Paul Opsommer

Vice Chair, House Transportation Committee

District 93, Dewitt

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REPS. OPSOMMER & VAGNOZZI CALL FOR BIPARTISAN PROPERTY TAX REFORM

June 25, 2008

When the Homestead Property Tax Credit was set at a maximum of $1,200 in 1976, it was done with a recognition that homeowners were already paying significant amounts of other taxes and shouldn't be called on to shoulder all of the load. But after 32 years of inflation, the credit is no longer delivering that promise. House Bills 5971 (Rep. Paul Opsommer - R93) and 4097 (Rep. Aldo Vagnozzi - D37) would raise the credit and index it to inflation for the future.

"This is the quickest, easiest way we can bring some equity back to the tax system for homeowners," said Opsommer. "The cost of owning a home is simply not keeping pace with inflation, and we have to adjust our tax system to reflect that. It would be relatively straightforward to raise the cap to $1,400 for the tax year, and then build in future jumps so that the credit would eventually catch up to its spending power in terms of 1976 dollars."

"These proposed bills are needed to meet the original intent of the property tax rebate program," said Vagnozzi. "The original $1,200 maximum was a substantial portion of the tax bill at the time. That is no longer the case."

Despite the attractiveness of the fix, similar legislation has been introduced almost every legislative session since the last time the cap was raised, only to ultimately go nowhere. With the recent mortgage meltdown, and high inflation caused by oil prices, both legislators agree that now is the time to finally re-adjust the cap.

Both bills are currently in the House Tax Policy Committee.

Legislation introduced to prohibit residential transfer fees, limit foreclosure recovery costs

Opsommer criticizes the stalling of Michigan's legislation

Opsommer warns against state-created monopolies

State Rep. Paul Opsommer, R-DeWitt, today questioned a new plan to increase state coffers by reducing the number of legally authorized liquor distributors in the state down to one, a move that would in effect create a state-sanctioned monopoly.

HJR A should have been part of budget solution

State Representative Paul Opsommer joined legislative colleagues at the Capitol today in an effort to jumpstart stalled budget talks. Opsommer also used the press conference to discuss the need for legislation such as HJR A that would have helped ensure future budgets are completed in a more timely manner.

Opsommer to introduce statutory version of HJR YY to affirm 10th Amendment and to protect against illegal memorandums of agreement

State Rep. Paul Opsommer (R-DeWitt) announced today that with HJR YY and SJR Y not making it onto the ballot that he would be introducing a statutory version of the federalism bills as a backup to keep the issue moving.

NEW SUPREME COURT RULING EXPANDS UPON HELLER BUT SHOWS 2nd AMENDMENT RIGHTS STILL TENUOUS

Two years ago the Supreme Court ruled that the 2nd Amendment is an individual and not a collective right, holding that "the Second Amendment protects an individual right to possess a firearm, unconnected with service in a militia, and to use that arm for traditionally lawful purposes, such as self-defense within the home."

MUCC CATCHES 30 FISH SPECIES IN 30 HOURS TO HELP HIGHLIGHT IMMINENT CARP DANGER

State Rep. Paul Opsommer congratulated the Michigan United Conservation Clubs for successfully completing their goal of catching 30 fish species in 30 days as a way to draw attention to the danger of Asian Carp to Michigan's fisheries. Unfortunately, other breaking news is also highlighting why such efforts are so badly needed.

'Cottage food' bill one step closer to reality

The Michigan House of Representatives recently passed legislation that will help protect small producers of certain baked goods and other products like jams and jellies from excessive regulation. The series of bills is now headed to the Senate.

HB 4961: The DRIC and outsourced information

State Representative Paul Opsommer (R-DeWitt) announced today that he has been forced to write another letter to Canadian Transportation Minister Baird seeking answers to important questions concerning the DRIC, all because MDOT has been unwilling to provide it's own legislature with the information it needs in order to make a decision regarding HB 4961.

Opsommer balks at ceding of state sovereignty, will introduce ballot measure

In response to a bill recently passed out of the House that would allow for the governments of other states and countries to partially control transportation projects in MI, State Rep. Paul Opsommer (R-DeWitt) announced today that he would be offering a ballot proposal that would ensure only Michigan entities would control Michigan's toll roads or bridges.

National Healthcare rolling along in MI

On Tuesday the House Committee on Health Policy started taking testimony on national health insurance and Michigan's role in implementing it through state run "exchanges". The mandate for the exchanges have been criticized for being unconstitutional if they are used as a mechanism to force taxpayers to buy healthcare insurance against their will.

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