Think you have the answer to Michigan's budget problems? Chime in tonight at town hall meeting
Think you have the solution to the Michigan's budget problems? There's a chance for you to chime in tonight and vote on what you think state leaders should do.
The Center for Michigan, MiVote.org and Detroit Public Television are holding a “Common Sense Conversation” at 7 p.m. at Washtenaw Community College's Morris Lawrence Building.
The event is expected to last two hours. It's the second in a series of town hall meetings being held across the state, said John Bebow, Center for Michigan executive director.
"Governor Rick Snyder has presented a far-reaching budget proposal that cuts spending, lowers business taxes, and raises taxes on some individuals," reads the event info page. "What is your reaction to the governor's strategy for Michigan?"
- Click here to register for the event.
Bebow said the results of the town hall meetings will be combined with public polling, and the Center for Michigan will issue a report this spring to explain what statewide citizens are saying and thinking about the 2011 reform approaches in the state Capitol. It’s one small part of the Center for Michigan’s ongoing nonpartisan, nonprofit public engagement mission, he said.
To find out how the meetings work, check out MiVote.org. Also, click here to download a guide on state issues put out by the Center for Michigan. Ryan J. Stanton covers government and politics for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529. You also can follow him on Twitter or subscribe to AnnArbor.com's e-mail newsletters.
Comments
Mike
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 9:13 p.m.
We're not out of money people! This is all a right wing conspiracy to break the unions. There's money in lots of places that they just don't want to give up. They want to cheat us out of our pensions that we earned, our great health care, and our well earned vacations and holidays. They're just jealous that they can't retire in their fifties; they're all a bunch of haters from what I can see. We have some of the cheapest tax rates in the world and everyone can afford to pay more. If everyone would just pay more in taxes we could get more, stay on unemployment and welfare longer, and hire more people who could also get union government jobs. I wish the whiney republicans would quit going after grandma, kids, and unions. Should be an interesting meeting trying to figure out how to get the republicans to cough up the money they're hiding in the budget and pay what they promised. We need to increase most fees and institute some new ones that way we don't have to raise taxes but can get the money we need to keep things going. For example traffic tickets could cost more, license fees of all types could be increased, businesses should be hit the hardest since they make the most money. The rich should pay more since they have benefitted from living here in this country. They don't need all of the money, they just hoard it while expecting us to do without. That's not fair; they're just selfish and feel they're entitled to be rich while we all suffer.
DonBee
Thu, Mar 31, 2011 : 3:27 a.m.
I honestly don't know if this is a parody or you are serious Mike.
NewStart
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 8:06 p.m.
Recruit industry to the state as a earthquake and flood free state (not to mention plenty of fresh water) to do business. When business returns to the state, tax dollars and jobs follow. As LBJ once said, "Cease the moment".
Queequeg
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 5:24 p.m.
I didn't realize the most literate city in the country is also the most ignorant, or at least that's what these posts so far tell me.
Queequeg
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 7:09 p.m.
JSA, it is actually a fact: <a href="http://www.annarbor.com/news/ann-arbor-nations-2nd-most-educated-city-study-may-boost-commuter-rail-line/">http://www.annarbor.com/news/ann-arbor-nations-2nd-most-educated-city-study-may-boost-commuter-rail-line/</a> <a href="http://www.dailycamera.com/ci_16272555" rel='nofollow'>http://www.dailycamera.com/ci_16272555</a>
JSA
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 6:45 p.m.
I assume you meant liberal, not literate. To call it the most literate city in the country is very, very, pretentious.
dotdash
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 5:46 p.m.
Hey, wait a sec! I'm not espousing any particular point of view, ignorant or otherwise. I'm just saying people should go to these things instead of sitting at home and then complaining later.
Brian Kitchin
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 5:21 p.m.
Well just a thought. CUT, CUT, CUT. Way too many freebies. If you're having kids without the father paying support. CUT OFF. If you're without a job after 26 weeks, CUT OFF. If you're receiving State perscription aid, CUT OFF. Not my problem or responsibility. If it bothers you liberals, you pay for them. Have a nice day.
cinnabar7071
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 8:52 p.m.
You forgot CUT CUT CUT CUT CUT CUT. We all know the biggest group there will have their hands out, and no solution to the real problem......OVER SPENDING!
Top Cat
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 5:08 p.m.
I can only imagine what this cacophony will sound like. Worse than an evening listening to the music of John Cage. Denial that there is a problem. No acknowledgement that Michigan is the only state that lost population. Rallying for the Stagnant Quo. Tax consumers, public unionites and greedy geezers whining, "Gimme mine, gimme mine."
dotdash
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 4:38 p.m.
Thanks for the heads-up. I'm registered. Come on, posters all, it's the blending of the new media and the old...
Marshall Applewhite
Wed, Mar 30, 2011 : 4:30 p.m.
Higher union wages!!!!! This will create more jobs and fix the budget gap! Book it!