[zakian]

Granholm just announced ANOTHER tax increase. She cuts corporate taxes and raises personal taxes. Corporations are leaving anyway. Now another tax increase for the citizens which is going to cause more people to leave.

[Zmehappy]

Originally Posted by zakian

Granholm just announced ANOTHER tax increase. She cuts corporate taxes and raises personal taxes. Corporations are leaving anyway. Now another tax increase for the citizens which is going to cause more people to leave.

The only nice part of new taxes (which we need like a hole in the head) is more green space due to nobody left to build homes, better roads that are never used, fewer people to deal with as they move out of the state, sounds like a win, win situation to me.

[Cliffie]

In my job I hook people up with resources all day long to help them stave off bankruptcy, eviction, firing, you name it -- all of which makes them, their bosses, creditors and landlords happy.

But you're right, we can all do more.

[kaypurdue]

Well, I don't really make enough money to make a huge impact, since it seems like half of my money is going to pay off debts! But I do buy things from local shops as often as I can, visit the Flint Farmer's Market which sells locally grown produce and a big selection of Michigan wines, and donate a little of what's left over to my local charities (Shelter of Flint, Carriage Town Ministries). I also do my banking at a local credit union, as opposed to a nationwide chain bank. So while a large chunk of what I make is going to faceless banks in Wilmington, Delaware... I do try to spend what I can in Flint, and once I get some stuff paid off it will definitely be more!

[kaypurdue]

Originally Posted by zakian

Granholm just announced ANOTHER tax increase. She cuts corporate taxes and raises personal taxes. Corporations are leaving anyway. Now another tax increase for the citizens which is going to cause more people to leave.

One more reason I wouldn't mind living in a Renaissance Zone!

[Frankawitz]

People say we should do more for Michigan, Well that's all Great and Wonderedful. But has anyone realized that OUR Goverment in Lansing has their heads stuck where the sun doesn't shine, Come on these people are the problem with what is going on in this State. They don't want to give up the TAXES they charge us, they don't have any plans to help Michigan they keep talking more TAXES, Why not cut TAXES this in turn will bring Business back to this State, Lower Property Taxes this will drive the Housing Market, But no they sit up there in Lansing and tell people what they want to hear so that people Vote them into Office, Wheres the Governors Plans she talked about so highly before the Election, all I see is more TAX and Less jobs, I have been in construction for 27 years and it goes up and down but to turn around and increase TAXES on construction does nothing but chase Builders out of Michigan, I have friends who have left Michigan to go start a new in another State they tell me all the time Frank get out now dude, I love Michigan and I have writen e mails to the Governor about things to turn around this economy but all I hear from the Governor's Office is "We appericate your comments" So I guess my e mails fell on dead ears. If the Governor is so bend on HIGHER TAXES why doesn't she take a Pay Cut instead of raising the TAXES? I have been saying for YEARS that people need to send a VERY STRONG MESSAGE to the people who hold Office straighten up or Vote them out, these people are there for the people by the people not for their Fat Careers, But people Vote along Party lines and don't move, We need a MAJOR HOUSE CLEANING of these CROOKS. Wake up folks.

[Driller1]

She was sent a very strong message, she won the election. I guess this state is getting what they asked for.

[MIhome]

I have to agree with Frankawitz....Wake the hell up.you people can't be this blind,are you?What is it going to take?Most of you have children,when they go to school and the school bully pick's on them,what is your reaction?Do you tell your child to defend themselves,or do you tell them to just put up with the bully?
This is the same situation,granholm and the goonsquad of lansing are the bullies,stand up.The only way this situation is going to be fixed is make your vioces heard.Take back what is rightfully your's from the polition's who have polluted a great state with their continuing lie's and betrayl of the people's faith.Both sides have been voted for and is anyone any better off?not likely.Why the people continue to listen to one side banter over the other and their continual we can't reach an agreement is hores@#t. Have they taken a paycut?Have their benefit's run out?Do they worry about deciding to eat or take their medication?It's nice to know they know about crime,but they have never been robbed,It's nice to know they know about work,but they have never held a real job.What entitlement do they hold that they should be able to make all the wrong conscience decision's for you?And most of all,how does one stand tall in his/her children's eye's when they are not willing to fight for the greater good?

[Driller1]

Buy local! They are your neighbors. They pay local taxes, hire, support ball teams and clubs. If you can save a few dollars on line, and they go out of business what have you saved? Just a little more blight in your area is what you have.

[green_mariner]

Originally Posted by Jen Cosco

I found this forum the other day and (having grown up in the U.P. and being a strong advocate state of Michigan in general) I was excited to see that there was a place where I could answer questions about our state to people thinking of visiting or even relocating.

I am disheartened to see so much negativity here. To steal a famous quote "Ask not what your Michigan can do for you, Ask what you can do for your Michigan." I'd like to hear some grass root ideas/examples of attempts to improve Michigan's economy or your Michigan community's economy.

I have lived in Germany, Indiana, Holland, Italy, Southern California, New Jersey, Georgia, Washington State and have traveled extensively (including several camping trips by tent from Michigan to California). I have to tell you that when it came time for me to choose where to raise my son I chose the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. I could not find a better quality of life anywhere else that I had been. While it's true that the Lower Peninsula has been suffering from job losses in the auto industry, home foreclosures and mortgage delinquencies I honestly believe that Michigan can turn it's economic woes around.

Here are some examples of small efforts that can go a long way...
1) Ask your local grocer to create an area dedicated to canned, bottled, frozen foods made in Michigan.
2) Ask your local liquor store to create a display of Wines made and Beers brewed here in Michigan.
3) Next time you are tempted to go online to purchase something (or order something from the Home Shopping Network or QVC) grab your keys, take a drive and buy it locally instead. Most stores will order it for you if they don't carry exactly what you are looking for.
4) Next time you are tempted to drive to Green Bay or Chicago to save money on air fair - fly out of your local airport instead. Time is money - save yourself the drive time and the cost of gas.
5)Find a product made in Michigan and give it as a gift to everyone on your list this Christmas.
6)When your Uncle Henry in Topeka says he's going to purchase a condo in Florida. Tell him to buy a summer home on one of our beautiful coasts instead.
7)Taking a vacation - why not stay in Michigan. We have everything you can find anywhere else. Casinos, Beachtowns, Wineries, Golf Resorts, Color Tours, Lighthouses, Zoos, Waterparks
8) Take beautiful pictures of Michigan and post them on City-Data.com
9) Take beautiful video of Michigan and post it on You Tube.
10) Always wanted to own your own business - create a business plan, look into ways of getting it funded, open your business in Michigan.
11)Have a great idea for a product- copyright it, create it, sell it out of Michigan. (Just think Croc shoes - one idea and millions of dollars later...)

any other ideas, thoughts, recommendations small or large???????

I am sorry to say I haven't done much to help Michigan's economy at this moment in time. The big reason is because I don't have the money to buy anything or travel anywhere right now(currently living with my parents and looking for a job). If I do go to Michigan, I want to see the UP and Grand Rapids.
If anyone wants to open a business in Michigan, one should look to the alternative energy economy. Wind power might help Michigan.
On the upside, my father owns a GM made vehicle, so in his own way he could be helping Michigan. He also bought a Bible made by Zondervan, which is in the G.R. I havve also bought Kelloggs and Post products.