Taxation

Sheen votes against tax increase

State Rep. Fulton Sheen today voted against a massive tax increase targeted for Michigan families after the House failed to even consider genuine government reforms and will use part of the new taxpayer dollars to pay for new state programs.
 “The state has a spending problem, not a revenue problem,” said Sheen, R-Plainwell.  “No significant reforms have been passed and no fundamental or structural changes or cuts in our state’s $43 billion budget have been made.  This is not about bipartisanship; this is about enacting good public policy for the people who elected us to serve them.”
Despite a lack of funding for current state programs and services, the governor and House Democrats have proposed several new or expanded programs, including $50 million for welfare recipients; $220 million for a 0-5 school-age program; $12 million for the Detroit Zoo; $360 million to subsidize higher education; and $150 million in state employee pay raises.

“I disagree with those who say we have cut spending to the bone, and know there are numerous areas that can be further reformed,” Sheen said.  “Raising taxes on Michigan residents is not the brave thing to do, and I was not sent to Lansing to preserve government spending to the detriment of its citizens and job providers.”
Sheen voted against a Democrat proposal to raise people’s income tax to 4.6 percent and place a 2-percent tax on services.  The tax increases were ultimately approved.  House Democrats also offered proposals to increase the state sales tax and implement a graduated income tax, which were defeated.
“I cannot vote to increase taxes on Michigan citizens or job providers at a time when so many have either lost jobs, faced failing businesses and otherwise tightened their belts and made cuts in their own budgets,” Sheen said.  “Why should government be held at a different standard than everyone else in the state.”