MICHIGAN'S BUDGET CRISIS

"The first order of business in repairing our state's budget is to remove the partisan bickering from the process. I've shown I work well with all sides on an issue - even when I'm passionate about my issues," said Mike Huckleberry. "I believe I have the courage to honestly discuss with voters, unlike those legislators who threw 'anti-tax' ideology to intentionally mislead and distort.

'To begin with, I will NEVER support inequitable or unnecessary taxation. To me, the Legislature's plan to tax beauty shops but not barber shops was a stinging indictment of the worst kind of special-interest lobbying!"

Here are some specific ideas that may indicate Huck's thinking on the budget:
1. By continuing to work for JOBS! JOBS! JOBS! and new diversified industries, more individual and corporate taxpayers will contribute to Michigan's economy.
2. Continue to look for all ways to streamline and eliminate waste in state-funded programs.
3. The Governor has formulated a Task Force to reconsider gasoline taxes, bonding and any other ways to provide road improvement funding. I favor such innovative and bi-partisan efforts and will look at any and all options.
4. Similarly, the DNR permit funding for State Parks is being reconsidered to be an add on to Drivers' License fees where Michigan citizens can "opt out" and out-of-state vehicles must pay a fee. This has worked in other states and should be examined here.
5. Our state's prison population and budget drain is much higher by comparison with nearby and similar states. We should examine our sentencing standards to find other, far-less-expensive ways to treat non-violent offenders.
6. Aggressively re-finance the state's current debt. With lower rates in this economy, we could substantially lessen our interest payments through hard bargaining and shopping. (There are many more ideas - just ask Huck!)

"And, most importantly, I won't take off for Mackinac Island while leaving the Michigan budget crisis unsolved -- as much of the Legislature did in 2007!" Huck raged. "We're elected to represent the people. When the budget needs to be hammered out, I'll be there for them' not at some political party's party. I say, 'Lock the doors and let us out when we've reached a budget."

EDITOR'S NOTE: : In his work with the Michigan Licensed Beverage Association, Huck has taken an independent stance on taxation fairness for small businesses - at times disagreeing with his party and Governor Granholm.