COLUMN BY REP. TIM MOORE

Despite the influx of one-time federal stimulus dollars, our state appears once again to be on the brink of more tax increases just like two years ago when Michigan made national news when the government actually was forced to shut down. At the beginning of this month, Gov. Jennifer Granholm opened the door to talks of increasing taxes on cigarettes and beer.

We can't allow such an absurdity as a government shutdown to happen again, nor can the people of our state afford to dole out more taxes from their hard-earned incomes either.

To give state taxpayers the relief they need, my colleagues and I have developed the Reinvigorate, Reinvest, Reform Plan to move Michigan's economy forward because we don't want another tax increase on the people. Instead we are calling on Lansing to finally stand up by taking action to actually stimulate the economy by fixing this never-ending budget crisis once and for all by reforming state government.

This plan goes a long way toward reducing the size of government, and the only way to take such action is unfortunately to prioritize programs that undoubtedly have an impact on local residents. That's why it's imperative that any such decision include an even-handness so that the pain is shared, and why I have sponsored legislation to implement a part-time Legislature for Michigan.

Everyone knows our state must close an almost $2 billion funding gap, yet the predominant answer being circulated has been to add more tax burden to people and business. But there are other ways. Our responsible formula uses three approaches -- an immediate $1.3 billion in government cost-savings; implementing long-term government reforms; and the use of federal economic stimulus dollars for improving our economy, not maintaining the state government status quo, which includes business as usual for the Legislature.

While not part of our official plan, which is based on the reality that unfortunately Michigan currently cannot afford the spending of its past, I additionally put forth it also is commonsense that Michigan can no longer afford the Legislature structure and benefits that have gone in the past and continue unchecked into the future.

Our plan shows the framework for how the budget shortfall can be solved without a tax increase - it offers tangible solutions and real savings for this and next year's budget. There is no fuzzy math, no hidden agendas or falsehoods.

We offer this plan for Lansing leaders to consider, and more importantly, to the taxpayers of Michigan as a real solution to our deficit. We welcome anyone to use some or all portions of these suggestions.

The primary concern for all Michigan residents should be that our state's spending is affordable and that everyone is doing their part to weather the current economic reality.

Our plan for the $1.3 billion immediate cost-saving measures are outlined in detail, and broken down by department to show all aspects of government spending are being considered, including such things as a 10-percent cut to the legislative and executive branches and state employee pay freezes.

The long-term government reforms proposed by the caucus include freezing the number of state employees; a travel ban; and capping welfare benefits after four years.

The Reinvigorate, Reinvest and Reform Plan includes ideas on how to jump-start the state's economy, including using federal stimulus dollars on measures to help get Michigan
families working, not fill budget holes. Our proposal uses nearly $800 million in stimulus funding on state road and bridge assistance; infusing cash into the lending market to get the economy moving again; and lowering health care costs by streamlining health technology.

We have to accept the facts and base our decisions on them to come up with the right formula:
- Michigan's population is shrinking, yet government is not;
- PLUS we have fewer people paying for more;
- EQUALS the numbers simply don't add up.

The sum of these calculations is that it is past time to take a long-term approach to better government through a serious restructuring effort, which lawmakers can lead by starting with those who work under the Capitol dome first and implement a part-time Legislature.
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