Republic Congressman Urge "NO" on Tax Hike Vote
5 Michigan Congressmen Urge ‘NO’ on State Tax Hike Vote
Mike Rogers: ‘You Can’t Tax Michigan Into Prosperity’
WEDNESDAY, Sept. 19, 2007 – U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, MI-08, and four other members of the Michigan Congressional delegation stood with Republican leaders in the Michigan Legislature today against Gov. Granholm’s plan to raise taxes on every Michigan taxpayer.
Joining Rogers in signing a letter to Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop and House Republican Leader Craig DeRoche are Rep. Joe Knollenberg, Thad McCotter, Fred Upton, and Tim Walberg.
“A huge new financial burden on Michigan’s families and their job providers will not bolster our economy, nor will it create jobs,” said Rogers, who took the lead on a letter to the Senate and House GOP leaders. “In fact, the massive tax increase the Governor wants will slow our state’s sagging economy even more, pushing Michigan out of the nation’s economic basement and further down into the sub-basement.
“The flight of Michigan citizens to other states where taxes are lower, and most important, jobs are available, is already a huge problem. If this tax increase occurs, the Governor will have to use some of her money for billboards reminding the last folks leaving the state to turn off the lights.”
The letter highlights the Congressional delegation’s efforts at the federal level to help Michigan’s economy, including a battle to support the struggling U.S. auto industry, and moving forward a crackdown on illegal Chinese trade practices like currency manipulation, counterfeiting products, and stealing intellectual property.
“We stand firmly with you in the challenge of protecting Michigan taxpayers and job providers,” the letter states, calling on state legislators to hold the line and not surrender to the Governor’s pressure.
“Keeping taxes low will stimulate the economy and help create jobs to keep Michigan citizens living, working and raising families in Michigan,” Rogers said. “You cannot tax your way to prosperity.”
