LANSING – Legislative Republicans reacted with enthusiasm to most of Snyder’s proposals and even put a best face on what’s their biggest defection with the governor to date: the Detroit River International Crossing.
“We absolutely have our work cut out for us,” House Speaker Jase Bolger (R-Marshall) said after the speech.
Bolger said Republicans had problems with the DRIC legislation last term, but Snyder was adamant about forgetting the battle last year and looking with fresh eyes on what he’s proposing.
“I think it’s been clear this caucus has concerns and questions (about DRIC),” Bolger said, but they look forward to addressing those issues with the administration.
House Transportation Committee chair Rep. Paul Opsommer (R-DeWitt), who had strong qualms with the public-private partnership legislation last term, including sovereignty and legislative oversight issues, said he believes there will be “honest and earnest” discussion about what Mr. Snyder is proposing with DRIC this time around.
In general, Bolger said Snyder’s discussion of economic gardening with businesses already in Michigan is right on track.
In terms of funding the Pure Michigan campaign, Bolger said it is a value-based budgeting issue because it does provide economic activity in Michigan, but he wants to see the details of how Snyder plans to pay for the $25 million commitment as the state faces a budget deficit.
Bolger remained firm in the Legislature taking a practical approach to getting rid of the Michigan Business Tax and developing its replacement, but he said it is certain the MBT “has to go.”
Sen. Dave Hildenbrand (R-Lowell), who is sponsoring the MBT repeal (SB 1 ), said he believes the Legislature should repeal the tax and then find its replacement within the timeline of developing the 2011-12 budget.
He said repealing the MBT without a replacement will make it a higher priority in Lansing and Finance Committee chair Sen. Jack Brandenburg (R-Harrison Twp.) has said he will hold a meeting on the legislation soon.
Hildenbrand has also been a long-time proponent of eliminating the state’s item pricing law and joked that between those two issues getting mentioned in the speech it was clear Mr. Snyder saw the notes he had dropped in his pocket. On a more serious note, Hildenbrand said he understands unions oppose the item pricing change, but believes there is enough technology out there to keep the customers informed and eliminate a burdensome business regulation.
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