republicans

New regulations to crack down on scrap metal theft face uphill battle in the Michigan legislature

Steve Carmody — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 16:30:52 +0000

State lawmakers will hold another hearing tomorrow on legislation intended to crack down on scrap metal theft in Michigan.

The legislation would require scrap yards to keep better records and ban cash transactions for commonly stolen items, like catalytic converters and copper wire.

Police, prosecutors and larger industries often victimized by scrap metal thieves support the legislation.

But not scrap metal dealers and recyclers, who complain the new regulations would be a burden.

Michigan lawmakers look for ways of closing the online sales tax loophole

Steve Carmody — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 21:01:16 +0000

Michigan lawmakers are looking at how to get online retailers to collect state sales taxes.

Currently, shoppers are supposed to report any sales taxes they owe on online purchases, and pay them with their income tax.

But most people don’t.

State Representative Eileen Kowall’s bill would put the responsibility on the online retailer. She’s quick to say this is not a tax increase, just making sure that the taxes that are owed are being paid.

Is it time to expand workplace safety regulations in Michigan?

Steve Carmody — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 19:22:10 +0000

Union leaders are applauding a promise by state Democratic lawmakers to reinstate workplace safety regulations in Michigan.

The names of dozens of Michigan workers who died on the job were read aloud during a ceremony in Lansing. There are about 120 deaths in the workplace every year in Michigan.

Democrats call for repealing some state taxes

Jake Neher — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 00:26:42 +0000

State House Democrats spent “tax day” pushing a plan to repeal several state tax policies.

Pro Right-to-Work group now targeting Governor's road plan

Steve Carmody — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 21:16:12 +0000

The conservative group that pushed for Michigan to become a Right-to-Work state wants Governor Snyder to drop his call for higher taxes to pay for repairing Michigan’s roads.

The governor wants the Legislature to approve higher gasoline taxes and vehicle registration fees to raise more than a billion dollars to fix Michigan’s crumbling roads.

Scott Hagerstrom is the state director of Americans for Prosperity. He says Michigan shouldn’t be raising taxes.