LANSING – State Representative Bill LaVoy (D-Monroe), in response to Gov. Rick Snyder’s State of the State Address, said that the Legislature needs to focus on making Michigan’s economy work for everyone. Michigan’s recovery lags behind the rest of the nation as a result of increased taxes on seniors and working families, and massive tax cuts and incentives for corporations have created a large budget deficit. Snyder expressed his support for the proposal to raise money for road improvements, which comes in the form of a sales tax increase that must be approved by voters on the ballot in May. House Democrats backed the plan last term, which included restoring the Earned Income Tax Credit to its former level and increasing funding for schools.
“In order to help new and existing businesses thrive, we need modern, reliable infrastructure,” LaVoy said. “I support this plan because the combination of funding for schools and roads is an investment in our future.”
LaVoy reiterated House Democrats’ priorities of working for everyday people on several issues. Education funding is still down after it was significantly cut in 2011, and legislation to better regulate for-profit charter schools was left to die. Legislative Republicans caved to special interest demands on women’s health care, making it harder for Michigan’s women to access the health services they need. And rather than continuing the failed approach of massive handouts to wealthy corporations, House Democrats want to increase support for entrepreneurs and the small businesses that truly drive our economy.
“We’ve seen trickle-down economics fail time and time again. When the economy grows from the middle class out, everyone benefits,” LaVoy said. “Instead of continuing to favor corporations and special interests, we need to put families, seniors and students first.”