Issue Position: Tjhe Future of Metro Detroit
Issue Position
I believe in Detroit. Our metropolitan area has the know-how, the machinery, and the spirit to revive American manufacturing and lead a new energy-efficient economy. But budget cuts alone will not create this bright future. We need new investment in people and public safety.
Returning Tax Dollars to Our Region: The Detroit Jobs Trust Fund, a bill I proposed in the 112th Congress, would take all federal taxes collected from Detroit residents and businesses for a period of five years and reinvest them in the city's stabilization and renewal. By restoring the city's finances, this legislation would enable the city to restore its credit ratings and reduce its costs of financing. More municipal funds could go toward vital city operations and redevelopment initiatives rather than faraway bankers. The idea is both bold and realistic as it attracted considerable support from both Democrats and Republicans. I believe this fresh start would enable a real Detroit renaissance.
Proven Record Fighting for Metro Detroiters: I opposed a state takeover of Detroit not only because it would embody "taxation without representation" but also because it would lead to bad economic outcomes. Growth--not reckless budget slashing--is the key to overcoming a fiscal crisis. If the city were forced to address its current crisis by cutting police officers and vital infrastructure projects, crime would rise and businesses will flee. If the city were forced to gut basic services and eliminates jobs, its population would decline further. All this would further exacerbate our fiscal crisis by shrinking our tax base. Instead, I proposed and fought for the Detroit Growth and Stability Act in the United States Congress to authorize up to $500 million in loans from the US Treasury to a agent authorized by state law to rebuild the region. This bill followed the model of New York City's successful revitalization program undertaken during the1970s and was praised as a commonsense solution.
Source