Apparently Mike wants this state to collapse. Why? Because then he can turn around and say, "Democrats can't lead" and get major pats on the back from the anti-tax extremists that run the Republican party.
If you wonder why there is no progress in Lansing, look no further.
The House on Wednesday passed a new tax setup for Michigan businesses, but without the overwhelming backing its sponsors expected.
In fact, the action triggered more partisan acrimony in Lansing.
Why was there partisan acrimony on a plan that seemed to have widespread support? Someone called a meeting.
"This is the first step toward improving Michigan's business climate," Rep. Steve Bieda, D-Warren, head of the House Tax Policy Committee, said after his committee approved the bill on a 13-2 bipartisan vote Wednesday morning.
But the bill drew only five Republican votes on the House floor. Democrats said an initial head count had more than 30 Republicans backing the tax package, but support fell off due to "disgusting partisan politics," Bieda said.
-snip-
House Democrats said Republican support collapsed after a visit to the House GOP's closed caucus meeting by Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop, R-Rochester. Republicans control the Senate.
"It smells of the Senate Majority Leader fighting for control instead of doing the right thing," said Rep. Paul Condino, D-Southfield.
Bishop said earlier in the day that the issue eventually will be decided in a joint House-Senate conference committee. His spokesman, Matt Marsden, said the purpose of Bishop's visit to the caucus was to explain the Senate Republicans' tax plan, not to persuade House Republicans to vote against the Democrats' version.
Right. That was his only purpose in the visit. Those House Republicans just didn't have a clue before he came over. That sentiment is a bit insulting to the House Pubs, actually.
The Senate plan includes more tax cuts. Maybe we can shut down a few more schools.
But the Republican-controlled Senate hasn't signed onto the plan. It was scheduled to vote today on its own SBT replacement plan, which provides a net tax cut for business in the $600 million range.
So, not only is Bishop still running around calling the governor names, pushing that wedge to divide Democrats, he is now trying to scuttle any deal that would bring us progress.
Makes you miss Ken Sikkema, doesn't it. What a thought.