Sen. Cameron S. Brown for Secretary of State

How to follow Cameron Brown for Secretary of State

2009-06-23T10:03:00.002-04:00

Now that I've announced my candidacy for Secretary of State, you can find news updates and information about my campaign on my website: www.cameronsbrown.com. I also have over 1,300 friends and counting on Facebook, which is updated daily and over 600 followers on Twitter. Please join me!

- Cameron

Democrats: "If only we had raised taxes more..."

2009-05-06T09:22:00.004-04:00

In the wake of Gov. Granholm's executive order intended to scare legislators and the public into supporting another tax hike, several Democrat legislators are arguing that the record setting income tax hike of 2007 didn't go far enough. In fact, the message seems to be "If we had only raised taxes higher, everything would be ok today."

From MIRS Inc:

Tax Hike Talk Is Back

Some Democrats are now advocating a position that was unthinkable amid the recall threats: The tax hikes of 2007 didn't go far enough.

The idea is that if the State had raised revenues more for Fiscal Year (FY) 2008, there wouldn't be the need to slash and burn budgets for FY '09 and '10.

"In 2007, I told them it wasn't enough," said House Appropriations Committee Chair George CUSHINGBERRY (D-Detroit).

Although Cushingberry voted for Gov. Jennifer GRANHOLM's Executive Order today issuing $304 million in mid-year General Fund cuts, he told MIRS that he favored tax increases opposed to cuts.

Stressing that he was not speaking for the caucus, but "as a Representative from the 8th District," Cushingberry said that he favored a tax on physicians who refuse to see Medicaid patients, raising the income tax and/or closing tax loopholes. He said that he expected to see some of these by the end of the calendar year.

Sen. Martha G. SCOTT (D-Highland Park) said she voted no on the E.O. because it hurts the people who are "cut, cut, cut all the time," like the mentally ill and those on Medicaid.

"I said we should have raised taxes last year," she said. "We needed to bite the bullet."

Scott said she favors hikes to both the income and sales taxes.

Sen. Irma CLARK-COLEMAN (D-Detroit) was the other no vote in Senate Approps. She didn't push a tax increase in her criticism, but said that the $41-million slash to revenue sharing went too far.

"I never thought I would see our state in such a demoralized condition," Clark-Coleman said. "I thought I could support the painful cuts because I know what the alternative would be. But the pain and suffering that will grip Detroit, Dearborn and River Rouge because of the cuts are equally egregious."

The Granholm administration has said it does not plan to raise taxes. But Treasurer Bob KLEINE today did argue that the tax increases for FY 2008 were a net positive.

"If we hadn't raised taxes in 2007, the problem would be really unmanageable," he said in a joint House and Senate Approps meeting.

This fundamendal disconnect between legislators and the reality of the economic situation in our state is disturbing. The people and businesses of Michigan are in no position to pay more taxes - too many are unable to make ends meet as it is.

Governor resorts to budget scare tactics (again)

2009-05-04T09:33:00.007-04:00

Only two years after massive income tax and business tax hikes, Michigan once again finds itself facing a budget crisis. And once again, Gov. Granholm is threatening state government's core services. Last week, her office leaked plans to layoff up to 83 Michigan State Police troopers as part of a potential budget-balancing move.

But are such drastic measures really necessary to balance Michigan's books? Absolutely not. There are dozens of cost-cutting measures available to the governor and legislature that do not threaten the core functions of state government. For example, the bipartisan "Center for Michigan" has offered up $1.5 billion in potential savings. You can see their list here: http://www.thecenterformichigan.net/blog/more-than-15-billion-in-mi-reform-choices/. The Mackinac Center for Public Policy has also published numerous suggestions.

Now, I may not agree with all of the suggestions from these organziations and others. You may not either. But the larger point is that options are available to the governor and legislators that don't involve massive cuts to essential government services. Scare tactics aren't necessary or useful.

The fallacy of "green" jobs exposed

2009-04-16T09:51:00.003-04:00

Gov. Granholm and President Obama have made the creation of "green" jobs a focus of their economic platforms. $20 billion worth of "Obamabucks" will go to the renewable energy industry, and last year the governor pushed for a "renewable portfolio standard" that will mandate how much energy utilities must provide from renewable sources. Both plans require significant investment from taxpayers and rate payers, with the promised payoff of thousands or millions of "green" jobs.

Spain has instituted one of the most aggressive renewable energy programs in the world. President Obama has regularly referenced the country as an example of what should be done here at home. However, recent news from Spain indicates that "green" jobs may in fact kill more jobs than they create. Take a look:

Subsidizing renewable energy in the U.S. may destroy two jobs for every one created if Spain’s experience with windmills and solar farms is any guide.

For every new position that depends on energy price supports, at least 2.2 jobs in other industries will disappear, according to a study from King Juan Carlos University in Madrid.

So it seems U.S. taxpayers and Michigan electric rate payers are being asked to fork over billions to fund an industry that in fact kills two jobs for every one it creates. Is this the way out of our recession?

Full story at: http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=a2PHwqAs7BS0

More fallout from the re-monopolization of Michigan's energy market

2009-04-15T11:37:00.003-04:00

11% rate hikes during a recession and no competitors left for customers to turn to.

Do you know how your legislator voted on this ill-advised legislation?

Comprehensive energy reform will bring modest rate increases to customers, but doing nothing is the most expensive option."

Those were words of Rep. Frank Accavitti D-Eastpointe, and Sen. Randy Richardville, R-Monroe, in the LSJ on Sept. 7, 2008, as they defended the Legislature's work to rewrite state energy law.

Fast-forward to 2009. The state's two largest utilities, Consumers and DTE, have both filed rate increase plans. Unless the Public Service Commission rejects the plans, residential customers of Consumers face an 11 percent increase. DTE residential customers will be on the hook for 11 percent, as well.

It's doubtful that hard-pressed Michigan residents think an 11 percent price increase is "modest," despite what some of their well-paid state legislators might say.

When members of the public don't like a business' prices, they always can take their business elsewhere, right?

Well ... not really in this case.

The same legislation Accavitti and Richardville were defending last year also places limits on competition. No more than 10 percent of DTE's or Consumers' customers can get their power from competitor firms. For 90 percent of the market, it's the big utility or bust.

That's what passed for bipartisan, comprehensive energy reform in Michigan last year.

Full story at: http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/article/20090415/OPINION01/904150318/1086/OPINION01

"Lansing pay cut a good first step"

2009-04-03T16:52:00.001-04:00

Lansing pay cut a good first step
Thursday, April 02, 2009
The Saginaw News

A very unusual event occurred in Lansing last week.

Members of the Senate voted to cut their own pay, as well as that of the governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, secretary of state and House.

The lawmakers get $79,650 a year -- the top four legislative leaders get more than $100,000 -- and the move would reduce their salaries by 10 percent.

That translates into a $1.5 million saving for the state. Nice, but pretty much a pittance when stacked against a potential $1.6 billion budget deficit next year.

What takes a little edge off the pay-saving effort is that it doesn't go into effect until 2011. Tell that to workers whose cuts went into effect the minute they were told about them. Or to those who lost their jobs in the same amount of time.

And, 30 of the 37 senators won't have to worry about their shrinking pocketbooks because they can't run for office again in 2010 because of term limits. In the House, which approved the proposal Tuesday, 34 of the 110 members face term limits.

Still, we shouldn't complain. A cut is a cut is a cut, and the largely symbolic gesture is a move in the right direction.

Saginaw Township Republican Sen. Roger Kahn hit it square when he said ``these are not good times. These are bad times, and it is wrong to set yourself apart from the people or insulate yourself from suffering people have.''

That's why we'd like to see our legislators rescind the 38 percent raise they gave themselves in 2001 and 2002.

And wouldn't it send a sincere, thoughtful and empathetic message to Michiganians if candidates in the next gubernatorial election -- Republican Attorney General Mike Cox, Republican Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land and Democratic Lt. Gov. John Cherry -- followed the example of Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm and Republican Sens. Cameron Brown of St. Joseph County and Gerald Van Woerkom of Norton Shores, who voluntarily return some of their salaries to the state?

Anyone want to bet that will happen?

Gleason Compares Dem Treatment To Jim Crow

2009-04-03T16:49:00.000-04:00

From MIRS Capitol Capsule:

Gleason Compares Dem Treatment To Jim Crow
MIRS Capitol Capsule, Thursday, April 2, 2009

A fight over Senate office budgets on the floor got ugly today when Sen. John GLEASON (D-Flushing)compared the Democrats' status to African-Americans under Jim CROW.

Democrats made a push on the last day of session before spring break to discharge SR 15 from the Senate Government Operations Committee, where bills typically go to die. The resolution sponsored by Sen. Gretchen WHITMER (D-East Lansing) would basically mandate that the minority Democrats get the same office allotments as the majority Republicans.

The motion failed, 16-21, and there was some partisan back and forth. Republicans argue that as a majority party, larger staffs and budgets are a perk that comes with being in a decision-making position.

But that was overshadowed by Gleason's comments.

"I think Jim Crow and those who supported the Jim Crow philosophy would be happy today knowing that there is still a discrepancy between some in the state and others," Gleason declared.

"Old Jim Crow had a pretty good friend back in those days, and it was called the poll tax," he said. "Those who could afford to go vote were given the chance to vote based on a monetary value. Now here we are today saying let's even things up. Like a lot of people did in earlier days, let's even things up. Let's not have discretionary opportunities because of money."

But Gleason didn't stop there, adding some feminist outrage to the mix:

"The woman in this country and this state were not given a fair chance because they were different. Others with the resources readily at hand would say we can control and dominate the political horizon and the political agenda because we are in the majority, knowing full well that we didn't give the women the right to vote until 80 years ago."

He noted that he was the son of Irish immigrants and there was a time when they were discriminated against. This was the second time Gleason compared the Democrats' plight to that of African-Americans. When the resolution was introduced in February, he said it was a case of "separate but equal," comparing it to the pre-civil rights era, adding that the GOP thinks it's "OK to use every resource to discriminate against us" (See "Whitmer: Give Senate GOP, Dems The Same," 2/17/09).

This did not sit well with Sen. Bill HARDIMAN (R-Kentwood), one of six African-Americans in the chamber. He delivered an emotional rebuke.

"Let me say that I am incensed that someone would stand up and compare that resolution to Jim Crow laws," Hardiman said. "I am incensed. African-Americans came over here on slave ships and suffered slavery for hundreds of years and then lived under that oppression. And you get up and compare to Jim Crow laws? Not in my book. I don't see how anybody in this chamber could count the two equal."

Afterwards, Gleason and Hardiman were seen going into a backroom on the Republican side. The door was shut for a few minutes. A source told MIRS Whitmer and Senate Minority Leader Mike PRUSI (D-Ishpeming) came over to the GOP side to apologize for Gleason's remarks. This was the second time in a week that Whitmer demanded for SR 15 to pass, having raised the issue when the Senate passed the state elected official pay cut (See "Sparks Fly As Senate Passes Pay Cut," 3/26/09). She said it was "urgent" to take action before break and said her resolution would save $3 million.

Electric demand goes down, rates go...up? More fallout from the energy bills of 08.

2009-03-25T12:04:00.004-04:00

In the wake of the ill-advised energy legislation approved last year, DTE and Consumers Energy are once again requesting substantial rate increases. This time, they're calling for double digit hikes on residential customers at a time when Michigan's unemployment is over 10% and demand for electricity is actually going down.

In fact, this decrease in usage is one of the reasons the utilities have given to justify their rate increases. Remember, these are private companies, and their first responsibility is to their shareholders. And unlike most businesses, the utilities enjoy a state-mandated virtual monopoly on the market. If demand for their product decreases and threatens to reduce revenues, they can simply raise rates to make sure shareholders continue to see returns.

Thanks to the energy bills passed by the Michigan Legislature last year, there are fewer and fewer alternatives for customers who experience rate hikes. State law makes it virtually impossible for competitors to survive in the market and offer lower rates than DTE and Consumers. Therefore, it's the perfect storm for utilities - the freedom to raise rates without fear of losing customers, because most have nowhere else to turn.

Read more about the latest rate hikes at: http://www.detnews.com/article/20090323/BIZ/903230384/1409/Electric%20bills%20may%20jump%2011%20%20%20this%20year

Detroit News: "Graduated income tax wrong plan for Michigan"

2009-03-20T10:17:00.001-04:00

Gov. Jennifer Granholm's solution for a bad business tax is to replace it with an even worse income tax. If she succeeds, Michigan will forfeit one of the few tax advantages it holds and become even less attractive to entrepreneurs, small business people and retirees.

Full story: http://www.detnews.com/article/20090319/OPINION01/903190381/1008/opinion01

Senate Democrats defeat property tax relief for MI homeowners

2009-03-18T11:06:00.002-04:00

With property taxes across the state continuing to rise even as home values plummet, Senate Democrats refused today to support a constitutional amendment designed to provide desperately needed relief to homeowners, said Sen. Cameron S. Brown.

“Senate Joint Resolution H was a simple step the Legislature could have taken to provide real property tax relief to homeowners,” said Brown, R-Fawn River Township. “Unfortunately, it appears Michigan residents will continue to face the burden of rising property taxes even as their home values drop.”

Constitutional amendments require a two-thirds vote for passage, meaning at least 25 of the senators currently serving must support the measure. The reform failed by a vote of 23-11, with Democrats accounting for all 11 no votes.

SJR H would have amended the Michigan Constitution to prevent an individual’s residential property taxes from increasing from the previous year if the assessed value of their home decreased during the same period.

According to Bloomberg.com, home values in some areas of Michigan fell as much as 41 percent in the fourth quarter of 2008. Meanwhile, property taxes are still going up as much as 4.4 percent.

“This contradiction of property taxes going up even as home values have gone down has been one of the top concerns voiced by constituents in the 16th District,” said Brown. “Senate Joint Resolution H was a way to address this inequity. Instead, unfortunately, homeowners will continue to suffer.”

If a homeowner’s property tax assessment actually fell below the taxable value of their home, SJR H would have allowed for the taxable value to decrease with the lower assessment.

"Most Michigan officials won't voluntarily cut pay"

2009-03-11T09:24:00.002-04:00

From the Associated Press:

Although the state constitution doesn't allow proposed pay changes to take effect until 2011, Granholm says there's nothing stopping officials from voluntarily giving back some of their salary now.

But few are following her example, even though Michigan lawmakers are the second-highest paid in the country. Lawmakers here make $79,650 a year. The 12 legislative leaders earn more, depending on their rank.

Of the state's 37 senators, just two -- Republicans Cameron Brown of St. Joseph County's Fawn River Township and Gerald Van Woerkom of Norton Shores -- return 3 percent of their pay, or $2,389 annually, according to an Associated Press review of records obtained through the Freedom of Information Act.

Full story at: http://www.mlive.com/business/index.ssf/2009/03/most_mich_officials_wont_volun.html

Illegal immigrants poised to land stimulus package jobs

2009-03-09T14:37:00.004-04:00

From USA Today:

Illegal immigrants might get stimulus jobs, experts say

By William M. Welch, USA TODAY

LOS ANGELES — Tens of thousands of jobs created by the economic stimulus law could end up filled by illegal immigrants, particularly in big states such as California where undocumented workers are heavily represented in construction, experts on both sides of the issue say.

Studies by two conservative think tanks estimate immigrants in the United States illegally could take 300,000 construction jobs, or 15% of the 2 million jobs that new taxpayer-financed projects are predicted to create.

They fault Congress for failing to require that employers certify legal immigration status of workers before hiring by using a Department of Homeland Security program called E-Verify. The program allows employers to check the validity of Social Security numbers provided by new hires. It is available to employers on a voluntary basis.

"They could have deterred this, but they chose not to," said Steven Camarota, director of research for the Center for Immigration Studies.

He said a federal requirement that employers use E-Verify would have reduced, if not eliminated, the hiring of immigrants in this country illegally.

An advocacy group for immigrants, illegal and legal, did not disagree with the 300,000 estimate. Camarota says the estimate is based on data from the U.S. Census Bureau's Current Population Survey and other independent findings that 15% of all construction workers in the USA are either illegal immigrants or lack the status of legal immigrant authorized to work.

Full story at: http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/employment/2009-03-08-immigrant-jobs_N.htm?imw=Y

An end to earmarks? Not yet, apparently.

2009-03-03T13:38:00.001-05:00

$1.7 million for pig odor research in Iowa; $6.6 million for termite research in New Orleans; $2.1 million for the "Center for Great Genetics" in New York; $1.7 million for a honeybee factory in Weslaco, Tex.; $333,000 for a school sidewalk in Franklin, Tex.; $207,000 for a tattoo removal program in Los Angeles; $143,000 for an online encyclopedia in Nevada; and $951,500 for a "sustainable Las Vegas."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/02/AR2009030202465.html?hpid=opinionsbox1

www.CameronSBrown.com launched!

2009-02-25T09:54:00.002-05:00

Take a look, blog readers!

http://www.cameronsbrown.com

Schauer, Senate Democrats found guilty of violating campaign finance law

2009-02-24T09:26:00.005-05:00

The campaign fund of former Democratic state Sen. Mark Schauer of Battle Creek is paying the state $208,250 for improperly donating money to help elect Democrats to the Senate in 2006.

It is the largest fine for a campaign finance violation ever levied by the Secretary of State's Office.

Schauer was elected to the U.S. House last November.

Schauer's campaign committee admitted giving more than the allowable $20,000 per individual to the Senate Democratic Fund during the 2006 election campaign, according to an agreement with Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land.

The Senate Democratic Fund agreed to return $202,250 to Schauer's committee, which turned over the money to the state as part of a consent agreement, according to Land.

Schauer's committee also paid a $6,000 fine. The Senate Democratic Fund paid a $10,000 state fine.

Full story at: http://www.freep.com/article/20090224/NEWS15/902240333

Is Gov. Granholm serious about cutting back on salaries?

2009-02-20T13:25:00.003-05:00

During her State of the State speech, Gov. Granholm earned applause and media coverage for her suggestion that legislators and other elected officials take a 10% pay cut in light of the state’s economic and budget situations. Alertly, MIRS newsletter has investigated what, if anything, the governor has done on her own to reduce salary expenditures.

Gov. Granholm has appointed 135 "unclassified" (non-civil service) positions throughout state government. Through Freedom of Information Act requests, MIRS found that 75% of these employees have salaries that are higher than those of state legislators. The salaries of the 135 employees equal $12.58 million annually.

MIRS found that a 10% pay reduction for these employees would save more than the same reduction the governor recommended for legislators. However, the article notes: "...the Governor has not proposed a cut of this type, despite having discretion over many of the salaries within the 'unclassified special appointee' category either directly or indirectly."

Examples of some of the salaries of these appointees:

The highest-paid special appointee in state government (not including the CEO of the quasi-public Michigan Economic Development Corp.) is state Superintendent Mike FLANAGAN, who at $182,172 a year makes more than Gov. Jennifer GRANHOLM's $177,000 a year.

State Treasurer Bob KLEINE makes $174,204 a year and Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth Director Stanley PRUSS makes $153,000. Department of Human Services (DHS) Director Ismael AHMED makes $150,000.

At the $145,000 level are the directors of the Department of Community Health and Corrections. The director of the Department of Environmental Quality makes $140,452. The directors of the departments of Information Technology, Management and Budget, Transportation and Natural Resources make $140,000 a year.

The Department of Agriculture director makes $135,000 a year and the director of the Michigan State Police, Col. Peter MUNOZ, makes $129,842; slightly more than his deputy director. The Lottery Commissioner and Executive Director of the Michigan Gaming Control Board pull in the same amount.

To be clear, I support a reduction in legislator pay, and I believe many of my colleagues share this view. In fact, I have taken a voluntary pay cut my entire Senate career, returning a portion of my salary every pay period.

This being said, if the governor is serious about saving taxpayer money through salary reductions, she should act immediately by adjusting those salaries over which she has discretion. Otherwise, I fear this was nothing more than an applause line in a speech that was short on answers to the problems Michigan is facing.

Reminder - Breakfast at the Convention!

2009-02-19T08:51:00.003-05:00

Convention Delegates and Guests,

Please join my wife Helen and I for a complimentary breakfast Saturday morning at the Lansing Center! We'll have a full spread for you in Banquet Room 2 as you make your way to the convention session, so build a few extra minutes into your schedule for good food and great company!

Best wishes,

Cameron

Using stimulus cash to avoid the tough decisions

2009-02-17T12:27:00.003-05:00

Unfortunately, it has become clear that Gov. Granholm and others are hoping to use temporary stimulus money to plug permanent structural deficits in our state budget:

...several hundred million dollars will be up for grabs, and how much should be used to avoid painful budget cuts is a question that complicates this year's budget debate. Granholm has proposed $670 million in cuts that could produce 1,500 state layoffs.

Granholm and the Legislature's leaders say the federal money should not be used to postpone reductions necessary for the state's long-term financial health.

But Granholm said some of the stimulus money could be used to offset two of her more controversial budget cuts -- a $59-per-pupil reduction in state aid to public schools and a $100-million cut in aid to universities.

Full story at: http://www.freep.com/article/20090214/NEWS15/902140359/1008/NEWS06/Some+extra+millions+could+complicate+Michigan+budget+debate

Putting the stimulus package in perspective

2009-02-13T09:33:00.002-05:00

An open letter to my fellow Republicans on Lincoln's birthday

2009-02-12T09:57:00.000-05:00

Dear Fellow Republicans,

On this, the bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln’s birth, I’m excited to share with you news of my candidacy to become Michigan’s next Secretary of State.

Why today? Because during this challenging time for our nation, our state and our party, we can look to President Lincoln for a reminder of what a public servant, and a Republican, should be. Lincoln overcame incredible odds without yielding his principles or ideals. We must do the same during these difficult times.

Now, more than ever, we need Republican candidates who will defend our common roots and our common values, and who will exhibit desperately needed common sense. I have a 25-year track record of doing just that from the Sturgis City Commission all the way to the Michigan Senate.

As your Secretary of State, I will defend our shared conservative values and build upon the tremendous legacy of Candice Miller and Terri Lynn Land. Republicans must retain this seat in 2010, and as a candidate who has won every election since first being seated as a city commissioner in 1981, I’m ready to step up to the plate.

Over the last several years, my wife Helen and I have had the opportunity to meet many of you in our travels around the state assisting Republican candidates. We look forward to seeing you again soon, and speaking about my vision for both the Secretary of State’s office and for our party. In the mean time, please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions about my candidacy, and thank you in advance for your support!

Your friend,

CAMERON S. BROWN
State Senator
16th District

Secretary of State candidacy announced on Right Michigan

2009-02-11T09:16:00.002-05:00

Our friends at http://www.rightmichigan.com/ gave me the opportunity to share some good news with them today...

Senator Cameron Brown is making an official announcement to the state-at-large tomorrow but he reached out to your friendly neighborhood conservative blogging community before going to the same old gatekeepers. Every cycle candidates make their announcements at giant rallies, at fundraisers, via press release... not this announcement. That's right... you're reading it here FIRST!

Read the full interview at: http://www.rightmichigan.com/story/2009/2/11/83650/0479.

More to come on my announcement later today!

Granholm's energy mandate a "high price to pay for an applause line in a speech"

2009-02-09T18:50:00.002-05:00

From the Detroit News:

Gov. Jennifer Granholm's order to state regulators to essentially throw a monkey wrench into electric utilities' applications for new coal plants could do lasting damage to the state's economy. That's a high price to pay for an applause line in a speech.

Full editorial at: http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090209/OPINION01/902090322/1008

"Governor has clouds in her vision"

2009-02-05T09:55:00.000-05:00

The governor's people don't like being accused of picking winners and losers in business -- "green" is good, finance and insurance are bad, auto industry and its related pieces are tolerated because they're still too big to be ignored.

Nor do they care for suggestions that their structural reform of government, a top priority for restructuring-conscious business leaders, is all talk and little action. This week, the governor said she'd tasked the lieutenant governor with heading a commission that would study broad reforms of state government.

Just asking: Didn't she convene an Emergency Financial Advisory Panel in the early days of her second term, complete with former governors, business heavyweights and a former speaker of the state house, to make similar recommendations? Yes, she did. Two years ago.

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090205/OPINION03/902050359/1409

Will MI become a hub for wind and solar energy?

2009-02-04T10:18:00.000-05:00

A substantial portion of Gov. Granholm's State of the State speech last night focused on making Michigan a hub for wind and solar energies. While this certainly sounds good in theory, there are a few obvious obstacles that stand in the way of Michigan becoming a leader in these new industries - chiefly our relative lack of either wind or sun compared to other states.

It won't come as a great surprise to anyone who has lived in Michigan for even a short amount of time that we don't rank highly on the list of sunniest states in the union. In fact, according to the National Weather Service, Michigan is the 47th sunniest state in the U.S. - certainly something the solar industry might take into account when considering where to invest.

Also not surprising is the fact that Michigan does not come close to the wind potential of states in the West. The overwhelming majority of the state is deemed "marginal" (the lowest rating) for wind production by the U.S. Department of Energy. You can see a map of wind potential at: http://windeis.anl.gov/guide/maps/map2.html. As you can see, the few areas of real wind potential in Michigan are along our shorelines. So all we need to do to take advantage of our state's wind potential is to erect hundreds if not thousands of 100-foot tall wind turbines alone some of the most scenic and well-preserved shorelines in the world.

None of this is to say that Michigan shouldn’t pursue a leadership role in renewable energies. But remember that there is a reason "renewable energies" cannot compete with traditional forms of energy without government regulations and subsidies - they are simply not reliable enough or cost effective as of yet. So be wary of politicians making lofty promises about the job creation and investment that can be had in the renewable energy field. Undoubtedly, such a promise is accompanied by a caveat that you fork over more of your money in the form of higher taxes or utility bills.

Massive budget deficit barely earns mention in State of the State address

2009-02-03T20:50:00.002-05:00

Watching Gov. Granholm's State of the State address tonight on the House floor, I was stunned that there was barely a mention of our staggering $1.5 billion budget deficit.

As had been indicated in advance reports, the governor did announce the formation of yet another task force or listening tour headed by Lt. Gov. John Cherry that will apparently take up to one year to issue a report on government reforms.

At this point I believe it is obvious there is a fundamental disconnect between the governor and the reality of the budget crisis in our state. In this her seventh State of the State address, she was to finally offer substantive government reforms to help address a structural deficit that has been an issue her entire tenure in office. Instead, the crisis was barely mentioned and few if any true reforms were detailed. Instead, the governor would have us wait yet another year - just as she is preparing to leave office - to finally make the tough choices that should have been made six years ago.

No task force or listening tour is necessary to identify what needs to be done. Tough choices must be made, and they must be made now. Michigan families struggling to make ends meet don't have the luxury of putting the tough decisions off for another year, and nor should their state government.