Issue Position: John's Game Plan for Prosperity
Issue Position
John's Game Plan for Prosperity
Drive Business Investment and Job Growth through . . .
A tax structure that benefits our hard-working citizens
John Walsh has fought to reduce the personal income tax-- voting for a $2billion tax cut over the next five years.
A fair business tax that promotes investment in the State by all industries.
The Michigan Business Tax adopted in 2007 has raised taxes for many of Michigan's employers, driving many of them, and the jobs they provide, out of business and out of the State. As Vice-chairman of the Tax Committee, John led the effort to eliminate the job killing Michigan Business Tax, reducing the tax burden for Michigan businesses to assure they have the resources to pay workers . . . not a voracious State government. He will continue to work for broad reform that will benefit all of our job-providers.
Elimination of meaningless red tape that does nothing more than burden Michigan businesses
Maintaining that government need only intervene when common sense and necessity dictate, John Walsh has voted consistently to grant employers and professionals freedom to conduct their business under ethical and reasonable standards, and has opposed unnecessary fee increases and increased fees for licensure.
increased access to high quality, lifelong education opportunities
Its easy to understand -- an educated, hard-working citizenry can and will attract businesses and jobs. Michigan has one of the finest higher education systems in the nation that attracts residents and non-residents alike. The key to success is connecting education to jobs of the future, from the machinist to the scientist, and providing access to lifelong education and training opportunities to help Michigan citizens be at the forefront of the economy.
Facing the inevitability of cuts throughout the State budget following a 23% reduction in State income, John Walsh fought until the 11th hour to keep cuts to our schools, colleges and universities to less than 3% while other departments faced reductions of 25% or more. John labored alongside our school boards, administrators, teachers, parents, students and like-minded legislators of both parties to fight for the maximum available funding.
Invest in energy alternatives
Michigan should promote the continued use of clean coal, increase its reliance on nuclear power, and encourage investment in researching sustainable fuel alternatives while encouraging conservation efforts.
John Walsh supported bold tax incentives designed to drive battery-power engineering firms and manufacturing facilities to Michigan. As a result, A123 Systems has located its automotive battery facility to Livonia.
Protecting and promoting our natural resources
Michigan's great lakes, fertile farms, and abundant natural resources are not only beautiful, but an economic driver in and of themselves. Michigan must protect the Great lakes from diversion to distant States, and promote the beauty, and more importantly, the availability of water and other natural resources to businesses across the country. That, together with an aggressive tax package and highly skilled work force, is a powerful argument to move to Michigan.
To the further benefit of the region, John Walsh has introduced a resolution opposing any federal takeover of our Great Lakes. The stewardship of these bodies, their recreational usage and their economic freedoms are matters for Michigan and its neighboring states to decide.
Controlling government spending
With 600,000 less residents in our State since 2000, and hundreds of thousands of our citizens out of work, making less, and paying more for their healthcare, it is time that the budgets passed by our Legislature reflect Michigan's economic reality. We simply have a government our citizens can no longer afford. It must be smaller, more efficient, and less costly.
John Walsh has, and will continue to make, the difficult decisions to shrink our government, starting from his own office outward. One of his first votes in office was to reduce his pay 10%. He has since cut his office expenses by 19%, and pays 20% of his healthcare costs along with other public employees and teachers. After years of billion dollar deficits, he has made the tough, but necessary decisions to get Michigan's finances in order, resulting in the first budget surplus in over a decade.
Quality, affordable healthcare
We have a responsibility to make sure all of our residents have access to affordable healthcare. However, John Walsh believes we also have a responsibility to not place more of a financial burden on Michigan taxpayers than they already have now. We must also ensure that those who are receiving any kind of government-sponsored insurance are treating it with the respect and responsibility it deserves. John Walsh has supported measures to reduce fraudulent use of taxpayer dollars.
Moreover, we need to take a look at fundamentally changing the way we approach healthcare not only in Michigan, but across the country. More focus should be put on promoting preventative care for Michigan residents. By working to keep our citizens healthier longer, there will be less pressure in emergency rooms and hospitals, giving doctors more time to spend with those who need them most.
A forward-thinking government
Michigan's citizens deserve a functional and efficient state government. Electing leaders that have the experience and courage necessary to meet the challenges facing Michigan is the first step, requiring thoughtful participation by all of our citizens. Once elected, politicians must be willing to rise above partisan politics and do what is right for Michigan.
Understanding that a cooperative attitude expedites progress and validates legitimacy, John Walsh has worked with members of both parties on legislation and negotiations which deliver solutions for all Michigan residents.
Above all, John Walsh believes that voters are smart, capable, and deserving of the truth, no matter how bad or complex. He is committed to honest communication with the citizens of Michigan.
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