 5 Global A publication of the Mackinac Center for Public Policy “A man’s house is his castle — et domus sua cuique est tutissimum refugium” – Sir Edward Coke Warming Page 13

protections from government taking of private property for economic When Theory and Home Invasion purposes. To date, a majority of the states, including Michigan, have An update on the Kelo story enacted statutes or constitutional Evidence Collide By Russ Harding protections that make it more By Tom Tanton • Create between 37,000 and difficult for government to take an 42,000 jobs in Michigan — on usette Kelo stood resolute in individual’s private property. oint computer modeling at top of an increase of 933,000 fighting New London, Conn., Two important lessons can be the University of California, jobs that the models forecast politiciansS who were anxious to learned from Kelo’s experience. UniversityJ of Illinois and Yale would otherwise occur over the take her house to make way for First, property owners cannot University claims that large-scale same timeframe through free- grandiose development plans assume their constitutional private technology subsidies and heavy- market growth. involving the pharmaceutical giant against government trampling of property rights are protected by handed clean energy and climate • Increase Michigan’s real GDP Pfizer. She fought all the way to her private property rights was not law. Second, government planners protection legislation stimulates between $2 billion and $2.4 the U.S. Supreme Court, where in vain. Her Supreme Court case usually get it wrong. Central economic growth by increasing billion more than without she lost a controversial split deci- alerted property owners around www.MichiganScienceOnline.orgplanning by government officials,  Premier Issue! consumer income and creating legislation. That is a 0.4 percent sion in 2005. Four years later, the the country that their private whether at the federal, state or jobs. According to economic to 0.5 percent increase on top of formerly quiet and well-maintained property was no longer safe from local level, seldom delivers what it models constructed by the three cumulative baseline growth of Ft. Trumbull neighborhood that government confiscation. The promises. No matter the beneficent institutions, such wide-ranging 35.1 percent. Kelo called home sits empty and Supreme Court crossed a line with intentions of government planners, legislation can strengthen not • Lead to average real household neglected. And it will remain so for most Americans when it ruled that private property rights should only the U.S. economy as a whole, income in Michigan that is $667 the foreseeable future, after Pfizer it is permissible for government never be sacrificed to realize but invigorate Michigan’s to $750 higher per year than recently announced it is abandon- to take property from one private government planners’ utopian + economy in particular. without the legislation (2008 ing New London, Conn., for nearby owner and give it to another dreams. Just ask Susette Kelo. In reality, this theoretical dollars). Groton, Conn., as part of a merger private party for the sole purpose of economic modeling is in direct However, what sounds good with drug maker Wyeth. economic development. Fortunately, Russ Harding is director of the Mackinac Center’s Property Rights Network. He may conflict with actual evidence in theory isn’t necessarily true. Even though she ultimately the Kelo decision paved the way be reached at [email protected]. that aggressive clean energy See “Theory & Evidence,” Page 6 lost her house, Kelo’s valiant stand for states to enact more stringent policies damage economies, reduce employment and harm competitive markets. Nowhere is this more evident than in Spain Cheating a Eroding rights? and Denmark, ironically the two nations most widely touted By patrick j. wright as examples of government- rigged game mandated clean energy. In fact, there is no real-world example By patrick j. wright vacant land in Oakland County where such policies have in 1997. He tried to ascertain succeeded. rotecting one’s property rights whether there were wetlands on According to the university can be a difficult endeavor due his property and began to fill a models, between 2010 and 2020 Pto the courts watering down both portion of it that he claimed had these mandates would: state and federal constitutional been previously filled. Seba was • On a national level, create protections. That fight becomes served a cease-and-desist order between 918,000 (moderate even more difficult when the by the DEQ, which led him to file efficiency case) and 1.9 million Michigan Department of Environ- an inverse condemnation claim. (high efficiency case) new jobs; mental Quality is allowed to hide After a bench trial that ended wo important court cases, one before the U.S. Supreme Court and increase annual household evidence without serious conse- in the DEQ’s favor, the DEQ another that may come before Michigan’s Supreme Court, could income by $487 to $1,175 per quence. produced a file regarding the drasticallyT impact the rights of beachfront property owners. In both year; and boost gross domestic According to the Michigan previous owner of the property. cases, a governmental unit is trying to claim title to a portion of the land product between $39 billion Court of Appeals opinion in The appellate court noted: that would deprive the owner of access to the water. and $111 billion — with all Seba v. Department of The file included over 40 The U.S. Supreme Court case is Stop the Beach Renourishment v. of those benefits measured Environmental Quality that documents which showed Florida Department of Environmental Protection and was argued in relative to a scenario without was issued on Sept. 29, 2009, that significant filling activity December. In that case, the court was faced with the question of whether such legislation. Waad F. Seba bought 12 acres of See “Cheating,” Page 6 a state court decision had improperly permitted See “Eroding,” Page 8 Michigan Capitol Confidential january / february 2010 | 6 theory & evidence other factors are also involved farms here. cheating from Page 5 in the poor productivity records Economics professor Gabriel for the 12 years his property lay of Denmark and Spain, the fact Calzada Alvarez, of King Juan from Page 5 dormant. That extended time For a long time, fans of that they’re paying high prices Carlos University, illustrated had occurred on the property frame was in large part due to the renewable electricity mandates for energy and high taxes to the enormous inefficiency and almost ten years before plaintiff DEQ’s intentional withholding of have made their case by subsidize favored technologies ineffectiveness of Spain’s green purchased it. The MDEQ had evidence, and Seba has only had running computer simulations. cannot be ignored. jobs policy. His recent study failed to produce the file during his attorney fees and cost paid, Input the right data and Denmark’s 20 percent wind demonstrates that each job the litigation despite discovery which would not have occurred (more importantly) the right generation and green policy created or saved by renewables requests by plaintiff that would in the first place if the DEQ had assumptions, impose a renewable is often used as the shining subsidies resulted in the have encompassed the file. properly admitted the property portfolio requirement, carbon example we should follow. The destruction of 2.2 other jobs. The trial court held an could be filled. plan or exorbitant subsidies, country actually uses less than Spain’s July unemployment evidentiary hearing about this The trial court held compute anywhere from 10 to half of that green power, but rate was 18.5 percent, the highest late production and found 30 years forward and walk into can keep the machines and the in Europe and well beyond the “MDEQ had intentionally an evidentiary a clean, fully employed future. rest of the economy spinning Eurozone average of 9.5 percent, withheld evidence and that the hearing about this Then reality intervened in the thanks to connections with the but not much higher than MDEQ made no attempt to late production and form of two nationwide case coal-based German grid and Michigan’s. Denmark was not provide the evidence in a timely found “MDEQ had studies. the nuclear- and hydro-based far behind. The overemphasis manner” and while granting According to the U.S. Scandinavian grids. For all their on green jobs at the expense of attorney fees and costs to Seba intentionally withheld Bureau of Labor Statistics, green policy and wind turbines, improved productivity is the and holding that MDEQ could evidence and that the manufacturing productivity Denmark experiences the highest culprit. Improve productivity not claim the filled areas were MDEQ made no attempt decreased in 2008 in almost all power costs in Europe. There and jobs and wealth follow. wetlands, the trial court stated to provide the evidence of the 17 economies it tracked. is now an excellent report by That’s always been the way the damages claim “sounds like a in a timely manner.” Productivity is a measure of Danish think-tank CEPOS, for every wealthy country, separate cause of action, not that the efficient use of labor and which points out that in a few and nothing has changed. I’m suggesting that.” Government has tremendous reflects higher skills, more years Denmark’s neighbors will Michigan policymakers should Seba did file a second suit powers and financial resources to efficient use of time and other be producing so much of their look at real-world experiences seeking damages for the DEQ’s litigate and can often wear down wealth-creating factors. The own wind power that their grids and not opaque computer improper activities, which was property owners who lack the computer models used in the will have difficulty accepting simulations for guidance. Most dismissed because a separate means to fight in court. Is it too university simulations account Denmark’s, even if it’s given away importantly, Michigan should court held he should have filed an much to ask that the government poorly for labor productivity or for free. This will further erode only adopt policies that enhance amended complaint and raised not cheat when it already has such + technological innovation, both Denmark’s productivity, because productivity, avoiding those that claim in the earlier case. advantages? critical to future emissions and factors of production will be policies, like green mandates, The end result for Seba is + economic growth. spent producing something of that produce the opposite. that 12 years after he bought his Patrick J. Wright is the senior legal analyst at the Mackinac Center for Public Denmark experienced the zero value. Using higher cost property, he is finally certain that Policy where he directs the Mackinac Tom Tanton is a senior fellow in energy second largest productivity sources of energy reduces overall his filling of the property was Center Legal Foundation. He may be studies at the Pacific Research Institute. decline in 2008, (negative 4.5 productivity of an economy and legal, but he was not compensated reached at [email protected]. percent) as well as overall loss competitiveness while at the of production and employment. same time negatively impacting Spain, also with a strong green employment levels and pay rates. Home Court Disadvantage: Available Web sites for politicians economic policy, saw steep Spain is a more tragic story. who cast a vote regarding the issue on page 4 but are no longer declines in all three of the The country’s bill for incredibly in the Legislature: above-named factors. Both expensive solar- and wind- Former state Rep. Judy Emmons, R-Sheridan, is running for Secretary of State: www.judyemmons.com. countries have had poor to generated energy has become so Former state Rep. Joe Hune, R-Fowlerville, is running for state Senate: www.joehune.com. negative productivity records high that the government is now Former state Rep. Bill Huizenga, R-Zeeland, is running for Congress: www.huizengaforcongress.com. since about 1995. The Republic limiting the size of its renewables Former state Rep. Andy Meisner, D-Ferndale, is the Oakland County Treasurer: www.oakgov.com/treasurer/. of Korea and the United States handouts. Spain’s recession is , R-Midland, is running for state Senate: www.moolenaarforsenate.com. led productivity growth in 2008 magnified by its green mandates. Former state Rep. John Moolenaar with slight increases of 1.2 Their lowered productivity Former state Rep. Mike Nofs, R-Battle Creek, is now a member of the Michigan Senate: www.mikenofs.com. percent each, but without the reduces their competitiveness, Former state Sen. Mark Schauer, D-Battle Creek, is now a member of Congress: www.schauer.house.gov. negative focus of “green.” In fact, which in turn decreases exports Former state Rep. Howard Walker, R-Traverse City, is running for state Senate: www.howardwalker37.com. the U.S. has been improving its and contributes to the current carbon intensity (a measure of collapse of the country’s production per unit of carbon industries, including wind and MichiganCapitolConfidential.com emitted) annually over the solar. Their votes, your views. past 20 years, along with labor Luckily for Spain, one of its productivity, and is doing better companies is receiving some of than those countries with strong our stimulus dollars. Troubled climate change policies — we wind producer Iberdrola has thus are emitting less and less as we far received $545 million from Engage. Join in. Get involved. make more and more. While U.S. taxpayers for building wind Michigan Capitol Confidential january / February 2010 | 7

by James M. Hohman

Michigan: “A+” for Public Relations, “F” for Economic Growth placed at or near the bottom in employment and gross domestic product growth, and In the face of their failure to reverse an economic decline that’s been underway at the top in unemployment rate. for an entire decade, Michigan politicians are perennially desperate for ways to show However, if what you measure is how energetically bureaucrats hype big facilities they’re “doing something” to fix the problem. The approach they’ve mainly adopted — a relatively tiny handful of such facilities compared to the size of this or any state’s is a massive expansion of discriminatory tax breaks and subsidies for particular firms economy — Michigan ranks right up at the top: Site Selection proves it! selected by state bureaucrats or political appointees. Perhaps the most public face Awarding selective tax incentives is more about giving politicians stories of good for this strategy is provided in the “Upper Hand” advertisements from the Michigan economic news. Real reform would focus on changing the overall tax, labor and Economic Development Corp., featuring actor Jeff Daniels. regulatory climate to promote growth for all businesses, not just those few lucky + The failure of such programs has created another political need, which is a way to enough to get Lansing’s blessing. demonstrate that this approach really isn’t a massive waste of time and money. Enter the annual Governor’s Cup ranking by Site Selection magazine, which is This issue of The Lowdown was written by James M. Hohman, a fiscal policy analyst at the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. He may be reached at [email protected]. considered the “company paper” for economic development bureaucracies around the country. Michigan Governor’s Cup Rankings and State Economic Growth A leader in creating such bureaucracies — if not in actual economic growth — Michigan has done very well in these rankings, placing in the top 10 every year, and 50 our politicians are often eager to spread the word. For example, here’s Gov. Jennifer Governor’s Cup Ranking Granholm trumpeting Michigan’s second-place ranking in the 2005 Site Selection, as 40 reported by the Gongwer news service (subscription required): GDP Growth Ranking “This is a remarkable showing for Michigan that speaks directly to the effectiveness 30 of our strategy for attracting new business and new jobs to the state. Although it is great to be recognized as a national leader, what’s truly important is that these expansions result in thousands of jobs for Michigan workers.” 20 Unemployment Growth Ranking The only problem with this outstanding record is that it generates a sense of Employment Growth Ranking cognitive dissonance for taxpayers, who wonder, “How can we be doing so well if 10 we’re doing so poorly?” The source of the dissonance is clearly illustrated in the accompanying chart. 0 It’s easily explained, however: It all depends on what you measure. If it’s economic performance, Michigan can’t get much lower; throughout this decade, Michigan 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

MichiganCapitolConfidential.comComing Soon! A news service for the people of Michigan from the Mackinac Center for Public Policy Michigan Capitol Confidential january / february 2010 | 8

Public Trust environmental groups that eroding who have a county road between believed that all water should their home and the water have from Page One belong to the government, and from Page 5 “riparian rights,” including the landowners and business groups right to place a dock in the lake. own the water and have a legal that wanted to preserve private the State of Florida to wedge — The Court of Appeals held that right to use that water as long property water rights. That law through a replenishment program the test to determine riparian as you do not interfere with the has already made it more difficult meant to repair damages due rights depends on whether the reasonable use of water by your to use water in the state, removing to hurricanes — a strip of land road was created via a statutory neighbors. This has been true a competitive advantage Michigan between beachfront property dedication or at common law. since the state was first settled. once enjoyed and turning it into a owners and the ocean. Some A common law road maintains Riparian water law has minor liability. justices questioned if this was riparian rights for the owner. A worked well in Michigan for the Increasing government allowed, and if there would be statutory dedication, however, simple reason that Michigan has control of water in the state anything that would prevent only maintains riparian rights if abundant water. In fact, Michigan would not only be a taking of the state from creating a wedge those rights are expressly saved groundwater tables are so high private property, but would to allow for increased spring in the dedication, otherwise the that many homeowners have to be a serious threat to future break tourism. riparian rights are with the public. install sump pumps just to keep economic growth. Access to This latter situation water out of their basements. abundant water in the state is Luckily for Spain, will undoubtedly come as a a key advantage Michigan has they’re receiving surprise to many “lakeside” Rather than threatening in attracting much-needed some of our stimulus addressed whether a decision property owners. water rights, Michigan jobs in energy, agriculture dollars. Troubled wind by a state court that so upsets Beachfront property has long and manufacturing, including traditional property rights — been highly valued because it needs to follow the the so-called green jobs Gov. producer Iberdrola perhaps like the Michigan affords owners the right to access example of Ohio. Jennifer Granholm seeks. The has thus far received Supreme Court’s decision in Glass the water. But as the public’s A ballot initiative state cannot afford to throw that $545 million from U.S. v. Goeckel allowing a heretofore demand for access to the water advantage away, especially since unrecognized right to beach walk grows, the courts have slowly amending the Ohio taxpayers for building Michigan is not threatened by a wind farms here. on private property — would also eroded traditional property rights. Constitution and shortage of water. constitute a taking. Hopefully, the U.S. Supreme protecting the rights Rather than threatening water The case also raised the The Michigan case is 2000 Court will at least require that the rights, Michigan needs to follow issue of state judicial takings. Baum Family Trust v. Babel. owners be compensated when the + of landowners to the example of Ohio. A ballot The federal courts already The Michigan Supreme Court is courts do so. use groundwater initiative amending the Ohio recognize that actions by state currently considering whether Constitution and protecting executives or state legislatures to review the Michigan Court Patrick J. Wright is the senior legal was approved by an analyst at the Mackinac Center for Public the rights of landowners to use can constitute takings that of Appeals’ decision. The lower Policy where he directs the Mackinac impressive 72 percent groundwater was approved by require compensation. To date, court was faced with the question Center Legal Foundation. He may be of the voters in the an impressive 72 percent of the the U.S. Supreme Court has not of whether beachfront owners reached at [email protected]. November 2008 election. voters in the November 2008 election. The constitutional The proposed public trust amendment in Ohio merely legislation treats groundwater codified existing riparian water as if we lived in an arid Western law, which was similar to the kind state, where water tables can used successfully in Michigan for be 1,000 feet or more beneath the past century. the surface. In many of these Many Michigan officials states, water is appropriated seem more interested in taking by the government, leading to away existing rights of property Do you like endless conflicts and lawsuits. owners rather than protecting Mark Twain, who spent time them. It may be time to take the what you’re in Nevada, famously quipped critical issue of property rights about the situation: “Whiskey directly to the voters, bypassing Reading? is for drinking and water is for the political class. As the Ohio Then tell us to keep it coming! fighting.” example shows, residents The Michigan Legislature understand the importance of If you haven’t contacted us yet but would like to keep receiving Michigan Capitol Confidential, we need you to e-mail us at [email protected] or call dealt with recent groundwater property rights better than do + 989-631-0900 to let us know that we should keep sending it. That’s it! concerns with the passage of many politicians. If you have friends or family who would enjoy Michigan Capitol Confidential, Public Act 33 of 2006. That law please send us their names as well! To help us publish and mail this requires a landowner to obtain Russ Harding is senior environmental analyst and director of the Property newspaper, the Mackinac Center accepts donations in any amount. We a groundwater permit in certain Rights Network at the Mackinac are a 501(c)(3) charitable educational foundation, and your donation circumstances, such as proximity Center for Public Policy. He may be is 100 percent tax-deductible on your federal income tax form. contacted at [email protected]. to a trout stream. Public Act We look forward to hearing from you! 33 was a compromise between Michigan Capitol Confidential january / February 2010 | 9

Check Not “Just A “Mandate Beer Keg Buyer’s Tags”: Lawmakers who voted TO MANDATE beer keg buyer’s tags: senate Republicans (19) Allen (R) Gilbert (R) Patterson (R) Bill” Anymore Birkholz (R) Hardiman (R) Richardville (R) Bishop (R) Jansen (R) Sanborn (R) By Kenneth M. Braun of the Michigan-Indiana state Brown (R) Jelinek (R) Stamas (R) line’ and also ‘authorizes a Cassis (R) Kuipers (R) Van Woerkom (R) he Michigan Legislature has specific process that includes five Cropsey (R) McManus (R) George (R) Pappageorge (R) recently taken up for consid- commissioners from each state.’” senate Democrats (15) Teration several of the bills that have Sen. Ron Jelinek, R-Three appeared in the “I’m Just a Bill” Oaks, is the sponsor of both Anderson (D) Clark-Coleman (D) Olshove (D) “A non-retailer Barcia (D) Clarke (D) Prusi (D) feature on the back page of this bills. Senate Bill 375 was Basham (D) Gleason (D) Switalski (D) publication. Here is a brief summa- featured on the back cover of possessing a keg Brater (D) Hunter (D) Thomas (D) ry of the bills and the correspond- the May/June 2009 edition of without the tag would Cherry (D) Jacobs (D) Whitmer (D) ing votes. The quoted and italicized Michigan Capitol Confidential. descriptions are from Michigan- On May 6, the Michigan Senate be subject to a $500 fine Lawmakers who voted AGAINST the mandate: Votes.org. The vote tally for each of voted in favor of approving both and 93 days in jail.” senate Republicans (none) these bills begins on this page and bills and sending them to the senate Democrats (none) concludes on Page 10. House of Representatives. In each case, the vote was 34-1, “The bill proposes to restrict Legislators who did not vote: “Mandate beer keg buyer’s with Sen. Nancy Cassis, R-Novi, sales of cigarettes to only Garcia (R) Kahn (R) Scott (D) tags” – Senate Bill 470 casting the lone “no” votes. those meeting the standard for www.michiganvotes.org/2009- self-extinguishing cigarettes 2009 Senate Roll Call 366 on SB 470 SB-470 “Ban non fire-safe cigarettes” established by the state of New – Senate Bill 264 York. Cigarette makers would “The bill proposes to require www.michiganvotes.org/2009- have to certify and pay a $1,250 retailers to attach an identification SB-264 See “Not Just a Bill,” Page 10 Check tag signed by the buyer to kegs of “Remonumentation of State Border”: Lawmakers who beer when they are sold, and not voted IN FAVOR of appropriating up to $500,000 for return the keg deposit unless the Check remonumentation of the Michigan-Indiana border: tag is still on the keg, subject to a $50 fine for failing to do either. “Commission on Spanish-Speaking Affairs”: Lawmakers senate Republicans (19) A non-retailer possessing a keg who voted TO EXPAND DUTIES OF and rename state Allen (R) Gilbert (R) Patterson (R) without the tag would be subject to government’s Commission on Spanish-Speaking Affairs: Birkholz (R) Hardiman (R) Richardville (R) Bishop (R) Jansen (R) Sanborn (R) a $500 fine and 93 days in jail.” senate Republicans (20) Brown (R) Jelinek (R) Stamas (R) The bill was introduced by Allen (R) Gilbert (R) Pappageorge (R) Cropsey (R) Kahn (R) Van Woerkom (R) Sen. Alan Sanborn, R-Richmond, Birkholz (R) Hardiman (R) Patterson (R) Garcia (R) McManus (R) and was noted on the back cover Bishop (R) Jansen (R) Richardville (R) George (R) Pappageorge (R) Brown (R) Jelinek (R) Sanborn (R) of the May/June 2009 edition of senate Democrats (15) Michigan Capitol Confidential. Cassis (R) Kahn (R) Stamas (R) Cropsey (R) Kuipers (R) Van Woerkom (R) Anderson (D) Clark-Coleman (D) Olshove (D) On June 25, the Michigan Senate George (R) McManus (R) Barcia (D) Clarke (D) Prusi (D) voted 34-0 in favor of approving Basham (D) Gleason (D) Scott (D) this bill and sending it to the senate Democrats (16) Brater (D) Hunter (D) Switalski (D) House of Representatives. Anderson (D) Clarke (D) Scott (D) Cherry (D) Jacobs (D) Whitmer (D) Barcia (D) Gleason (D) Switalski (D) “Authorize remonumentation Basham (D) Hunter (D) Thomas (D) Lawmakers who voted AGAINST appropriating of Michigan-Indiana state Brater (D) Jacobs (D) Whitmer (D) Cherry (D) Olshove (D) $500,000 for border remonumentation: line” – Senate Bill 375 Clark-Coleman (D) Prusi (D) www.michiganvotes.org/2009- senate Republicans (1) SB-375 Lawmakers who voted AGAINST the mandate: Cassis (R) senate Republicans (none) senate Democrats (none) “The bill proposes to appropriate up to $500,000 to senate Democrats (none) pay for the remonumentation of Legislators who did not vote: the Michigan-Indiana state line Legislators who did not vote: Kuipers (R) Thomas (D) proposed by Senate Bill 374.” Garcia (R) Senate Bill 374 “… proposes to 2009 Senate Roll Call 395 on SB 215 2009 Senate Roll Call 146 on SB 375 ‘authorize the remonumentation Michigan Capitol Confidential january / february 2010 | 10

Not Just a Bill to its current duties. These Check from Page 9 include securing ‘appropriate recognition of Spanish-speaking “Fire Safe Cigarettes”: Lawmakers who voted TO BAN the sale of cigarettes that are not “fire safe”: tax for each ‘brand family’ every accomplishments’ and advising senate Republicans (21) three years. Violations would be the governor and legislature subject to fines up to $100,000 on the ‘coordination of state Allen (R) Cassis (R) Gilbert (R) Kahn (R) Patterson (R) Van Woerkom (R) Birkholz (R) Cropsey (R) Hardiman (R) Kuipers (R) Richardville (R) per month, and $25,000 per programs serving Spanish- Bishop (R) Garcia (R) Jansen (R) McManus (R) Sanborn (R) month for retailers. The bill also speaking people’ and on ‘the Brown (R) George (R) Jelinek (R) Pappageorge (R) Stamas (R) would increase various reporting nature, magnitude, and requirements.” priorities of the problems of senate Democrats (16) Sponsored by Sen. Tupac Spanish-speaking people,’ etc.” Anderson (D) Brater (D) Clarke (D) Jacobs (D) Scott (D) Whitmer (D) Barcia (D) Cherry (D) Gleason (D) Olshove (D) Switalski (D) Hunter, D-Detroit, the bill has Introduced by Sen. Valde Basham (D) Clark-Coleman (D) Hunter (D) Prusi (D) Thomas (D) since become Public Act 56 of Garcia, R-Howell, this original House Republicans (37) 2009, after being signed into version of the bill appeared law by the governor on June on the back page of the May/ Ball (R) DeShazor (R) Horn (R) Meekhof (R) Proos (R) Tyler (R) Bolger (R) Elsenheimer (R) Jones, Rick (R) Meltzer (R) Rocca (R) Walsh (R) 25. A previous version of this June 2009 Michigan Capitol Booher (R) Green (R) Knollenberg (R) Moore (R) Rogers (R) legislative idea — 2007 House Confidential. Caul (R) Haines (R) Kurtz (R) Moss (R) Schmidt, W. (R) Bill 5111 — appeared on the However, as the bill worked Crawford (R) Hansen (R) Lori (R) Opsommer (R) Schuitmaker (R) back cover of the November/ its way through the Senate this Daley (R) Haveman (R) Lund (R) Pavlov (R) Scott, P. (R) December 2007 edition of summer, it was amended “to Denby (R) Hildenbrand (R) Marleau (R) Pearce (R) Stamas (R) Michigan Capitol Confidential. replace the previous version of House Democrats (65) The Michigan Senate voted the bill with one that does not Angerer (D) Cushingberry (D) Haugh (D) McDowell (D) Sheltrown (D) 37-0 in favor of Senate Bill specify specific holidays or place Barnett (D) Dean (D) Johnson (D) Meadows (D) Simpson (D) 264. The vote in the House of in statute a requirement that the Bauer (D) Dillon (D) Jones, Robert (D) Melton (D) Slavens (D) Bennett (D) Donigan (D) Kandrevas (D) Miller (D) Slezak (D) Representatives was 102-6. commission organize a Cesar Bledsoe (D) Durhal (D) Kennedy (D) Nathan (D) Smith (D) Chavez day celebration.” Brown, L. (D) Ebli (D) Lahti (D) Nerat (D) Spade (D) “Expand duties and rename According to a Senate Fiscal Brown, T. (D) Espinoza (D) LeBlanc (D) Neumann (D) Stanley (D) state government Commission Agency analysis of the bill, Byrnes (D) Geiss (D) Leland (D) Polidori (D) Switalski (D) on Spanish-Speaking the “Commission on Spanish- Byrum (D) Gonzales (D) Lemmons (D) Roberts (D) Tlaib (D) Affairs” – Senate Bill 215 Clemente (D) Gregory (D) Lindberg (D) Schmidt, R. (D) Valentine (D) Speaking affairs is currently Constan (D) Griffin (D) Lipton (D) Scott, B. (D) Warren (D) www.michiganvotes.org/2009- staffed with 2.0 FTEs [full time Corriveau (D) Haase (D) Liss (D) Scripps (D) Womack (D) SB-215 equivalent staff] supported by Coulouris (D) Hammel (D) Mayes (D) Segal (D) Young (D) $237,700 …” “The bill proposes to On Aug. 19, 2009, the Senate Lawmakers who voted AGAINST the ban: change the name of the state approved the amended version senate Republicans (none) government Commission on of Senate Bill 215. The vote was + Spanish-Speaking Affairs 37-0. senate Democrats (none) to the ‘Hispanic/Latino House Republicans (6) Commission,’ and require this Kenneth M. Braun is the senior managing Agema (R) Amash (R) Calley (R) Genetski (R) Kowall (R) McMillin (R) editor of Michigan Capitol Confidential. He commission to ‘coordinate may be reached at [email protected]. House Democrats (none) a Hispanic Heritage Month celebration,’ a Cinco de Mayo Legislators who did not vote: celebration and a Cesar Chavez 2009 Senate Roll Call 181 on SB 264 Huckleberry (D) Jackson (D) 2009 House Roll Call 293 on SB 264 day celebration in addition

news_ policy_ Michigan Capitol Confidential back issues, more information on this issue. lawmakers_ taxes_ votes_ more ...... www.mackinac.org/pubs/mcc/ Michigan Capitol Confidential january / February 2010 | 11

suggested talking points for Using Your Money to Get Your Money taxpayers who wish to tell their lawmakers that school funding By Jarrett Skorup you to a page that coaches meet standards. For example, spending. On its homepage, is just fine where it is — or letter-writers to employ the the National Assessment for the district has links to the maybe could be trimmed since hen I was a junior high following “key points”: Educational Progress recently following: times are tough for Michigan school student in Illinois, I • The State of Michigan’s released results showing that • A letter from the taxpayers as well. Anyone wasW once told by district employ- investment in our Detroit Public Schools students superintendent talking about with that heretical opinion ees that if a school funding refer- children is critical; scored the worst in the nation their spending reductions. has to think for themselves endum did not pass, some of my • You value your local on a national test. The executive It concludes: “Parents, without assistance from a favorite teachers would lose their public schools; of the NAEP, Michael Casserly staff, GRPS supporters taxpayer-financed Web site. jobs. As the son of the school • You know that strong said, “[The test scores] are barely and concerned citizens are Some districts may compare board president, I was well aware public schools are a key to above what one would expect encouraged to contact their their “more money” advocacy of the issue, but I can imagine economic development; simply by chance, as if the kids state lawmakers and urge to that of a business advocating that this energized several of my • Funding our public schools simply guessed at the answers.” them to oppose the proposed for positions that benefit classmates to get their parents should be their top priority; So, is Mesick more concerned cuts in the School Aid budget.” them. However, there are out to vote – and vote a particu- • You want the state to about the competition from • A brochure titled “Contact major differences. Businesses lar way. It’s certainly important provide adequate and charters, rather than the quality Your Legislators,” with often use their own money for voters to be accurately and equitable funding for all of all schools? information outlining contact to lobby for keeping more soberly informed regarding the public school students; Mesick’s issue advocacy also information. This is put out by of their own money. These likely implications of the school • You want to retain the high extends to calling for a rollback a group called “Advocates for public school districts are budget going up or down, but quality educational programs of term limits and giving all Grand Rapids Public Schools.” using your money to argue for is it just as acceptable for the provided for your children. lawmakers 12 years in office. This • A list of talking points taking more of your money. school to advocate one side or Mesick Consolidated might seem unrelated to school outlining what people should Like all public entities, a the other of this decision? Schools has a “Message from issues, so the Web site connects say to their legislators. school has the sole purpose of Since coming to Michigan, the Superintendent.” This links the dots: “Just when our elected This list of talking points providing a service — in this I’ve noticed that the official Web to a letter that outlines the officials understand the issues … goes through a lot of issues but case, the best education that pages of many public school dis- positions against cutting state they are effectively removed from mostly centers on opposing can be had for the money made tricts have implemented a policy aid, for using stimulus funds office by term limits.” any budget cuts (it lists some available. We don’t allow public that looks a lot like using the “equitably” for schools and even What an interesting specifically) and encouraging institutions to rally on behalf of taxpayers’ dime to advocate for for a reduction in the number perspective to appear on a Web more school funding. It also candidates with our tax dollars, more of the taxpayers’ dimes. In of charter public schools by page otherwise dedicated to “SUPPORT[S] administrative and we shouldn’t allow them to other words, they go beyond pro- “reviewing their performance pleading with politicians to and legislative program take stands on political issues + viding “just the facts” about what and revoking charters for those behave in the best interests of changes that will provide with them either. will happen if the budget goes that are failing our students.” the school district. The reader additional resources (revenue) up or down and instead openly While holding public schools might conclude that this kind to our classrooms” and seeks a Editor’s Note: For more agitate for higher spending. accountable and closing the ones of overt spending advocacy by “possible expansion of our sales information on public entities Some examples: that don’t measure up is a noble public school districts has been tax to include a tax on luxury using tax dollars to agitate for Sault Area Public School objective, it is a telling omission going on for a long time and that service purchases.” more tax dollars, please see District has a link on its Web that Mesick doesn’t advocate Michigan’s term limit amendment Outside of these particularly www.mackinac.org/8194. site that reads, “Contact also closing the conventional has been a major impediment to bold districts, there are a Your Legislators.” It takes school districts that fail to the district defeating the other few others that encourage Jarrett Skorup is the research associate side of the debate. residents to contact legislators for online engagement for Michigan Capitol Confidential. He may be Grand Rapids Public Schools, for more funding. Conversely, reached at [email protected]. Michigan’s third-largest we have not located a single Michigan Capitol Confidential district, also advocates for more district Web site that provides Editor: Michael D. Jahr Senior Managing Editor: Kenneth M. Braun Graphic Designer: Daniel E. Montgomery Do you like what you’re reading? Michigan Capitol Confidential is published bimonthly by the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, a nonprofit, nonpartisan, tax-exempt research and educational institute devoted to analyzing Michigan public policy issues. Michigan Capitol Confidential is Then tell us to keep it coming! distributed to Michigan residents who have expressed an interest in public policy matters, as well as members of the media and lawmakers and policy staff in the If you haven’t already contacted us and would like to keep receiving Michigan House, Michigan Senate and Office of the Governor. All rights reserved. Permission to excerpt or reprint is hereby granted provided that Michigan Capitol Michigan Capitol Confidential, we need you to e-mail us at [email protected] Confidential, the author and the Mackinac Center for Public Policy are properly cited. 140 West Main Street, Midland, Michigan 48640 or call 989-631-0900 to let us know that we should keep sending it. That’s it! 989-631-0900 • www.mackinac.org • MichiganVotes.org • [email protected] Michigan Capitol Confidential january / february 2010 | 12 repork Card Republican primaries against in Louisiana, $90,000 for the 2009 Club for Growth “RePORK Card” Scores from Page One other Republican candidates “Commercial Kitchen Business Higher percentages equal more votes to eliminate earmark pork who are deemed by Club Incubator project” in California, Michigan — from either party — membership to be too willing to $150,000 for the “Tarrytown Twenty-two members with perfect score...... 100 percent scored 100 percent. support bigger government and Music Hall” restoration in New U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Holland...... 97 percent The scorecard consists of 68 higher taxes. York, $250,000 for the “Monroe U.S. Rep. Thad McCotter, R-Livonia...... 85 percent earmark-killing amendments “The RePORK Card will County Farmer’s Market” in U.S. Rep. Vern Ehlers, R-Grand Rapids...... 78 percent introduced by U.S. Rep. Jeff help taxpayers measure Kentucky and $1 million for Flake, R-AZ, and two of the dedication of their “potato research in Idaho, Median score for Republicans nationwide...... 69 percent his budget-cutting allies in representatives to changing Oregon and Washington.” U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Brighton...... 66 percent Congress. These legislators the culture of corruption that The 2009 RePORK Card U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph...... 53 percent launched a similar assault surrounds pork-barrel spending,” grades for members of the on earmarks during the 2008 explained David Keating, the Michigan delegation to the U.S. U.S. Rep. Mark Schauer, D-Battle Creek...... 43 percent federal budget battle. Support Club’s executive director. But he House of Representatives are U.S. Rep. Candice Miller, R-Harrison Twp...... 31 percent from Michigan politicians for believes the dedication wasn’t at right. Please note that scores U.S. Rep. Dave Camp, R-Midland ...... 24 percent five of the targeted spending there for most of them in 2009: for Michigan’s two U.S. senators projects were examined in “When given an opportunity are not included in the RePORK U.S. Rep. Gary Peters, D-Bloomfield Twp...... 1 percent the September/October 2009 to save taxpayer dollars and Card because none of the 68 Median score for Democrats nationwide...... 0 percent Michigan Capitol Confidential limit spending to true national amendments that comprise this U.S. Rep. John Conyers, D-Detroit...... 0 percent (www.mackinac priorities, most members grade were introduced for a vote + U.S. Rep. John Dingell, D-Dearborn...... 0 percent .org/11218.) of Congress took a pass.” in the U.S. Senate. Noting on July 16, 2009, U.S. Rep. Dale Kildee, D-Flint...... 0 percent Kenneth M. Braun is the senior managing that the federal government is “When given an U.S. Rep. Carolyn Cheeks-Kilpatrick, D-Detroit...... 0 percent editor of Michigan Capitol Confidential. He running a “nearly $2 trillion opportunity to save may be reached at [email protected]. U.S. Rep. Sander Levin, D-Southfield...... 0 percent deficit,” Flake asked his fellow lawmakers, “Why in the world taxpayer dollars and limit U.S. Rep. Bart Stupak, D-Menominee...... 0 percent are we spending another spending to true national Source: www.clubforgrowth.org/projects $100,000” to give an earmark to priorities, most members the Myrtle Beach International Trade and Conference Center? of Congress took a pass.” Observing that convention — David Keating, the Club for centers exist all over the nation, Flake also asked: “Why we Growth’s executive director New and Updated! should choose one and say they’re worthy of an earmark The median 2009 score for all and the other one isn’t, and Republicans in the U.S. House saying that they shouldn’t was 69 percent, and just three compete for dollars, we’re just of Michigan’s seven Republicans going to hand them out?” scored higher than this. The Only 99 of 435 members of median score for Democrats the U.S. House voted with Flake nationwide was zero percent, to kill this earmark for the South and six of eight Michigan Carolina resort town. Like each Democrats posted this score. of the other 67 efforts to remove The highest-scoring member earmarks from the 2010 budget, from Michigan was U.S. Rep. this one failed. Pete Hoekstra, R-Holland, with According to its Web page, 97 percent. the RePORK Card-sponsoring With a 43 percent grade, U.S. Club for Growth is a “national Rep. Mark Schauer, D-Battle network of thousands of Creek, posted the highest score Americans” who “believe that for any Michigan Democrat, prosperity and opportunity and well above the 2009 come through economic RePORK Card national average freedom.” The separate for his party. Two Michigan Club for Growth Political Republicans posted RePORK Their votes, your views. Action Committee provides Card grades substantially lower Engage. Join in. Get involved. “financial support” from Club than did Schauer. members to help “viable, pro- Some other earmark votes growth” candidates running graded in the 2009 RePORK for Congress. Club-funded Card included $325,000 for the challengers frequently run in “Institute for Seafood Studies” Michigan Capitol Confidential january / February 2010 | 13

on the dust jacket to define cause of disappearing glaciers Global Warming: the intimidations directed at in Peru. Unfortunately, going scholars — such as Michaels back three decades, no record of and Balling, both climatologists net temperature change for that Science in Service to Politics — who accept the premise of region could be found. a warming globe but do not Many of these media Editor’s Note: According to a hostility was so intense and his believe the evidence supports mistakes have a basis in research recent Washington Post article, reputation so great that few a “gloom-and-doom vision that was mischaracterized the Climate Research Unit at would publicly defy him and of climate change.” Michaels or exaggerated, or that was the University of East Anglia in support Chandrasekhar’s theory. explains that he will be overruled by subsequent Britain has been regarded as “one Thinking his career in jeopardy, departing his job as Virginia’s research. Other problems of the world’s foremost climate Chandrasekhar abandoned one official climatologist — which he are caused by the scientists research centers.” On Nov. 19, 2009, of his greatest discoveries and has held since 1980 — because themselves. A particularly more than a decade’s worth of didn’t return to it for decades. the governor of that state will no troubling example is the creator e-mail correspondence from CRU Though Chandrasekhar longer abide Michaels’ heresies. of the temperature history researchers was released on the paid an unfair price for his He introduces two other state used by the United Nations Internet without the permission “heretical” thinking, he avoided climatologists under similar Intergovernmental Panel on of CRU, touching off a firestorm of scientific purgatory. He lived pressure from other politicians. Climate Change. Michaels and international controversy regarding to see his discovery accepted Media accounts comparing Balling describe his refusal to the validity of assertions made and won a Nobel Prize. climate disaster skeptics to provide the supporting data by researchers who argue that But what if a scientist like Holocaust deniers are retold. for his work to a skeptical human-influenced global warming him were accused by critics of And former Vice President researcher because of his belief is a significant threat to the ecology advancing an idea that threatened Al Gore makes an appearance that the researcher would “try of the planet and the health of the very survival of humanity? And on Page One and checks in and find something wrong with humanity. The CRU e-mails reveal what if this allegation came from regularly thereafter. Despite it.” Such stonewalling throws what appear to be instances of powerful members of the media the attention Gore has critical inquiry out the window. scientists altering their data to By Kenneth M. Braun and prominent politicians with drawn to climate issues, his Keeping secrets to avoid fit their theory, denouncing other influence over science funding? pronouncements have not criticism is very rare in credentialed scientists who dispute cientists Patrick J. Michaels always comported well with the scientific research, as are the dire predictions of climate and Robert C. Balling Jr. deliver Keeping secrets to actual science of climate change. public exaggerations and catastrophe and suggesting ways to Swhat the title implies in their avoid criticism is As the chapters roll by, personal vilifications. But all silence those critics. new book, “Climate of Extremes: very rare in scientific theories of global warming of these are, sadly, common in Global Warming Science They research, as are public causing more dangerous politics. “Climate of Extremes” On Dec. 1, 2009, Phil Jones, Don’t Want You to Know.” The hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, is a valuable read because it director of CRU, temporarily authors agree the planet is warmer, exaggerations and droughts, heat waves, rain, makes abundantly clear that stepped down from his position but provide a concise, fun and personal vilifications. snow, cold snaps and other a powerful scientific culture while these matters were being effective unmasking of unscientific But all of these are, maladies are each disproven may be becoming corrupted by investigated. global-warming doomsday sadly, common in by a multitude of credentialed politicians’ worst behavior. scenarios and a discussion of why politics. “Climate experts in the relevant fields Unfortunately, the authors’ Former Virginia State prophets of doom trump sober speaking from peer-reviewed scientific discussion is followed by Climatologist Patrick J. Michaels, science in public policymaking. If of Extremes” is a science journals. The flawed only a single “modest proposal” — now with the Cato Institute, has you want to join the battle, here is valuable read because assumptions behind some that academic papers be subjected been a critic of the conclusions of your armory. it makes abundantly iconic symbols of the warming to more transparent peer reviews. the CRU and Jones in particular. Logical rules run the universe, clear that a powerful doom cult — such as the famed This is a solid idea, and they According to the Post, one of the but they are discovered by “hockey stick” graph — also certainly make a strong case for CRU e-mails is from a friend scientists with human flaws. scientific culture may get revealed in a readable and it. But after providing a long list of Jones who offers to “beat up” An extreme but not isolated be becoming corrupted entertaining fashion. And along of errors and misunderstandings Michaels in retaliation. example of this is Arthur by politicians’ worst the way, you’ll get a wonderful about global warming in public Eddington and Subrahmanyan behavior. tutorial on what causes various debate, the authors probably need Just prior to the CRU e-mail Chandrasekhar. In 1935, forms of nasty weather. to help fix more than academic revelations, Michaels co-authored Chandrasekhar, still a graduate No matter how correct a Throughout it all, politicians procedure. Hopefully, the authors a book which asserts that many student, discovered what we scientist believed himself to be, and various media outlets will write another terrific book global warming scientists are now call the “Chandrasekhar and no matter how defensible unintentionally provide giving us some better ideas deliberately keeping skeptical limit” — proof that either black his views, he might easily choose embarrassing examples of about how to keep politics from + inquiry out of the debate, doing holes or neutron stars must be to stay quiet to retain his job, what happens when selling overwhelming science. a disservice to both science and created when a star of a certain reputation, research money and an agenda trumps telling the the public. A review of this book size dies. The discovery was chance to live in peace. truth. The New York Times Kenneth M. Braun is the senior managing editor of Michigan Capitol Confidential. He was published in the 10th issue vigorously rejected by Eddington, Those causing such a and Washington Post serve up may be contacted at [email protected]. of MichiganScience. The review is a leading astrophysicist and a “Climate of Extremes” are the some of the worst errors. One reproduced below. disbeliever to his dying day that real danger portrayed by this example: A 2001 Post story black holes existed. Eddington’s book. “Blacklisted” appears fingers global warming as the Michigan Capitol Confidential january / february 2010 | 14

09 19 29 34 Information appears as follows: Olshove, Dennis: D nofs, mike: r Hardiman, Bill: R VanWoerkom, Gerald: R 920 Farnum Building 515 Farnum Building 305 Farnum Building 605 Farnum Building Why we give Party State Senate District 517-373-8360 517-373-2426 517-373-1801 517-373-1635 Last Name, First Name: Party [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Affiliations: Location The Legislature is managed Phone 10 30 35 Switalski, Michael: D 20 Kuipers, Wayne: R McManus, Michelle: R as a partisan institution. E-mail 410 Farnum Building George, Thomas M.: R 1005 Farnum Building S-2 Capitol Building — 517-373-7315 320 Farnum Building 517-373-6920 517-373-1725 Lawmakers segregate New members highlighted in [email protected] 517-373-0793 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] themselves by party in matters yellow 11 31 36 Sanborn, Alan: R 21 Barcia, Jim: D Stamas, Tony: R from daily meetings to seating. S-310 Capitol Building Jelinek, Ron: R 1010 Farnum Building 720 Farnum Building 517-373-7670 S-324 Capitol Building 517-373-1777 517-373-7946 They have separate and 01 [email protected] 517-373-6960 [email protected] [email protected] Clarke, Hansen: D [email protected] taxpayer-financed policy staffs 710 Farnum Building 12 32 37 517-373-7346 Bishop, Michael: R 22 Kahn, Roger MD: R Allen, Jason: R to provide them with research [email protected] S-106 Capitol Building Garcia, Valde: R 420 Farnum Building 820 Farnum Building 517-373-2417 S-132 Capitol Building 517-373-1760 517-373-2413 and advice from differing 02 [email protected] 517-373-2420 [email protected] [email protected] perspectives. As such, gaining Scott, Martha G.: D [email protected] 220 Farnum Building 13 33 38 a full understanding of the vote 517-373-7748 Pappageorge, John: R 23 Cropsey, Alan L.: R Prusi, Michael: D [email protected] 1020 Farnum Building Whitmer, Gretchen: D S-8 Capitol Building 515 Farnum Building of an individual lawmaker 517-373-2523 415 Farnum Building 517-373-3760 517-373-7840 03 [email protected] 517-373-1734 [email protected] [email protected] requires knowing his or her Clark-Coleman, Irma: D [email protected] 310 Farnum Building 14 partisan affiliation. 517-373-0990 Jacobs, Gilda Z.: D 24 [email protected] 1015 Farnum Building Birkholz, Patricia L.: R 517-373-7888 805 Farnum Building 04 [email protected] 517-373-3447 Thomas III, Samuel Buzz: D [email protected] S-9 Capitol Building 15 517-373-7918 Cassis, Nancy: R 25 [email protected] 905 Farnum Building Gilbert II, Judson: R 517-373-1758 705 Farnum Building 05 [email protected] 517-373-7708 Hunter, Tupac A.: D [email protected] 915 Farnum Building 16 517-373-0994 Brown, Cameron: R 26 [email protected] 405 Farnum Building Cherry, Deborah: D 517-373-5932 910 Farnum Building 06 [email protected] 517-373-1636 Anderson, Glenn S.: D [email protected] 610 Farnum Building 17 Who are 517-373-1707 Richardville, Randy: R 27 [email protected] 205 Farnum Building Gleason, John: D 517-373-3543 315 Farnum Building 07 [email protected] 517-373-0142 Patterson, Bruce: R [email protected] 505 Farnum Building your 18 517-373-7350 Brater, Liz: D 28 [email protected] 510 Farnum Building Jansen, Mark C.: R 517-373-2406 520 Farnum Building 08 [email protected] 517-373-0797 Basham, Raymond E.: D [email protected] lawmakers? 715 Farnum Building 517-373-7800 [email protected]

Members of the Michigan House and Senate are the second highest- paid state legislators in the United States, behind California. Base member annual pay: $79,650 Additional annual expense allowance: $12,000 Supplements are paid to the following 12 legislative officers: Speaker of the House: $27,000 Majority leader in the Senate: $26,000 Minority leaders in both House and Senate: $22,000 To find out which lawmakers represent you and to Majority floor leaders in both House and Senate: $12,000 Minority floor leaders in both House and Senate: $10,000 view interactive legislative district maps, please point Chair of Appropriations Committee in both House and Senate: $7,000 House speaker pro tempore and Senate president pro tempore: $5,513 your web browser to www.mackinac.org/9313. In more than 30 states, the position of state legislator is a part-time job with a salary of $30,000 or less. Texas — the second most populous state and second largest geographically — pays lawmakers $7,200 per year. If you do not have Internet access, then you may obtain copies of legislative Some pay much less: New Hampshire legislators are paid a salary of $200 for a two-year term of office; district maps by calling 989-631-0900 or by sending a written request to us at: Alabama pays $10 per day; and New Mexico offers no salary at all — just expenses. + Mackinac Center for Public Policy, c/o MiCapCon District Maps 140 West Main Street, Midland, MI 48640 Did you know? Michigan Capitol Confidential january / February 2010 | 15

018 038 058 078 095 Information appears as follows: LeBlanc, Richard: D Crawford, Hugh: R Kurtz, Kenneth: R Tyler, Sharon: R Coulouris, Andy: D N 0697 HOB / 517-373-2576 S 0887 HOB / 517-373-0827 N 0992 HOB / 517-373-1794 N 1097 HOB / 517-373-1796 N 1199 HOB / 517-373-0152 State House District [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Last Name, First Name: Party Location / Phone 019 039 059 079 096 E-mail Walsh, John: R Brown, Lisa: D Lori, Matt: R Proos, John: R Mayes, Jeff: D N 0698 HOB / 517-373-3920 S 0888 HOB / 517-373-1799 N 0993 HOB / 517-373-0832 N 1098 HOB / 517-373-1403 S 1285 HOB / 517-373-0158 — [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] HOB = House Office Building CB = Capitol Building 020 040 060 080 097 Corriveau, Marc: D Moss, Chuck: R Jones, Robert: D Schuitmaker, Tonya: R Moore, Tim: R N 0699 HOB / 517-373-3816 S 0889 HOB / 517-373-8670 N 0994 HOB / 517-373-1785 N 1099 HOB / 517-373-0839 S 1286 HOB / 517-373-8962 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

001 021 041 061 081 098 Bledsoe, Timothy: D Slavens, Dian: D Knollenberg, Marty: R DeShazor, Larry: R Pavlov, Phil: R Stamas, Jim: R S 0585 HOB / 517-373-0154 S 0785 HOB / 517-373-2575 N 0890 HOB / 517-373-1783 N 0995 HOB / 517-373-1774 S 1185 HOB / 517-373-1790 S 1287 HOB / 517-373-1791 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 002 022 042 062 082 099 Lemmons Jr., LaMar: D Geiss, Douglas: D Haugh, Harold: D Segal, Kate: D Daley, Kevin: R Caul, Bill: R S 0586 HOB / 517-373-0106 S 0786 HOB / 517-373-0852 N 0891 HOB / 517-373-0854 N 0996 HOB / 517-373-0555 S 1186 HOB / 517-373-1800 S 1288 HOB / 517-373-1789 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 003 023 043 063 083 100 Scott, Bettie Cook: D Kennedy, Deb: D Haines, Gail: R Bolger, James: R Espinoza, John: D Hansen, Goeff: R S 0587 HOB / 517-373-1776 S 0787 HOB / 517-373-0855 N 0892 HOB / 517-373-0615 N 0997 HOB / 517-373-1787 S 1187 HOB / 517-373-0835 S 1289 HOB / 517-373-7317 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 004 024 044 064 084 101 Young II, Coleman: D Roberts, Sarah: D Kowall, Eileen: R Griffin, Martin: D Brown, Terry: D Scripps, Dan: D S 0588 HOB / 517-373-1008 S 0788 HOB / 517-373-0113 N 0893 HOB / 517-373-2616 N 0998 HOB / 517-373-1795 S 1188 HOB / 517-373-0476 S 1385 HOB / 517-373-0825 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 005 025 045 065 085 102 Johnson, Bert: D Switalski, Jon: D McMillin, Tom: R Simpson, Mike: D Ball, Richard: R Booher, Darwin: R S 0589 HOB / 517-373-0144 S 0789 HOB / 517-373-1772 N 0894 HOB / 517-373-1773 N 0999 HOB / 517-373-1775 S 1189 HOB / 517-373-0841 S 1386 HOB / 517-373-1747 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 006 026 046 066 086 103 Durhal Jr., Fred: D Donigan, Marie: D Marleau, Jim: R Rogers, Bill: R Hildenbrand, Dave: R Sheltrown, Joel: D S 0685 HOB / 517-373-0844 N 0790 HOB / 517-373-3818 N 0895 HOB / 517-373-1798 S 1085 HOB / 517-373-1784 N 1190 HOB / 517-373-0846 S 1387 HOB / 517-373-3817 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 007 027 047 067 087 104 Womack, Jimmy: D Lipton, Ellen: D Denby, Cindy: R Byrum, Barb: D Calley, Brian: R Schmidt, Wayne: R S 0686 HOB / 517-373-0589 N 0791 HOB / 517-373-0478 N 0896 HOB / 517-373-8835 S 1086 HOB / 517-373-0587 N 1191 HOB / 517-373-0842 S 1388 HOB / 517-373-1766 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 008 028 048 068 088 105 Cushingberry Jr., George: D Liss, Lesia: D Hammel, Richard: D Bauer, Joan: D Genetski, Bob: R Elsenheimer, Kevin: R S 0687 HOB / 517-373-2276 N 0792 HOB / 517-373-2275 N 0897 HOB / 517-373-7557 S 1087 HOB / 517-373-0826 N 1192, HOB / 517-373-0836 S 1389 HOB / 517-373-0829 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 009 029 049 069 089 106 Jackson, Shanelle: D Melton, Tim: D Gonzales, Lee: D Meadows, Mark: D Meekhof, Arlan: R Neumann, Andy: D S 0688 HOB / 517-373-1705 N 0793 HOB / 517-373-0475 N 0898 HOB / 517-373-7515 S 1088 HOB / 517-373-1786 N 1193 HOB / 517-373-0838 S 1485 HOB / 517-373-0833 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 010 030 050 070 090 107 Leland, Gabe: D Rocca, Tory: R Slezak, Jim: D Huckleberry, Mike: D Haveman, Joseph: R McDowell, Gary: D S 0689 HOB / 517-373-6990 N 0794 HOB / 517-373-7768 N 0899 HOB / 517-373-3906 S 1089 HOB / 517-373-0834 N 1194 HOB / 517-373-0830 S 1486 HOB / 517-373-2629 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 011 031 051 071 091 108 Nathan, David: D Miller, Fred: D Scott, Paul: R Jones, Rick: R Valentine, Mary: D Nerat, Judy: R N 0690 HOB / 517-373-3815 N 0795 HOB / 517-373-0159 S 0985 HOB / 517-373-1780 N 1090 HOB / 517-373-0853 N 1195 HOB / 517-373-3436 S 1487 HOB / 517-373-0156 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 012 032 052 072 092 109 Tlaib, Rashida: D Haase, Jennifer: D Byrnes, Pam: D Amash, Justin: R Bennett, Doug: D Lindberg, Steven: D N 0691 HOB / 517-373-0823 N 0796 HOB / 517-373-8931 S 0986 HOB / 517-373-0828 N 1091 HOB / 517-373-0840 N 1196 HOB / 517-373-2646 S 1488 HOB / 517-373-0498 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 013 033 053 073 093 110 Kandrevas, Andrew: D Meltzer, Kim: R Warren, Rebekah: D Pearce, Tom: R Opsommer, Paul: R Lahti, Michael: D N 0692 HOB / 517-373-0845 N 0797 HOB / 517-373-0820 S 0987 HOB / 517-373-2577 N 1092 HOB / 517-373-0218 N 1197 HOB / 517-373-1778 S 1489 HOB / 517-373-0850 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 014 034 054 074 094 Clemente, Ed: D Stanley, Woodrow: D Smith, Alma: D Agema, David: R Horn, Kenneth: R N 0693 HOB / 517-373-0140 N 0798 HOB / 517-373-8808 S 0988 HOB / 517-373-1771 N 1093 HOB / 517-373-8900 N 1198 HOB / 517-373-0837 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 015 035 055 075 Polidori, Gino: D Gregory, Vincent: D Angerer, Kathy: D Dean, Robert: D N 0694 HOB / 517-373-0847 N 0799 HOB / 517-373-1788 S 0989 HOB / 517-373-1792 N 1094 HOB / 517-373-2668 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Who Is Your Lawmaker? 016 036 056 076 Constan, Bob: D Lund, Pete: R Ebli, Kate: D Schmidt, Roy: D www.mackinac.org/9313 N 0695 HOB / 517-373-0849 S 0885 HOB / 517-373-0843 N 0990 HOB / 517-373-2617 N 1095 HOB / 517-373-0822 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 017 037 057 077 Dillon, Andy: D Barnett, Vicki: D Spade, Dudley: D Green: Kevin: R 166 CB / 517-373-0857 S 0886 HOB / 517-373-1793 N 0991 HOB / 517-373-1706 N 1096 HOB / 517-373-2277 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Michigan Capitol Confidential january / february 2010 | 16

A sampling of proposed state laws, as described on MichiganVotes.org

House Bill 4813 Senate Bill 682 house Bill 5197 Give state employee pension increase Authorize a bicentennial of the War Authorize enhanced pension “early Introduced by state Rep. Rick Jones, of 1812 specialty license plate out” for state employees R-Oneida Introduced by state Sen. Tom George, Introduced by state Rep. Gary McDowell, R-Kalamazoo D-Rudyard The bill proposes to authorize a retirement incentive for state employees whose age and The bill would authorize a “bicentennial The bill authorizes early retirement years of government employment add up to at of the War of 1812” specialty license plate, benefits for certain state employees who least 80 and who retired before Oct. 1, 2009. with the net premium revenue going to a retired between Aug. 1 and Nov. 30, 2009. The bill would increase the multiplier used Mackinac State Park Commission Fund the These employees would be able to get full to calculate the retirement benefits of these bill would also create. benefits if their age plus years on the job employees from 1.5 percent to 1.75 percent, equal 70 (that is, a 50-year-old with 20 which would increase the cash portion of their house Bill 4577 years on the state payroll could get a full post-retirement benefits by 16.7 percent. Increase school employee pensions pension), plus the cash benefits would Senate Bill 927 Introduced by state Rep. Rebekah Warren, be increased by 33 percent until age 62, and then by 16.7 percent thereafter. Authorize “pension obligation bonds” for D-Ann Arbor government retiree health benefits The bill proposes to increase the pension house Bill 5449 Give $40,000 to state employees Introduced by state Sen. Mark Jansen, payments to school employees who retired who retire early R-Grand Rapids before October 1990 by between 4 percent and 30 percent, based on when they retired. The bill Introduced by state Rep. Rick Jones, The bill proposes to give cities, villages R-Oneida townships and county governments the power does not specify the means by which the large to borrow, without a vote of the people, money increase in unfunded liability would be paid. The bill proposes to pay $40,000 in a lump to pay for the health benefits that current sum to state employees who retire between and past officials have offered to government April 1 and Sept. 30, 2010. This would apply houSe Bill 5233 to employees whose years on the job plus employees after they retire. A referendum on Allow some state employees to collect their age equals 80 or more. the debt would be required only if someone pension check and paycheck gathered signatures from 5 percent of local Introduced by state Rep. Mark Meadows, houSe Bill 4275 registered voters or 10,000, whichever is D-East Lansing Cap government employee health lower. The amount of debt imposed for these benefits at national average The bill proposes to exempt former state non-pension benefits for retired government employees from a provision prohibiting them Introduced by state Rep. Tom McMillin, employees could be as high as 5 percent of the R-Rochester Hills from collecting both a pension check and a jurisdiction’s state equalized property value. paycheck, if they return to work in a different The bill proposes to prohibit the state Note: Under the current state Constitution, state department than the one from which from paying a higher percentage of taxpayers are now required to fund these they “retired.” the premium or other cost of health retirees’ pension benefits, and this bill would benefits for each state employee than convert their health care benefits into another + the average for all the other states. enforceable liability.