The “Bain Report” is a weekly publication for those citizens of Michigan who are concerned with the representation they are receiving from their elected officials. The purpose of this report is to educate and inform the citizens with pertinent articles and legislation that affect the families of Michigan. If you or anyone you know wishes to receive the “Bain Report” reply to rabman13@aol.com with add me to the weekly “Bain Report” in the subject line with your name and e-mail address in the body. Your email will be added to the list of those Patriots, Activist, and Concerned Citizens here in Michigan who receive the “Bain Report” published every Monday. For those currently receiving the “Bain Report” and wish to be removed from these mailings please reply to above e-mail address with remove me from your list in the subject line.

Opinion by R Al Bain

In a recent “Bain Report” I received a comment from a reader I would like to share. Seems this individual was not impressed with my spelling, grammar, and sentence structure.

Mrs. Pepper commented on The “Bain Report” Articles that Affect You and Your Family for Monday, January, 9, 2012: (In her words and spelling)

Your political views may be terrific, and I would like to know, but I wouldn’t know because alas, I cant get past five or six sentences of what you write. Why? Your spelling, grammar and sentence structure are so horrendous it’s too painful and embarrassing to read. Is this deliberate on your part as a strategy to connect with so-called common folk, or are you genuinely that undeucated? If so, we are a bankrupt country indeed.

My email response to Mrs. Pepper:

Thank you for your comment on the “Bain Report”. I would like to apologize for my spelling, grammar and sentence structure within these reports. I am truly sorry this causes you pain and embarrassment. This is not deliberate on my part as a strategy to connect with so-called common folk (sheeple) but I like your thinking! As far as being “undeucated”, (your spelling not mine), you see some 40 years ago I dropped out of school to serve and fight for my country so folks like you could enjoy the freedoms and liberty’s that this country has enjoyed as a nation.

As for this country being bankrupt because of my attempt to educate and inform the citizens on the issues that affect those citizens and their families, I can only say that I attended “public school” before my military enlistment which should tell you something in and of itself. I genuinely believe that it’s the political elitist and those who we elect as to serve us that are bankrupting this country through their political actions. I did continue my education by obtaining a GED. I currently hold a certificate in “Applied Aerospace Sciences”, and an “Associates Degree”, I don’t claim to be a rocket scientist although, the Air Force did request I work in their guided missile and rocket system program.

I spend many hours researching and compiling pertinent information as to publish this report for the benefit of my fellow citizens here in Michigan, I do not get paid for what I do. If you would like to assist me by editing my work for publication so others will not have to feel the pain and embarrassment as you do while reading these reports that would be appreciated. Note: To date I have not received a response from Mrs. Pepper on my offer!

Regards, R Al Bain – Author of the “Bain Report” – Veteran United States Air Force

Political and Judicial Systems Collide in Collusion

Ambassador Bridge owner Manuel (Matty) Moroun and top aide Dan Stamper were ordered to jail on Thursday by Wayne County Circuit Judge Prentis Edwards for civil contempt of court. Judge Prentis Edwards ruled Nov. 4 that the Detroit International Bridge Co. was in civil contempt of court for defying his orders to finish the long-delayed Gateway project, a joint project with the Michigan Department of Transportation designed to ease border traffic at the Ambassador Bridge.

MDOT and other Michigan state regulatory agency’s have consistently harassed and impeded Ambassador Bridge owner Manuel (Matty) Moroun as to make it difficult to comply with all and any requests related to finishing the Gateway project by the Detroit International Bridge Co. The reasons for this are evident with the state of Michigan wanting their own new bridge (NITC) The New International Trade Crossing.

In the recent Presidential Debates the issues of Liberal Judges have come to the forefront. It sure looks like we have a good example right here with this case. When the Political and Judicial systems collide in collusion on an issue, “Houston We Have a Very Serious Problem”!

Edwards’s son, Prentis Edwards Jr. a former Wayne County assistant prosecutor, was recently appointed to the 36th District bench by “Governor Rick Snyder” who has pushed hard for a new government run bridge and has made it the cornerstone of his administration. The majority of supporters of this new bridge are Democrats. This sure smells like judicial and political gamesmanship, crafty back door wheeling and dealing to me, especially with the appointment of the Judge’s son.

http://www.freep.com/article/20120113/OPINION05/120113055

Jailing Not Likely to Sway Opponents of a New Bridge

Ambassador Bridge owner Manuel (Matty) Moroun had a bad day Thursday. But he probably doesn’t have to worry that being jailed for contempt of court improves the chance Gov. Rick Snyder will persuade the Legislature to approve construction of a publicly owned bridge a few miles downriver from Moroun’s crossing.

This seems to be politically motivated especially with the recent documented troubles with Michigan state agencies. Opponents of the public bridge project, which is languishing in the state Senate after it was rejected in committee last fall, said Moroun’s incarceration was irrelevant to their concerns about Snyder’s proposal.

The recent accident involving an outside contractor doing work on the bridge has absolutely nothing what so ever to do with the issue of a new bridge. Maybe the thinking of those in favor of this new bridge is that if “Big Government” was in charge such as with a new government bridge this accident wouldn’t have happened. We have all seen how government runs things and where has that gotten us?

http://www.freep.com/article/20120113/NEWS06/201130416/Jailing-not-likely-to-sway-opponents-of-a-new-bridge

Raleigh Studios to Miss Bond Payment Taxpayers on the Hook

This is yet another perfect example of the failed movie producer subsidies. Michigan has been home to the nation’s most generous film incentives thanks to an aggressive tax-credit plan created by former Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm in 2008. While she is no longer governor her agenda for these movie producer subsides has continued aggressively under Senate Majority leader Randy Richardville. While claims of jobs and revenue to the state have been made, it’s hard to get a good handle on the exact impact of an in-state movie production. The only reports on movie production revenue and jobs come from the state film office or the movie industry itself. Senator Richardville has been lobbied hard by his new found buddies at Raleigh Studios with lavish trips to the Emmy’s in Hollywood. Maybe that’s why Raleigh was betting that Senate Bill 569 that Richardville introduced, which became law in December, will revive Michigan’s movie industry and the studio’s fortunes.

Raleigh Studios is reportedly going to default on a bond payment next month and, tragically, the state’s pension funds are on the hook for over $600,000. The deal quarterbacked by former Governor Jennifer Granholm in 2009 made the state employee pension funds the guarantor of the $18 million in bonds sold to help build the $80 million studio. Raleigh is not the first movie studio to have financial issues that not only effect the studio, but also end up costing the Michigan taxpayers. The citizens in Allen Park, Michigan, got burned when a planned studio project blew up in their face, leaving the city unable to pay for things like their fire department (which they had to close). Allen Park made a huge error in judgment severely over paying for a piece of property specifically for the studio by millions of taxpayer dollars as to house a movie studio in the hope of creating much needed jobs and boosting it’s revenue coffers. The studio received a better deal after the property was purchased by the city and moved to Detroit in a designated enterprise tax exempt zone.

Then there was the Hanger-42 case, which smelled like fraud, but prosecutors were unable to convince a judge to agree with them. 

http://www.freep.com/article/20120120/BUSINESS06/201200335/Raleigh-Studios-in-Pontiac-to-miss-bond-payment?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE%7Cp

State Workers Getting 3% Health Fee Returned

Nearly 50,000 state workers are getting refunds on the 3 percent they’ve been paying for a year toward retiree health care costs. State budget director John Nixon estimates a worker making $50,000 a year will get back about $1,500.Gov. Rick Snyder signed bills last month agreeing to refund the money after courts ruled the fee unconstitutional. The money was being returned Thursday.

Workers can choose to receive the refunds in their paychecks or as a deposit into their 401(k) or 457 retirement accounts. Unionized and non unionized workers will receive the refund. A similar 3 percent contribution being paid by teachers toward their retiree health care costs “is not” being refunded. Why would this be unconstitutional for state workers and not teachers? So this unconstitutional (best practice) by Governor Rick Snyder continues for teachers as to collect 3% of their pay for health care costs. Doesn’t seem like a good way to ensure the long term commitment for the “critical education of our children”. Is it me or does this look similar to picking winners and losers in the business community?

http://www.freep.com/article/20120119/NEWS06/120119024/state-workers-retiree-health-care-costs-refund

Michigan Taxpayers Fund Bureaucratic Back Slapping

This is just the tip of the iceberg, not even scratching the surface with this type of waste of taxpayer dollars. Here’s one: The Michigan Department of Natural Resources gives grants to many local governments for public recreation projects and programs. Last year more than $550,000 was expended by the state for this purpose, with the money coming from the voluntary $10 state park passes purchased when drivers renew their annual vehicle registration. This looks to me like the lottery money scam for education in that I thought the purpose of that $10 state park pass was for the state parks, sort of like the monies allocated for our roads. All these intended monies specified for certain purposes always seem to find there way to other places by our illustrious legislators in Lansing.

Last year this recreation program gave out 24 grants to communities as diverse as Portage and Flushing Townships, Detroit and Grand Rapids. They didn’t just mail checks at a cost of 44 cents each, however. Instead, DNR bureaucrats drove to the local communities and publicly presented the fake, oversized checks with plenty of back-slapping and mutual congratulations all around. That’s $1,000 spent just on stage-props for PR nonsense associated with just one state grant program, plus all the other expenses incurred including travel and time taken from these bureaucrats’ real jobs

http://www.michigancapitolconfidential.com/16290

Sen. Randy Richardville Targeted for Re-Call by Tea Party Group

The leader of a northern Michigan tea party group wants other tea party organizations in the state to join together to try to recall Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville, according to an email sent to the Citizen Patriot. In an email to other tea party groups, Randy Bishop, who founded the Traverse City TEA Party Patriots, asks the other organizations to support efforts to recall Richardville. Bishop criticizes the Senate Majority leader, saying senators who support tea party principles are “being forced to deal with other bills that are contrary to these principles due to Richardville’s legislative agenda. “As examples, Bishop’s email mentions a proposal by Richardville to implement a “right-to-work” law in Michigan that would only affect teachers not other workers and his support of a second bridge from Detroit to Windsor.

http://www.mlive.com/news/jackson/index.ssf/2012/01/sen_randy_richardville_targete.html

UAW Member: Union Workers ‘Need to Embrace’ Right-to-Work Laws

Terry Bowman is a UAW Member who founded the group Union Conservatives in 2010 after getting fed-up with union practices and propaganda. Capitol Confidential conducted an interview with Bowman via telephone and email. The following are excerpts from that interview click the link below.

http://www.michigancapitolconfidential.com/16292

Tea Party Talks of Working with Teachers Union on Richardville Re-Call

“I feel that the far left and the far right, both groups and many in the middle, want Randy Richardville to stop his legislative agenda that he personally has,” said Randy Bishop, founder and leader of the Traverse City TEA Party Patriots. Amber McCann was groomed and worked for former Democrat Governor Jennifer Granholm.

The new bridge in which Richardville introduced Senate Bill 410 in 2011, was a top priority of the Granholm administration! If as Richardville’s spokesperson Amber McCann stated was true in regard to he would not stand in the way of the right-to-work debate, then why didn’t he introduce legislation for full right-to-work for all Michigan workers instead of the right-to-teach bill he introduced in 2011 with Senate Bill 729? I’ll tell you.

SB 729 was introduced with no intension of passing only as to send a personal message to the MEA don’t try and do to me what you did to Representative Paul Scott! This is a blatant waste of taxpayer dollars with this personal message all for personal gain and advancement of Mr. Richardville’s career. Mr. Bishop said he plans to schedule a meeting of statewide tea party groups late this month to consider approving a recall effort against Richardville. Bishop has already received support from six other tea party organizations in Michigan, he said, but would not name them.

http://www.mlive.com/news/jackson/index.ssf/2012/01/in_case_of_strange_bedfellows.html

The 12,000 Pound Elephant Holding Michigan’s Recovery Back

Actually it’s about a 150 pound elephant in Senate Majority leader Randy Richardville that’s holding Michigan’s recovery back. You see, the majority of the House and Senate members favor legislation for Michigan to become a right-to-work state. But because of the Senate Majority leader’s close relationship with the “Union’s” he has been overloading those in favor of it with committee assignments on other legislation. Word out of Lansing is that those who have approached him about this legislation say they’ve been told that if they can get certain Bill’s passed (can you say new bridge) then he may talk about right-to-work with “may” being the key word.

Why do other states attract new foreign owned auto plants and Michigan does not? Michigan has already lost the opportunity of new plants built here and the jobs that would have came with them by BMW, Boeing, and Volkswagen. There are several reasons, but the 12,000 pound elephant in the room is Michigan’s lack of a right-to-work law. As long as Senator Richardville is in the leadership position in the Michigan Senate it’s economic and job outlook appears to be grim for many years to come.

http://thenewsherald.com/articles/2012/01/16/opinion/doc4f130caa279eb611996015.txt?viewmode=fullstory

Michigan’s Bad Business Climate Reputation Hard to Overcome

I couldn’t help but notice a disheartening bit of news in the January issue of Site Selection magazine.Indiana has the best business climate in the Midwest, followed by North Dakota, Nebraska, and Iowa,” said an article about a survey of 12 site consultants at a Mid-America Economic Development Council conference last month. Michigan tied with Ohio for last place,” he replied, noting that we also trailed Minnesota, South Dakota, Illinois, and Wisconsin.

Brent Pollina, vice president of Pollina Corporate Real Estate of Park Ridge, Ill., one of the 12 consultants surveyed said, companies are bewildered by the elimination of many tax credits and suspicious that Michigan’s new $100-million pot of cash incentives will help mostly big corporations on a few major deals. Michigan’s national reputation is very poor and has been for a long time,” Pollina said, noting that its history as a “labor union stronghold” remains a “big deterrent” for many employers. He went on to say that it’s very hard to get rid of a bad reputation. Michigan could do a complete reversal and it would still take 10 years to reverse its reputation. One way to expedite this reversal would be for Michigan to become a right-to-work state!

http://www.freep.com/article/20120115/COL06/201150421/Tom-Walsh-Michigan-s-bad-business-climate-reputation-is-hard-to-discard?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE%7Cs

My reading of history convinces me that most bad government results from too much government.

Thomas Jefferson

The “Bain Report” is a weekly publication for those citizens of Michigan who are concerned with the representation they are receiving from their elected officials. The purpose of this report is to educate and inform the citizens with pertinent articles and legislation that affect the families of Michigan. If you or anyone you know wishes to receive the “Bain Report” reply to rabman13@aol.com with add me to the weekly “Bain Report” in the subject line with your name and e-mail address in the body. Your email will be added to the list of those Patriots, Activist, and Concerned Citizens here in Michigan who receive the “Bain Report” published every Monday. For those currently receiving the “Bain Report” and wish to be removed from these mailings please reply to above e-mail address with remove me from your list in the subject line.

“Special 2012 State of the State Address Edition”

Opinion by R Al Bain

Governor Snyder’s State of the State Address:  The Reinvention Continues

Like a bad movie script in which “we the taxpayers” continue to subsidize Hollywood movie producers thanks to our Republican led legislature, Governor Rick Snyder laid out his plans Wednesday night for Michigan 3.0 at the state capital in Lansing. Hold onto your wallets we’re in for a wild “tax hike ride”! 

Before we begin on the good Governor’s plans in this latest sequel let’s review our glorious elected officials actions of the past legislative session. Reinventing and reforming the Michigan business tax on the backs of Michigan taxpayers instead of cutting the size and scope of Michigan’s government. On May 25, 2011, Michigan Governor Rick Snyder signed two bills that repeal the Michigan Business Tax (MBT) and adopt a Corporate Income Tax (CIT). These bills also make major changes to the state’s individual income tax law. HB 4361 eliminates several “individual” income tax credits, deductions and exemptions and changes future income tax rates. If Michigan was to go with a part-time legislature the savings would have more than paid for the business tax reform without the extra tax burden bestowed upon the taxpayers.  

Another “blockbuster” reinvention in the past years legislative session of reforms is the taxing of pensions. Tell the current or soon to be retirees that this is a good thing. Unlike the public sector, private sector retirees do not receive the cushy Cadillac retirement packages and pensions that our elected officials receive. If workers would have know at the beginning of their working careers their pensions would be taxed they could have planned for it.  

How about this reform? While looking good on the surface, cutting lawmaker benefits, would have been great for Michigan and it’s taxpayers except our lawmakers felt compelled to exempted 36 out of 38 in the Senate alone. Ask way this cut didn’t include all lawmakers, Senate Majority leader Randy Richardville stated publicly that it wouldn’t be fair to those who came into office expecting this entitlement. Ask the retirees if they think it’s fair! What’s the old saying, what’s good for the goose should be good for the gander? It’s shameful that what Governor Snyder and Senator Richardville are calling accomplishments are things that are going to have such a direct negative impact on so many Michigan families. Michigan’s citizens expect and deserve better from those we elect as to represent us and unfortunately this just doesn’t seem to be the case.  

Now let’s take a look at some of Governor Snyder’s proposed agenda items for the 2012 legislative session. First up – Governor Snyder is hell bent on a new government built and run bridge to Canada. While the claim is that this will not cost taxpayers, history shows us that this just isn’t true. I encourage research on the Mackinaw and Bluewater Bridge’s where the same claims were made ultimately costing taxpayers. The proposed new bridge has already cost taxpayers in more ways than one.  

The introduction of two bills SB 410 and SB 411, by Senator Richardville as to create a new bridge authority that failed in committee is one such cost to the taxpayers. A 1993 Legislative Analyst report on the “Average Cost of a Bill” reveals when you add bill printing, associated publications histories, files, indexes, journals, chapters and reprints, bill room operation, Legislative Counsel services, Legislative committee staff, Department of Finance services, and Agency legislative liaison costs, the total 1991-1992 session cost was $13,733 PER BILL. Other unknown consulting fees for this proposed new bridge were paid to former Michigan Democratic Governor Jim Blanchard’s consulting firm who by the way is getting consulting fees from both sides of the river from Canada as well.  

Lastly Governor Snyder made a trip to Ottawa after the bill failed in committee as to address the Canadian Parliament where he stated to the assembly “we will get a bridge built”. He also stated along with the backers of the bridge project that state taxpayers would be entirely off the hook in any event. So who covered the expenses for his trip to Ottawa for the session with Canadian officials? I’ll tell you, we the taxpayers that’s who! So it isn’t entirely true that we will be off the hook we’re already on it!  

Moving right along on the reinvention agenda highway is the proposed road tax. Governor Snyder has proposed an increase to vehicle registration fees (tax) by as much as $140.00 per vehicle along with a change in the gas tax. If there’s a change proposed in the gas tax you can bet it won’t be in our best interest! Our legislators continue taking money designated for roads and moving it to the General Fund where it gets used for a variety of non-transportation related purposes. It is difficult to justify generating new revenue for roads until they stop taking away money that should be going to roads and spending it elsewhere. Otherwise, road related taxes and fees are subsidizing other programs, and it is disingenuous to ask taxpayers for more road money when we know it will not stay there.  

In Michigan the 6% sales tax on gasoline, automobiles, and automobile related accessories has recently generated $1.9 billion dollars in revenue. In other states a portion of this money goes to roads, but in Michigan none of it is earmarked for that purpose. Taxpayers rightfully expect that all the taxes they pay at the pump or their equivalent should go to transportation, especially roads.” Once again, these bills take money from roads and give it to the general fund which will necessitate a tax increase on gas down the road.”  

Examples of this theft of our road tax dollars as in 2009 House Bill 5072: Transfer road tax money to other purposes (Senate Roll Call 539) Passed in the Senate on October 20, 2009, to reduce the amount of infrastructure project spending from the transportation economic development fund by $12 million in the Fiscal Year that ends Sept. 30, 2009, and another $12 million in the next fiscal year. House Bill 5073 diverts this money to other state spending.  

In 2011 with Senate Bill 411: Introduced by Sen. Randy Richardville on June 7, 2011, to “revise” the state road tax allocation law to accommodate the authority proposed by Senate Bill 410 to build a new bridge between Detroit and Windsor. This would rob money from our road funds as to operate this authority. It’s bad enough that every Michigan vehicle owner has to pay $145 per vehicle per year for the Michigan Catastrophic Fee.  

Finally, Governor Snyder’s proposed mandate to have insurance companies cover autism that would require (force) insurance companies to cover this disorder.   If this law is passed it will require insurers to cover evidence based therapies for autism that would include screening, diagnosis and treatment of autism disorders. Any charlatan can hang out a shingle for a treatment with a big price tag and the insurance companies will be responsible for the cost. This cost will be passed onto every policy holder in the state of Michigan. Can you say rate hike? This is nothing more than an indirect “tax increase” to the citizens of Michigan.  

A “Common Sense Citizens Agenda” for a better Michigan would be a part-time legislature, a severe reduction of government programs and entities, a drastic cut in government subsidies, elimination of the red tape and regulations, a tax cut for the citizens, and the general downsizing of state government as to let the free markets drive our economy.

The fact that we are here today to debate raising America ‘s debt limit is a sign of leadership failure. It is a sign that the US Government cannot pay its own bills. It is a sign that we now depend on ongoing financial assistance from foreign countries to finance our Government’s reckless fiscal policies. Increasing America ‘s debt weakens us domestically and internationally. Leadership means that, the buck stops here.’ Instead, Washington is shifting the burden of bad choices today onto the backs of our children and grandchildren. America has a debt problem and a failure of leadership. Americans deserve better. Senator Barack H. Obama, March 2006!

The “Bain Report” is a weekly publication for those citizens of Michigan who are concerned with the representation they are receiving from their elected officials. The purpose of this report is to educate and inform the citizens with pertinent articles and legislation that affect the families of Michigan. If you or anyone you know wishes to receive the “Bain Report” reply to rabman13@aol.com with add me to the weekly “Bain Report” in the subject line with your name and e-mail address in the body. Your email will be added to the list of those Patriots, Activist, and Concerned Citizens here in Michigan who receive the “Bain Report” published every Monday. For those currently receiving the “Bain Report” and wish to be removed from these mailings please reply to above e-mail address with remove me from your list in the subject line.  

Opinion by R Al Bain

Former Term limited State Senator Ray Basham (D) now a Wayne County Commissioner:  Where do all the politicians go after they serve their duty as an elected public servant? I always assumed that they became lobbyist for big corporations because of their knowledge of just how the system works and contacts made while serving in Lansing which would be beneficial to these companies as to advance their agenda.  

One would think that after 28 years with Ford Motor Company in which he also served in the capacity as an UAW representative, served on the Taylor City Council from 1989 to 1997, and then served as a State Representative for two terms a total of four years, then spent another two terms as Sate Senator for a total of eight years, would be sufficient as performing one’s civic duty to the public. As a concerned citizen with the representation we have been receiving here in Michigan and the cost associated with it, I would say that 23 years of public service while honorable, is more than enough!  

This type of longevity as an elected official representing the citizens of Michigan should be a concern for several obvious reasons. Civic duty was not meant to be a career! Personally I feel that every citizen when able, should step up and perform their civic duty as to represent their fellow citizens and communities for a reasonable amount of time then let someone else represent the citizenry. I would also like to note that Mr. Basham served in the U.S. Air Force from 1962 to 1966. As my former representative I have a couple of noteable complaints against Mr. Basham, his smoking ban legislation that has become law that has cost jobs and hurt many Michigan businesses. A smoking ban should be left to the private business owners not the government. And the legislation he co-sponsored with current Senator Randy Richardville (R) to mandate carpenter licensure. As a Democrat and a former UAW representative this type of union favoring legislation is expected, but not from a Republican!  

When is enough; enough? The taxpayers of Michigan are on the hook for his 12 years of public service as an elected representative in Lansing with retirement pension and benefits package, now as a Wayne County Commissioner are the taxpayers going to be on the hook for another retirement and benefits package? I’m sure Mr. Basham is getting a nice pension and benefit package from Ford Motor Company but that’s a private matter in the private sector and not the public sector at the cost to Michigan taxpayers.  

Indiana Senate Committee Passes Right-to-Work Bill

After nearly six hours of testimony and debate, the Indiana state Senate Pensions and Labor Committee approved Senate Bill 269 by a 6-to-4 vote. Commonly referred to as a “right-to-work” law, SB 269 would make it a Class A misdemeanor to require an individual to join or remain in a union or to pay any dues, fees or other charges to that same labor organization. If this legislation is signed into law you can just turn out the lights in Michigan! Indiana already has billboards inviting Michigan Businesses to come talk to them about relocating in that state at several Indiana – Michigan boarder locations.

Indiana’s lower taxation and less regulation are a huge draw for Michigan Businesses to relocate there. What is standing in the way for Michigan becoming a “right-to-work” state? The unions best friends in Lansing, Senate Majority leader Randy Richardville of Monroe and his uncle Senator Roger Kahn of Saginaw! Senator Richardville controls what goes into and out of committee while uncle Senator Roger Kahn is Chairman of the appropriations committee. Both have taken campaign donations, sponsored or co-sponsored legislation to the benefit of union interest to the detriment of the citizens of Michigan. The SEIU, Teamsters, Michigan Carpenters Union, and the UAW all have close relationships with these two so-called Republican Senators. http://www.michigancapitolconfidential.com/16266

Right to Work Increases Jobs and Choices

The Heritage Foundation’s Senior Policy Analyst in Labor Economics James Sherk, explains the benefits of right-to-work in this article that show’s an increase in job creation for those states that implement this choice. http://www.heritage.org/research/reports/2011/11/right-to-work-increases-jobs-and-choices

As Americans Await Obamacare, Canadians Wait Longer for Treatment

Our Republican led Senate overwhelmingly passed the Obama Heath Care Exchange recently. Passed 25 to 12 in the Senate on November 10, 2011, to create as a state entity the “exchange” mandated by the federal “Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act,” http://www.michigancapitolconfidential.com/16211

Senate Roll Call 663 on 2011 Senate Bill 693 – Create state “Obamacare exchange”  

IN FAVOR   SENATE

DEMOCRATS   Anderson (D) Bieda (D) Gleason (D) Gregory (D) Hood (D) Hopgood (D) Hunter (D) Johnson (D) Smith (D) Warren (D) Whitmer (D) Young (D) 

SENATE REPUBLICANS – Liberal “New Deal Republicans”   Booher (R) Caswell (R) Emmons (R) Green (R) Hansen (R) Hildenbrand (R) Jansen (R) Jones (R) Kahn (R) Marleau (R) Meekhof (R) Pappageorge (R) Richardville (R)

AGAINST

SENATE DEMOCRATS none

SENATE REPUBLICANS – “Principled Republicans”   Brandenburg (R) Casperson (R) Colbeck (R) Hune (R) Kowall (R) Moolenaar (R) Nofs (R) Proos (R) Robertson (R) Rocca (R) Schuitmaker (R) Walker (R)

State Senator about to Testify on Corruption is Killed

On Jan. 11, 1945, state Sen. Warren Hooper, who was about to testify about corruption in state government, was fatally shot as he drove home to Albion less than two hours after leaving the Capitol in Lansing. The ambush on M-99 near Springport in Jackson County was to silence Hooper because, although the lawmaker had himself taken bribes, he was known to be ready to blow the whistle on other Lansing bigwigs. Hooper, who was hit with three bullets, was supposed to have been the main witness before a grand jury probing members of the Legislature who were paid off in 1943 to defeat a bill that would have increased state revenue from horse racing by more than $1 million a year.

A year and half earlier, Hooper had testified before another grand jury that a Michigan State Medical Society official tried to bribe him to nix amendments to a medical service bill in 1939. Hooper, 41, a descendent of one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, was also survived by two sons, ages 6 and 4. Although that was over 65 years ago with the recent corruption we see at this present time, I think this kind of corruption stands true with our legislators in Lansing and may be the reason why this type of corruption still is prevalent today. http://www.freep.com/article/20120108/NEWS06/201080451/This-week-in-Michigan-history-State-senator-about-to-testify-on-corruption-is-killed

Flat Rock, Trenton Officials Charged with Racketeering

Ethics and corruption are not just regulated and limited to Wayne County. The ethics, or the lack thereof, and corruption we read in the newspapers are only about the ones who have been caught. I would suggest that this is a huge problem throughout Michigan government at all levels, local, county, and state including our elected officials in Lansing. http://www.freep.com/article/20120112/NEWS02/201120604/Flat-Rock-Trenton-officials-charged-with-racketeering

Wayne County Deal with Fired Staffer Could Cost Taxpayers of Michigan $850K

Ficano’s administration on Friday released details of a controversial — but until-now secret — 2004 settlement to former Detroit-Wayne County Community Mental Health Agency director Patricia Kukula. The release came days before a federal judge was to rule Monday on a challenge to open the file. http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120107/METRO01/201070338/1409/rss36

Ficano Lays off 44 to Save Wayne County Money

With jobs and the economy the number one concern among citizens and “voters” around the state and country today, it stands to reason that this move while warranted, is only being made now because of the recent scandal involving Ficano and his administration for political purposes. With re-election on the horizon and with the FBI investigation of possible corruption, along with mistakes and blunders by this elected official, it’s clear that Mr. Ficano fears he will lose his position feeding at the public trough! http://www.freep.com/article/20120110/NEWS02/201100348/Ficano-lays-off-44-to-save-Wayne-County-money

Michigan Chasing Dying Industry with Film Producer Subsidies at Taxpayer Expense

The film industry is an inherently risky business and therefore dependent on subsidies from states to make their money. If that’s the case, why are our legislators voting to waste taxpayer dollars for these subsidies at a time we can least afford it? Our roads, infrastructure and our debt owed to the federal government would be a better place as to allocate these funds not to the rich movie producers who make millions of dollars. Through New Year’s Eve on Saturday, projected movie domestic revenues for the year stand at $10.2 billion, down 3.5% from 2010, according to box-office tracker Hollywood.com. Taking higher ticket prices into account, movie attendance is off even more, with an estimated 4.4% decline and the smallest movie audience since 1995. http://www.freep.com/article/20111229/BUSINESS07/112290520/-11-another-downer-for-movie-studios

Box Office Slump 2011: Ticket Sales Drop to 16 Year Lows For Hollywood in 2011

Ticket sales dropped to 1.28 billion in 2011, the lowest total since 1995. This will be the seventh straight year that ticket sales have declined since the high of 2003 showing an industry in distress. According to the Los Angeles Times, total box-office per film dropped some 13 percent in 2011, because as research indicates people are more inclined to wait for movies to hit DVD and video on-demand services. However, our glorious legislators in Lansing continue to waste taxpayer dollars subsidizing Film Producers instead of following the lead of several other states and eliminating this subsidy in it’s entirety. A good analogy would be, it’s like beating a dead horse at the finish line! http://blog.moviefone.com/2011/12/30/box-office-slump-2011-ticket-sales-drop/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-bb%7Cdl4%7Csec3_lnk1%26pLid%3D123983

Michigan University President Mary Sue Coleman’s Fuzzy Numbers

Coleman’s travel and entertainment expense report shows 11 development trips, including two stops in Los Angeles and four to New York City. Her travel expenditures for the 2010 calendar year, about $59,553, was more than double her spending in 2009. This is where the fuzzy math comes into play. Her expenses for meals $70,593.00, travel $59,553.00, for a total of $130,146. While I do not claim to be a mathematician the meals costing more than the travel looks fuzzy to me! But I’m sure there is a logical explanation for what looks to be like an excess in eating in comparison to the total. Coleman’s largest travel expense, for example, was nearly $14,000 for a trip to China at the end of June 2010. U-M has numerous partnerships with universities there. Is this how China is getting our technology secrets? http://www.freep.com/article/20120101/NEWS06/201010581/1001/rss01

In my many years I have come to a conclusion that one useless man is a shame, two is a law firm, and three or more is a congress. John Adams

The “Bain Report” is a weekly publication for those citizens of Michigan who are concerned with the representation they are receiving from their elected officials. The purpose of this report is to educate and inform the citizens with pertinent articles and legislation that affect the families of Michigan. If you or anyone you know wishes to receive the “Bain Report” reply to rabman13@aol.com with add me to the weekly “Bain Report” in the subject line with your name and e-mail address in the body. Your email will be added to the list of those Patriots, Activist, and Concerned Citizens here in Michigan who receive the “Bain Report” published every Monday. For those currently receiving the “Bain Report” and wish to be removed from these mailings please reply to above e-mail address with remove me from your list in the subject line.

Opinion by R Al Bain

As I follow the presidential nominee process though an array of avenues such as newspapers, television, Internet, social media, blogs, and emails from various individuals and contacts including current politicians, former politicians, national committeemen, state committeemen, precinct delegates, and the voting public in general, I have to admit that my suspicions involving the electoral process are right on point. Do you think that the process is fair and balanced? Is there manipulation going on in this process that you may not be aware of? If the answer to the above question is yes you do believe there is manipulation going on and yes I’m aware of this then I would propose that this is not in the best interest of we the voters and our country. 

I suspected that the jig was up after the 2008 primary in W. Virginia when Mitt Romney suddenly dropped out of the nomination process unexpectedly when it still looked like he had a shot. After studying the reasons for his sudden exit I came to the conclusion that the power broker elitist and the GOP encouraged him as to make that move to withdraw from the nomination process adding that wait till 2012 you’ll be our guy it’s John McCain’s turn. Then back in early October of this year a top GOP official and bundler Georgette Mosbacher told reporters, “We know who will be our nominee.” She then added, I think tomorrow, we’ll be contacting one another and probably put something together with Romney, and I would say that the race is now Romney and Obama. These were statements spoken by Georgette Mosbacher, RNC Finance Co-Chair and huge GOP fundraiser.

I guess the rest of us really don’t have a say in who we want as a nominee and we as voters are right back to square one in that we get to vote for the worst of two evils. The Republican Party has lost membership in record numbers of late and this trend will likely continue with the shenanigans playing out such as the above example. This is happening at all levels of the Republican Party from the local, state and federal ranks. The Republican Party is quick to ask for member support through donations, campaign help, and various other duty’s, but when we offer our ideas and input it falls on deaf ears. The old guard status quo of the Republican Party knows what’s in our best interest as Republicans so keep your ideas and input to yourself, just contribute to the Party with donations, volunteer, and they will take care of the rest!

Richardville Says, Citizens of Michigan Just Don’t Get it!

Oh, but we do, all to well! Speaking to the Detroit News Senate Majority leader Randy Richardville of Monroe is concerned that the public doesn’t understand the long-term benefits of the recent reforms while praising himself and his colleagues. Where do I start? Reinventing and reforming the business tax on the backs of Michigan taxpayers instead of cutting the size and scope of Michigan’s government. If Michigan was to go with a part-time legislature the savings would have more than paid for the business tax reform without the extra tax burden bestowed upon the taxpayers.  

Another reinvention in these reforms is the taxing of pensions. Tell the current or soon to be retirees that this is a good thing. Unlike the public sector, private sector retirees do not receive the cushy Cadillac retirement packages and pensions that our elected officials receive. If workers would have know at the beginning of their working careers their pensions would be taxed they could have planned for it. Another reform while looking good on the surface, cutting lawmaker benefits, would have been great for Michigan except they exempted 36 out of 38 in the Senate alone. Ask way this cut didn’t include all lawmakers Mr. Richardville stated publicly that it wouldn’t be fair to those who came into office expecting this entitlement. Ask the retirees if they think it’s fair! What’s the old saying, what’s good for the goose should be good for the gander. 

Mr. Richardville, I would say the citizens of Michigan understand all to well how these reforms you praise will have a huge impact on them and their lives! It’s somewhat shameful that what Mr. Richarville is calling accomplishments are things that are going to have such a direct negative impact on so many Michigan families. Michigan’s citizens expect and deserve better from those we elect as to represent us and unfortunately this just doesn’t seem to be the case. http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20111230/POLITICS02/112300352/1022/rss10

Michigan Legislators Should Preserve Citizens Broad Right of Recall

Self-preservation is no less powerful an instinct in politics than any other walk of life. So it’s not surprising there are now both Democratic and Republican legislative proposals that would make it harder for Michigan citizens to remove politicians without waiting for the next election. But a round of lawmaker recall efforts engineered by the two parties this year, however misdirected, shouldn’t become an excuse to tinker with the state Constitution. 

The best argument against change is that our unfettered right to recall politicians is a powerful protection against abuse of power and government overreach, always among top concerns for people who value their freedom. Furthermore, there already are built-in safeguards against frivolous use of the process. This change proposed by the current Michigan Senate Majority leader Randy Richardville and Senate Majority floor leader Arlan Meekhof are but self serving as to assure protections of continuing feeding at the ‘public trough” no matter what actions they take that would negatively effect the very citizens they are supposed to represent. The broad right of recalls as it stands is a protection mechanism in the balance of power between the citizens and those they would elect as to represent them. http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20111223/OPINION01/112230328

After Michelle Bachmann Endorsed Pete Hokestra for Senate, Her Poll Numbers CRASHED!

The supposedly Queen of the “Tea Party” movement has dropped her bid as the GOP nominee after Iowa. What happened? An analysis of her campaign reveals a revelation as to why. Since presidential nominee hopeful Michelle Bachmann endorsed “Pork Barrel” Pete Hokestra of Michigan for U.S. Senate back in September of 2011 and winning the Iowa Ames straw poll in August of 2011 her poll numbers steadily declined! True Republican Conservatives and Tea Party voters not only in Michigan, but around the country will not tolerate endorsements of liberal GOP candidates especially when their records prove this out. http://www.freep.com/article/20120105/NEWS15/201050426/Michele-Bachmann-drops-out-of-Republican-presidential-race

What’s the Real Reason Monroe County Drain Commissioner Stefanski Retiring Early?

An article in the Monroe Evening News on November, 5, 2011 interviewing Monroe County Drain Commissioner Dan Stefanski on his announced early retirement with one year left on his elected four year term where he stated his reasons brings forth some serious questions. While it’s understandable that some personal issues change in one’s life with some of his reasons in the article being questionable at best.

He stated that his mother and his mother in-law recently passed away and this has taken a toll on his family. That may be justified but we all pass on in life at some point in time. Some of the other reasons mentioned in the article was that he wanted to spend more time with his family. That to may also be a valid reason that I’m sure most of us would like to spend more time with our families. However, this should have been taken into consideration when he decided to represent the citizens of Monroe County running for re-election in 2008 as Drain Commissioner.

Now for the valid questionable reasons given by Mr. Stefanski. He stated that he enjoy’s scuba diving, golf, and other personal activities and with this early retirement, this would give him the time as to pursue his personal interest. So are these new interest that developed since he made the commitment to the citizens of Monroe County who elected him in 2008? When I was serving our country in the United States Air Force that I made a commitment for four years under oath, I was denied personal leave as to attend my grandmothers funeral for she was not considered immediate family. Is there a difference? Don’t elected officials take an oath also?

With the elections in 2010, a new majority was elected to the Monroe County Board of Commissioners and a pattern has been developed which may effect contracts of county employees and elected officials with regard to benefits and salary compensation including retirement packages. Could this be the real reason for this early retirement by Monroe’s Drain Commissioner? If Mr. Stefanski retires now he is assured of the full Cadillac plan that is already in place, but if he stay’s for the full term he committed to in 2008 and changes are made, would he stand to lose out on the current retirement package now in place? Could this uncertainty be the real reason? Our there special contract and retirement provisions currently in place that would force his decision? The link below may give insight in answering this question. http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/heardinthehall/tascodrop.html

Increased Regulations Shut Down Coal Plants, Energy Costs Skyrocket

As Michigan’s coal industry has been decimated in part by increased state and federal environmental regulations, some experts are concerned energy bills will skyrocket. Consumers Energy also announced it didn’t anticipate operating its seven coal-fired plants past January 2015. At the same time it’s shutting down coal plants, Consumers Energy proposed hiking its electric-rates by $147 million this year. These plant closings will have a far more reaching impact that just rate hikes!

Snowballing repercussions are starting to roll in with the closing of Consumers JR Whiting Coal Fired Power Plant in Luna Pier, Michigan. This will cost taxpayers of that city and Monroe County dearly. This is a perfect example of state and federal over-regulations not to mention job killers. When a community loses over 50% of it’s tax base revenue along with the jobs that are provided by these plants, Houston we have a problem!

Not only has Luna Pier lost half of it’s revenue base and jobs that were provided by this plant, other snowballing effects are coming to the forefront. A 2.1 million drain project was well under way and bonds were issued for the project before new state and federal regulations forced Consumers Power to announce the plant closing. These bonds were issued under the full faith and credit of Monroe County. Failure of the city to make payments will require the county to step in and make up any deficiencies. Ultimately this will cost the taxpayers of Monroe County and effect the over-strapped county budget already in place at a time when communities are suffering financially.

With over regulation and revenue sharing cuts to communities by the state this will ultimately require a tax increase to the citizens. This is nothing more than an indirect tax hike on the citizens of Michigan by our state and federal legislators! http://www.michigancapitolconfidential.com/16213

Global Watt Inc. a Solar Panel Company Cancels Proposed Plant in Saginaw

This is the yet another example of our politicians in Lansing continuing the failed practice of wasting taxpayer dollars by picking winners and losers in the business community with subsidies. First, this company was promised (potentially worth tens of millions of dollars in subsides) to locate here under the guise it would create a whopping 500 jobs. Then this company was evicted recently for not paying the rent on it’s building in Saginaw. Now it’s canceling it’s proposed new plant that was to created those jobs. Isn’t it amazing how quickly bankruptcy pursues green jobs after the government check clears the bank?

There are those that would say this is just more fall out from the Granholm administration, that would be true but the Republican led legislature here in Michigan has continued to subsidize her agenda with these failed companies at an alarming rate which is a waste of taxpayer dollars! The New Bridge to Canada, Film Producers, Green and Solar energy subsidies are all Granholm agenda babies. No one has pushed harder in Lansing as to continue Jenny’s agenda than Senate Majority leader Randy Richardville who in the past was quoted as saying to a former Monroe County Republican Party executive committee member that “nobody sits to the left of me”. All one has to do is check his voting record on the Bridge, Film Producers, and Energy as to confirm. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Solar-Company-May-Not-Be–136529463.html

State Spending: Up, Up and Away in Michigan

In spite of the rhetoric we are hearing out of Lansing on the wonderful reforms that were made in 2010, this article tells a different story. http://www.michigancapitolconfidential.com/16219

Victims of Smoking Ban Cut Off Politicians

Small bar owners angered over losing their butts to the statewide indoor smoking ban plan to give lawmakers the boot. A newly formed group, Protect Private Property Rights in Michigan (PPPRM), has organized an effort to ban lawmakers from their establishments in protest against Michigan’s smoking ban. The smoking ban has been disastrous for Michigan’s small bar owners and their employees. Some reports business off as much as 50% or more which has forced them to lay-off workers. Actually the term ‘smoking ban victims’ was coined in Ohio about the ban down there. But at least in Ohio the ban was done through a vote of the people. Here in Michigan, lawmakers just did it to us. Just like the healthcare exchange big government knows what’s best for us! http://www.michigancapitolconfidential.com/15622

McCain Endorses Romney in New Hampshire

Oh the webs they weave! Validation is a wonderful thing. This endorsement just proves my suspicions were valid! I knew in 2008 after Romney suddenly dropped out of the presidential running after the West Virginia primary that he was told by the power brokers of the party that he would be their guy in 2012 for 2008 was John McCain’s turn.

The Republican Party just doesn’t get it. They continue to throw Moderate to Liberal left leaning Republican Candidates at the base of the Party. The Conservative Republicans and Tea Party faithful will not support these types of Republican Candidates period. This is nothing more than the same old power broker status quo elitist of the Republican Party that continues to lead us down the road to failure. All the talk of Washington and our Country being broken is just plain old rhetoric. Business as usual is still the theme of the day. http://www.newsmax.com/InsideCover/Romney-mccain-endorsement-2012/2012/01/04/id/423049?s=al&promo_code=DDA9-1

Planet Dingell: Volt “Selling Like Hotcakes”

GM cheerleader John Dingell huffed that Volts are “selling like hot cakes.” And Elvis is alive. And Greece is a model of fiscal health. Despite GM’s prediction that it would sell 10,000 Volts this year, it is currently languishing at 5,816 units sold, in spite of the fact that the federal government at the behest of John Dingell and others subsidizes each Volt sale to the tune of $7,500. Maybe our legislators in Lansing can get their Film Producer buddies to make a movie called “Subsidies Gone Wild” staring the lead proponent of Michigan’s Film Producer Subsidies Senator Randy Richardville along with his colleagues that voted for it? After all, the good Senator from Monroe thinks John Dingell is a “role model and statesman” in his own words with Senate Resolution 10 which he introduced in 2009.

Does John Dingell even know the Volt’s sales figures? How to explain this? One possibility is that Dingell actually believes the fiction that permeates political circles. Politicians love the Volt because it is everything they think a car should be. It’s “green”. It’s made by union labor. It’s subsidized by the government. It has to be selling. It must be selling. Why wouldn’t it be selling? When you’re this steeped in the propaganda, there’s no need to check the actual sales figures. You just know, baby. Then again, there are those little conveniently placed special interest “nuggets” that flow into their campaign coffers from those who benefit from these subsidies at the taxpayers expense. http://www.nationalreview.com/planet-gore/286698/planet-dingell-volt-selling-hotcakes-henry-payne

The elimination of cronyism and the buddy system within all levels of government including local, state, and federal no matter what party affiliation is paramount to true and honest representation of the citizenry. R Al Bain

The “Bain Report” is a weekly publication for those citizens of Michigan who are concerned with the representation they are receiving from their elected officials. The purpose of this report is to educate and inform the citizens with pertinent articles and legislation that affect the families of Michigan. If you or anyone you know wishes to receive the “Bain Report” reply to rabman13@aol.com with add me to the weekly “Bain Report” in the subject line with your name and e-mail address in the body. Your email will be added to the list of those Patriots, Activist, and Concerned Citizens here in Michigan who receive the “Bain Report” published every Monday. For those currently receiving the “Bain Report” and wish to be removed from these mailings please reply to above e-mail address with remove me from your list in the subject line.

Opinion by R Al Bain

The recent letter to the editor I sent in “Road money given to non-transportation funds” published on Tuesday, December, 20, 2011 in the Monroe Evening News has received a very positive response from both citizens and local elected officials alike here in Monroe County. I find it interesting that on the day after Christmas in the same newspaper an article under “other viewpoints” by State Senator Randy Richardville “Senate progresses toward a better Michigan” appears to be damage control related to the letter to the editor that was published where his actions were mentioned as examples!

Senate “progressives move” would have been better words in his title. While he touted all the wonderful accomplishments made by himself and his Senate colleagues, he failed to mention the negative impact of those actions on the very citizens they were elected to represent. In all fairness there have been a few changes made that may prove beneficial to the citizens but many of the changes have not and will not be in the best interest of the citizenry. The business tax reforms was a good idea except they did it on the backs of the taxpayers instead of reducing the size and scope of state government. They voted to cut the Cadillac benefit plan for lawmakers but excluded 36 out of 38 in the Senate.

A further analysis of the good Senator’s “other viewpoints” piece was the fact that it was not mentioned that pensions would now be taxed laying a extra tax burden upon those retirees including Seniors who are on fixed incomes. Had they known at the beginning of their working lives they would be taxed they could have planned for it. The new emergency manager law where the state can come in and eliminate the voters choice of representation. Cutting local revenue sharing to municipalities that will ultimately require communities to raise taxes for services they now receive including fire and police.

The practice of picking winners and losers in the business community here in Michigan is alive and well with legislation passed to boost tourism. This should be left to the tourism industry not with taxpayer monies that would be better spent on roads and infrastructure. Subsidizing the Pure Michigan Advertising Campaign, Film Producers, and least we forget Michigan International Speedway to the tune of Millions of Taxpayer Dollars just to mention a few is an affront to Michigan Taxpayers.

Michigan Political Payback Legislation Signed into Law

The Grinch could not steal Christmas, but our Legislature stole from Michigan taxpayers with Senate Majority leader Randy Richardville getting his Christmas wish early when Governor Rick Snyder signed his film subsidy Bill SB 569 into law Thursday. This is just plain bad policy for the Taxpayers of Michigan and nothing more than political payback to Richardville by the governor for introducing the “New Bridge” legislation when no other legislator would. It has been well documented here in Michigan and other states as well that this is a failed policy with several states eliminating this subsidy in it’s entirety. This is all about Richardville and paying back his film producer buddies for campaign contributions and lavish trips such as to the Emmy’s in Hollywood. And the winner is, The Film Producers with the Taxpayers of Michigan the losers! http://www.examiner.com/political-buzz-in-detroit/michigan-think-tank-deeply-disappointed-by-continuation-of-film-incentives

Republican Senate Majority Leader Resigns Over Alleged Affair

So much for the principles, traditions, and values that the Republican Party was founded upon. Far to many Republicans in name only (RINOS) that do not adhere to family morals and values today. The moral fabric of our county is in the tank along with some within the Republican Party. While it’s not just Republicans, this is disturbing for a Party that is supposed to value the family union of marriage as a core part of the party’s platform. http://www.myfoxtwincities.com/dpp/news/politics/amy-koch-resignation-relationship-dec-16-2011

Next Up, Subsidies for Michigan’s Snow Sports Industry?

With our legislators in Lansing feeling compelled to picking winners and losers in the business community as to subsidize with our tax dollars such private business as Film Producers, Michigan International Speedway, Pure Michigan Advertising Campaign, and others will they come to the rescue of the Snow Sports industry as well? Ski resorts are closed. Snowshoe and snowmobile outfitters are hurting. Motels, bars and restaurants near cross-country ski trails and ski resorts are nearly empty. The economic impact of winter travel in the state is $4 billion annually, which represents 23.3% of the $17.2-billion travel and tourism spending in the state, according to Travel Michigan’s 2010 data. Some of these businesses are down anywhere from 50% to 90%. Maybe we should just subsidize mother nature while we’re at it! http://www.freep.com/article/20111229/BUSINESS06/112290508/Mich-ski-slopes-see-their-business-scraping-bottom?odyssey=nav%7Chead

Leopards Don’t Change Their Spots!

It’s no wonder our moderate left leaning Republicans here in Michigan are supporting the Massachusetts Moderate Mitt Romney. In a recent interview Romney embraced the individual health-care mandate he helped establish in Massachusetts, calling it the “conservative” option. Somebody needs to put the definition of conservative right in his face!  Also, he responded to the flip-flop charge by noting that he’s become more conservative over the years. Yeah right. Sounds like a certain political leader in Lansing who said he has become more conservative because that is what his constituents wanted. I say the definition to these types of so called Republicans is which ever way the wind blows as to advance their political careers. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/12/22/9631652-first-thoughts-what-we-learned-from-the-romney-interview

Michigan DNR Chief Makes Communist Statement

In a recent Detroit Free Press article by Eric Sharp, Wolves Create a Stir, Michigan Department of Natural Resources wildlife chief Russ Mason made the following statement,  “People tend to see the places they hunt as their land, even if it belongs to the government.” America’s founders realized that land is the source of wealth, and drafted the Constitution to ensure that the land would remain in the hands of the people. The poorest people on the planet are landless, and most live where government owns the land, or controls it use. There is no justification for the federal government to own land beyond that authorized by the Constitution. The private sector, and locally elected officials, can provide all the protection and prosperity the people desire. This gluttonous acquisition of land by government is clear evidence of the growing influence of “socialist philosophy” in America. Without the land, the people become no more than tenants, subject to the whims of the ruling party. The vision of a pristine, pre-Columbian America is trumping the vision of our founders, of a nation where free people could be free forever, assured of the right to prosper from the use of their own property. I truly believe that this gentleman needs a refresher course on civics and his position as wildlife chief reassessed. When we as a citizenry have to contend with incompetent individuals running our governmental departments with statements such as Mr. Mason’s in this article, Houston we have a problem! Our government was instituted by the people, for the people, and our government doesn’t own anything, If not for the money by the people through taxation our government would not exist. I find his statement appalling and incompetent. The bottom line is that it’s the people’s land not the governments! http://www.citizenreviewonline.org/feb_2002/corridors_of_wilderness.htm

Sears Is Closing 120 Stores, What Retailer Will Be Next?

This may be the first retailer to say it’s closing stores post holiday season, but it certainly won’t be the last as 2012 will most certainly shake up the retail world. To be clear, Sears Holdings, Kmart and Sears’ parent company, isn’t declaring bankruptcy. It’s announcing store closures, but it certainly doesn’t bode well. http://www.forbes.com/sites/lauraheller/2011/12/27/sears-is-closing-stores-what-retailer-will-be-next/

What Does Scott Brown and Mitt Romney Have in Common?

Both “New Deal Republicans” One thing I can agree with Newt Gingrich about Mitt Romney is he’s a Massachusetts moderate at best. Remember when Republican Scott Brown won a major upset victory in the 2010 special election for the U.S. Senate seat formerly held by liberal Democrat Ted Kennedy? It was hailed as a big win by the Republican Party. Voters across Massachusetts braved winter cold and snow for an election with high stakes, and the domestic agenda of President Obama, including his priority of health care reform. On Wednesday Sen. Scott Brown (R-Mass.) continued his re-election strategy of positioning himself as an independent thinker and voter, going as far as to align himself with President Obama! This is a perfect example of how far left the Party has gone and the many “New Deal’ Republicans of today. This guy reminds me of another politician from Massachusetts, Mitt Romney who will say and do anything to get elected and has a similar record. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/28/scott-brown-obama-massachusetts-senate-2012_n_1173064.html

U.S. Homes Lose $700 Billion in Value in 2011

The year-end housing news is sobering, U.S. homes are expected to lose more than $681 billion in value in 2011. What’s the real estate market outlook for 2012? What can we expect looking ahead to 2012, the unabsorbed pool of housing supply, dragging levels of consumer confidence, high unemployment and negative equity will continue to put downward pressure on the housing market. http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/12/23/u-s-homes-lose-700-billion-in-value-in-2011-and-that’s-the-go/

Politicians Pull Off Bigger Ponzi Scheme than Bernie Madhoff Ever Did

Who gets your social security after you`re dead? Remember, not only did you contribute to Social Security but your employer did too. It totaled 15% of your income before taxes. If you averaged only $30K over your working life, that’s close to $220,500. If you calculate the future value of $4,500 per year (yours & your employer’s contribution) at a simple 5% (less than what the govt. pays on the money that it borrows), after 49 years of working you’d have $892,919.98. This is another example of what Rick Perry called “TREASON in high places” http://www.912delawarepatriots.com/forum/topic/81.html

Trump Drops Republican Party Registration in NY

Billionaire businessman Donald Trump has changed his voter registration in New York state from Republican to unaffiliated. This is a trend by Republicans that has been, and will be, playing out in larger numbers in the foreseeable future. When a Political Party sways from it’s founding principles, traditions, and values this trend becomes inevitable. This is happening around the county at all levels of government whether it be at the local, state, or federal levels. An example of this happened at the local Monroe County Republican Party Convention in 2008 when the right to a secret ballot was taken away (A Democrat Union Tactic) as to retain power and control by the status quo. The highest ranking member of this local party, Senator Randy Richardville of Monroe stood to be counted as to take away this right.There were over 50 precinct delegates at that convention that left the Republican Party and won’t be back. http://news.yahoo.com/trump-drops-republican-party-registration-ny-031537528.html

There are two ways to conquer and enslave a nation, one is by the sword, the other is by debt.

John Adams

The “Bain Report” is a weekly publication for those citizens of Michigan who are concerned with the representation they are receiving from their elected officials. The purpose of this report is to educate and inform the citizens with pertinent articles and legislation that affect the families of Michigan. If you or anyone you know wishes to receive the “Bain Report” reply to rabman13@aol.com with add me to the weekly “Bain Report” in the subject line with your name and e-mail address in the body. Your email will be added to the list of those Patriots, Activist, and Concerned Citizens here in Michigan who receive the “Bain Report” published every Monday. For those currently receiving the “Bain Report” and wish to be removed from these mailings please reply to above e-mail address with remove me from your list in the subject line.

Opinion by R Al Bain

What is a Precinct Delegate and Does it Really Make a Difference? The answer to this question quite frankly is it depends. If you are fortunate enough to get involved in your local party that is being run by the Principles, Traditions, and Values that the Party was founded upon, it may or may not. In Michigan, and I’m sure the same holds true for other states as well, some local and state parties are not run accordingly.

As an voting Republican of over 35 years, Current Precinct Delegate in Monroe County, Current Executive Committee Member (non-active), Activist, and former Candidate at both the local and state levels here in Michigan, my experience tells me that being a Precinct Delegate in fact “does not” make a difference what so ever! When your local party is run like a “Gestapo Party” only to the benefit of a select few, including the highest ranking elected official member you are definitely wasting your time! On the other hand if you enjoy being a worker bee as to advance this type of agenda you deserve what you get.

The role of a Precinct Delegate is supposed to be to serve as a liaison between the citizens and voters in your community with the issues that are the most important to them. As a Precinct Delegate you carry the issues and concerns of those neighbors, friends, family, and community back to the local party where they should be addressed. However, with the above scenario those issues and concerns fall on deaf ears because it’s not within the bounds of their personal agenda.

Wonder Where are Road Tax Money Goes?

There are new bike paths sporting shiny asphalt, but the roads are crumbling. Motorists might be surprised to learn that of the 18.4 cents per gallon of federal gas tax they pay at the pump, only about 11 cents goes to maintain highways and bridges. Our elected leaders should ensure that the gas tax dollars Michigan motorists are paying are being used to fix Michigan’s crumbling roads. There is little wonder that citizens increasingly distrust government when tax dollars go to politically favored projects rather than the purpose for which they were intended. http://www.mackinac.org/16179

Republican-led Legislature Votes Overwhelmingly to Continue ‘Big Hollywood’ Film Subsidy

Sometimes it seems like Republicans only favor limited government when they are not in charge of it, said Michael LaFaive, director of the Morey Fiscal Policy Initiative for the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. When will they accept that robbing Peter to pay Paul creates more job announcements than real jobs? That this failed ‘Big Hollywood’ program remains a creature of Michigan law is deeply disappointing. Tea Party activists were unhappy, to say the least. “I guess I’m not surprised that [bill sponsor] Sen. Richardville has continued his support of programs picking winners and losers in the economy,” said Wendy Day of Common Sense in Government. Day was a bit stunned by the support for the bill in the House. “What is their motivation for engaging in this? A lot of House Republicans campaigned against this as wasting taxpayer money, and then turned around and voted for it?” http://www.michigancapitolconfidential.com/16182

The Michigan Film Office – Hollywood Economics’ Cost Taxpayers

HBO recently announced it was cancelling the show “Hung” after three seasons. The show was filmed in Detroit and the surrounding area. The Michigan Film Office estimates the production company spent $7 million from 2010 to 2011 and received $2.7 million back from the film subsidy, comprising about 38 percent of expenditures. The Michigan Film Office receives the film subsidy money from taxpayers. http://www.michigancapitolconfidential.com/16194

Governor Snyder Should Veto Film Incentive Bills

Michigan will continue to write million-dollar checks to Hollywood movie producers under legislation passed last week, but the state will still have little to show for its generosity except an acknowledgment as the credits roll. Gov. Rick Snyder should veto this bill not just because it’s an unfair and ineffective use of taxpayer money, but because it goes against his vision for the program to be flexible. http://www.michigancapitolconfidential.com/16181

Michigan Politicians Put Recall Rights In Crosshairs

You knew this was coming after the recent re-calls against several legislators. It’s not about what’s best for Michigan citizens and the voting public but how best to protect those feeding at the public trough! A resolution has been introduced in Lansing that would “strip voters of their rights” to recall public officials for policy decisions. In practice, this means that politicians could raise taxes, waste tax dollars and pass and enact virtually any law without having to fear being recalled. The bill, Senate Joint Resolution S, is sponsored by Senate Majority Floor Leader Arlan Meekhof, R-West Olive, and co-sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville, R-Monroe. Richardville was the target of a recent re-call in 2011 and word is another attempt will come in 2012 so no surprise he would co-sponsor this attack on the rights of Michigan voters! At the 2008 Monroe County Republican Party Convention Mr. Richardville voted in favor to “strip voters there of their rights” to a secret ballot. http://www.michigancapitolconfidential.com/16155

Tea Party Groups Work to Unseat Stabenow

Invitations are being sent to all eight GOP candidates for a Jan. 14 debate at Central Michigan University, organizers announced. Two leaders from each qualified tea party group will be invited to participate in a Feb. 25 straw poll at CMU to determine who wins the tea party endorsement. But the unprecedented effort to unify the tea party vote has drawn criticism from some who say the approach undermines the fiercely independent ideology of the movement. Others who support former Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Holland (Pork Barrel Pete), believe the movement is designed to endorse any candidate but him as the tea party favorite and rightfully so with his liberal voting record! http://www.detnews.com/article/20111220/POLITICS02/112200359/Tea-party-groups-work-unseat-Stabenow

Metro Airport Severance-Gate Scandal Brings Political Corruption Front and Center

No surprise here about Suzanne Hall (former Southgate Mayor) being delegated to negotiate the contract with Turkia Mullin. Suzanne Hall was mentored by Ed (Fast Eddie) McNamara along with other local and state politicians, such as Kwame Kilpatrick, Bob Ficano, Mike Dungan, Jennifer Granholm, all Democrats. Former state attorney general and former Republican candidate for Michigan Governor Mike Cox was also groomed by McNamara who was the second biggest political crook in Michigan history next to Coleman Young! Electing and re-electing “corruptocrats” like those mentioned above along with Kwame’s father, Bernard Kilpatrick (former chief of staff for Ed McNamara), who all came out of the same corrupt Edward McNamara machine has proven to be a serious problem for Michigan and it’s citizens. http://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/index.ssf/2011/11/severancegate_round-up_turkia_1.html

Chevy Volt Could Be Costing Taxpayers Up to $250K Per Vehicle

Each Chevy Volt sold thus far may have as much as $250,000 in state and federal dollars in incentives behind it, a total of $3 billion altogether. And you thought cash for clunkers was bad! http://www.michigancapitolconfidential.com/16192

Ex-Auto Czar: Taxpayers Will Lose $14 Billion on Auto Bailouts

American taxpayers will lose about $14 billion on the $82 billion investment to restructure General Motors Co., Chrysler Group LLC and Ally Financial Inc., former auto czar Steven Rattner said. In addition, Rattner acknowledged in a recently published epilogue to his 2010 book, “Overhaul,” that about $19.4 billion that the government put into GM before the 2009 bankruptcy is “lost money.” Asked what he would have done differently, Rattner at first said, “amazingly little,” but then after a brief reflection he added, “We put more cash into GM than we now, in hindsight, probably needed to.” This just proves that like everything else the government gets involved in where it shouldn’t be the results are dismal! http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/story/2011-12-16/auto-bailout-taxpayer-cost/52007784/1

With all the corrupted and self serving politicians I do not believe we as citizens will see a truly representative government of the people for the people in my remaining life time.

R Al Bain

The “Bain Report” is a weekly publication for those citizens of Michigan who are concerned with the representation they are receiving from their elected officials. The purpose of this report is to educate and inform the citizens with pertinent articles and legislation that affect the families of Michigan. If you or anyone you know wishes to receive the “Bain Report” reply to rabman13@aol.com with add me to the weekly “Bain Report” in the subject line with your name and e-mail address in the body. Your email will be added to the list of those Patriots, Activist, and Concerned Citizens here in Michigan who receive the “Bain Report” published every Monday. For those currently receiving the “Bain Report” and wish to be removed from these mailings please reply to above e-mail address with remove me from your list in the subject line.

Opinion By R Al Bain - Road Legislation: Lawmakers “are” the Problem

Our legislators continue taking money designated for roads and moving it to the General Fund where it gets used for a variety of non-transportation related purposes. It is difficult to justify generating new revenue for roads until they stop taking away money that should be going to roads and spending it elsewhere. Otherwise, road related taxes and fees are subsidizing other programs, and it is disingenuous to ask taxpayers for more road money when we know it will not stay there.

As an example, in Michigan the 6% sales tax on gasoline, automobiles, and automobile related accessories has recently generated $1.9 billion dollars in revenue. In other states a portion of this money goes to roads, but in Michigan none of it is earmarked for that purpose. Taxpayers rightfully expect that all the taxes they pay at the pump or their equivalent should go to transportation, especially roads.” Once again, these bills take money from roads and give it to the general fund which will necessitate a tax increase on gas down the road.”

Other examples: 2009 House Bill 5072: Transfer road tax money to other purposes (Senate Roll Call 539) Passed in the Senate on October 20, 2009, to reduce the amount of infrastructure project spending from the transportation economic development fund by $12 million in the Fiscal Year that ends Sept. 30, 2009, and another $12 million in the next fiscal year. House Bill 5073 diverts this money to other state spending.

2011 Senate Bill 411: Introduced by Sen. Randy Richardville on June 7, 2011, to revise the state road tax allocation law to accommodate the authority proposed by Senate Bill 410 to build a new bridge between Detroit and Windsor. This would rob money from our road funds for this authority.

Governor Snyder has proposed more tax revenue for roads by raising the registration fee per vehicle by as much as $120.00. Snyder also wants to change the per-gallon tax on fuel and replace it with a tax of about 6.7 percent on the wholesale price. Michigan motorists still would pay the current federal fuel tax and state sales tax when they fill up at the pump. This is a bait and switch idea because the cost to the consumer would rise with the price of fuel! It’s bad enough that every Michigan vehicle owner has to pay $145 per vehicle per year for the Michigan Catastrophic Fee.

Michigan Legislature to Vote on ObamaCare Exchange

Despite all the promises from the Republicans while on the campaign trail, the Republicans are on the verge of cementing ObamaCare in Michigan. http://paracom.paramountcommunication.com/hostedemail/email.htm?CID=10600415171&ch=4D34BF0B7490C6C1A952C793018EB037&h=3e1153dc45d0de2ed23b046a6535ac20&ei=WDgM5UTFN

Richardville & 21 Other Republicans Vote for ObamaCare Exchange

Senate Majority leader Randy Richardville and 21 other Republican Senators vote in favor of ObamaCare exchange! Eight Republican Senators voted no. How could Richardville a self proclaimed conservative vote in favor of this bill? I’ll tell you, he is no conservative but a Republican in name only (RINO)! It is a sad day in Michigan when supposedly conservative politicians vote for something like this that basically endorses Obamacare because of the contents of this bill. Re-call them and or vote them out they do not represent Conservative Republican Principles, Traditions, and Values! If the thinking is re-call better hurry because they are in Lansing as I write this introducing legislation to make it harder for citizens to re-call an elected official! http://www.michiganvotes.org/RollCall.aspx?ID=592385

Bill Banning the Use of Public Funds to Collect Union Dues Stalls in Senate

No surprise here with Senate Majority leader Randy Richardville and his Uncle Senator Roger Kahn both past proponants of this type of practice with home healthcare providers and home daycare providers through the SEIU. Proposed legislation to ban the practice of using public school resources to deduct union dues from teacher paychecks appears to be stalled in the state Senate. http://www.michigancapitolconfidential.com/16154

Michigan Senate Revives Corporate Welfare Scheme Governor Vowed to End

Just two weeks after one of the firms benefiting from a $100 million state electric car battery subsidy deal announced layoffs of 125 Michigan workers (A123 Corporation), the state Senate has authorized a $50 million deal for another electric car project (Who Voted “Yes” and Who Voted “No”). The latest combination of cash grants and tax breaks would go to a firm called Townsend Ventures, which wants to use the former Ford Motors Wixom plant to make systems related to electric cars and batteries, including the “development and installation of a cost effective, national, electric vehicle recharging system. This would be the second time the Legislature has authorized huge subsidies for an alternative energy scheme using this particular plant. In 2009, $100 million was approved for a deal that fell through earlier this year, a joint venture involving firms calling themselves “Xtreme Power” and “Clairvoyant Energy.” http://www.michigancapitolconfidential.com/16148

Ficano Wants Taxpayers to Foot Bill for Legal Costs

All Michigan Taxpayers are effected by this not just Detroit and Wayne County. Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano is so swamped with FBI subpoenas he wants taxpayers to spend nearly $400,000 for a criminal defense attorney to answer them. http://detnews.com/article/20111214/METRO01/112140355/Ficano-350K-legal-costs?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|FRONTPAGE

Michigan Taxpayers are on the Hook again for Monica Conyers’ Legal woes

It was learned Monday that the City of Detroit has agreed to settle a lawsuit that says Conyers, wife of Detroit Democratic U.S. Rep. John Conyers, had someone fired for politically opposing her when she was a city councilwoman. Wasn’t she recently on furlough (vacation) from prison here in Detroit for another legal matter? Civil matters aside, the Michigan Taxpayers also paid for Conyers’ lawyer in her criminal case where she pleaded guilty to bribery and was sentenced to 37 months in prison. Can the voters be so stupid as to re-elect her husband Detroit Democratic U.S. Rep. John Conyers who claimed he knew nothing of the corruption his “wife” was involved in? http://www.freep.com/article/20111108/NEWS01/111080350/City-agrees-cover-lawsuit-against-Conyers

Feds’ Subpoenas Target Wayne County Business Dealings

This looks like the Fed’s are digging pretty deep into this corruption which will take many of the players down along with some Lansing politicians as well. “I think it’s significant, because it means that it’s gone up another level from an FBI investigation,” said David Griem, a Detroit defense attorney and former federal prosecutor. http://www.freep.com/article/20111117/NEWS02/111170499/Feds-subpoenas-target-Wayne-County-business-dealings

U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade Offical Evidence Request http://www.freep.com/assets/freep/pdf/C41819131116.PDF

Tea Party Groups Seek Ohio ‘Right-to-Work’ Measure

Just two days after Ohio voters overwhelmingly rejected a state law curbing collective bargaining rights, a tea party coalition said it will push an amendment to the state’s constitution that would prevent workers covered by union contracts from being required to join unions or pay dues. http://www.conservativeactionalerts.com/2011/11/tea-party-groups-seek-ohio-right-to-work-measure/

Is the End Near for Comcast?

The maligned cable giant has had 443,000 more homes cancel than sign up this year and things are just going to get worse. Comcast was actually last year’s winner in Consumerist.com’s annual Worst Company in America contest. Comcast has seen 443,000 more homes cancel than sign up so far this year, and that’s after losing 757,000 accounts in 2010 after shedding 623,000 customers in 2009. http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/11/10/why-comcast-will-never-be-great-again/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-bb%7Cdl13%7Csec1_lnk3%7C111628

The political and commercial morals of the United States are not merely food for laughter, they are an entire banquet.

Mark Twain

The “Bain Report” is a weekly publication for those citizens of Michigan who are concerned with the representation they are receiving from their elected officials. The purpose of this report is to educate and inform the citizens with pertinent articles and legislation that affect the families of Michigan. If you or anyone you know wishes to receive the “Bain Report” reply to rabman13@aol.com with add me to the weekly “Bain Report” in the subject line with your name and e-mail address in the body. Your email will be added to the list of those Patriots, Activist, and Concerned Citizens here in Michigan who receive the “Bain Report” published every Monday. For those currently receiving the “Bain Report” and wish to be removed from these mailings please reply to above e-mail address with remove me from your list in the subject line.

Opinion by R Al Bain

Here in Monroe County we have a local Republican Party that acts, and is run like it’s a Gestapo Party. As an executive committee member (non-active) I have been observing their Democratic Union tactics for several years. This party is run by the “self proclaimed conservative” (FAT CHANCE) Senator Randy Richardville and his minions lead by his mother first vice chair Glenda Kennon. She has been first vice chair since her son was first elected as a state representative back in 1999.

Many chairman of this local party have come and gone but Mrs. Kennon has remained first vice chair since 1999. Those that have been past chairman were hand picked by the “Richardville Machine” and either left because of how the party was run or if they didn’t go along with the Richardville agenda they were “purged”. Recently a dues paying member, (isn’t that how the Democrats run their party) in good standing upset the machine by holding Republican Breakfast Club meetings and inviting candidates that wasn’t the machines choice.

Prior to a recent monthly party meeting a closed door session of the Richardville Machine Executive Committee Members (click) voted to “ban” this member from further participation and when he showed up for the meeting was turned away by three member thugs! Some questions come to mind with this revelation, is this the Principles, Traditions, and Values that the Republican Party was founded upon? I for one think not and this is the reason I as an executive committee member am inactive within this local party!

Tea Party Boiling Mad at Governor Snyder

He’s not a conservative. He is not for smaller government,” opines Scott Hagerstrom, who runs the Michigan chapter of the very right-leaning and Tea Party-dominated Americans for Progress, 65,000 strong.

http://domemagazine.com/skubick/sku111811?utm_source=Dome+e-bulletins&utm_campaign=76ccd5abd6-Dome_E_Bulletin_11_18+11_9_2011&utm_medium=email

J.R. Whiting Coal-Fired Power Plant in Monroe to Close in 2015

This is a blow to Monroe County and the City of Luna Pier. The plant accounts for 50 percent of Luna Pier’s tax base revenue not counting the jobs that will be lost. New state and federal regulations prohibit the plant to stay afloat because of the upgrade cost.

http://www.toledoblade.com/Nation/2011/12/03/Luna-Pier-coal-fired-power-plant-to-shut-in-15.html

Michigan Lawmakers Want to Handcuff Voters With New Recall Legislation

When it comes to legislators losing their spot feeding at the public trough they will go to any lengths to preserve it! Instead of wasting time protecting their sorry asses why not do what they were elected to do, the peoples business. Michigan citizens need jobs, road and infrastructure improvements, and a debt free state government. What we get is higher taxes, no new jobs, crumbling roads and infrastructure, bigger government, all while they propose legislation that benefits themselves.

http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/article/20111202/NEWS04/112020322/Proposal-would-alter-recall-criteria-Michigan

County Pals Win Big with Contracts

For any taxpayer of Michigan willing to do the research within their own community they will find that the same “friends and family” favoritism with our own elected politicians. Again, this is not regulated to just corruption in Wayne County but throughout the whole state. Our elected officials are instrumental in getting no-bid contracts for associates, political contributors and others connected to county government.

http://www.freep.com/article/20111113/NEWS02/111130460/Turkia-Awada-Mullin-key-no-bid-land-bank-contracts-went-associates-contributors?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|FRONTPAGE

Green Energy – More Wasted Tax Dollars

Michigan liberals in Lansing wasting taxpayer dollars on green subsidies! At the Federal level liberals can’t pretend that Solyndra was a one-time occurrence or that the “green” energy loan program that gave it $535 million of your money is otherwise a great program. Michigan has and is dolling out plenty of tax dollars to green companies that have or are staring to fail.

http://www.conservativeactionalerts.com/2011/11/more-wasted-tax-dollars/

Big Bets on Solar Companies Aren’t Paying Off for Taxpayers

The subsidies just a keep on flowing in Michigan! United Solar and its Auburn Hills parent, Energy Conversion Devices, are barely hanging on along with other solar related companies. Government investments, commitments and earmarks totaled more than $170 million for the company. The hope, if not the promise, was that ECD would create more than 1,000 new jobs in Michigan as green technology took hold. They didn’t happen so the taxpayers loose again!

http://www.freep.com/article/20111111/NEWS15/111110406/Big-bets-solar-company-aren-t-paying-off-taxpayers

Top GOP aide for House panel has ties to Solyndra

The top GOP aide to a House committee investigating Solyndra Inc. once worked for a lobbying firm that helped the now-bankrupt solar company apply for a half-billion-dollar federal loan. Gary Andres, staff director of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, was a vice chairman at Dutko Worldwide until last December, when he was appointed to his current post by Rep. Fred Upton, R-Mich., chairman of the energy panel. The committee is investigating Solyndra, which received a $528 million Energy Department loan in 2009. The company later went bankrupt and laid off its 1,100 workers.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-ap-us-solarinvestigatio,0,6813938.story

Is the U.S. Headed into a New Recession?

Many citizens feel that we haven’t come out of the current one! The Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, which recently published a research paper estimating that the odds were “greater than 50-50″ that the U.S. will experience a recession sometime in 2012? That view was backed up by Pacific Investment Management CEO Mohamed A. El-Erian, who recently told Bloomberg TV that he found the economic conditions in the U.S. “terrifying” and placed the odds of the country entering a new recession as high as 50%.

http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/12/06/why-are-economic-forecasts-so-confusing/

Food Stamps Buy Starbucks Frappuccino At Grocery Store

Could this be happening here in Michigan? A recent investigation by Oregon Fox affiliate KPTV has found that Frappuccinos can now be bought with food stamps at Starbucks stands located within grocery stores.”It’s crazy”, said Jackie Fowler, the food stamp recipient who took part in the investigation for Fox 12 News. “They’re overpriced as it is. That’s money that somebody could be eating with – a loaf of bread, a gallon of milk.”

http://www.kptv.com/story/16160615/fox-12-investigators-find-food-stamps-used-for?hpt=us_bn7

MF Global Fallout Affects Us All

If you have a 401, pension, or any other type of financial interest this fallout will have a huge effect on you! It doesn’t matter if you were directly invested with MF Global or not your investment entity will have a huge impact and not for the better. This has affected the farmers in the United States severely and this will have a impact on the already high cost of food as an example with other rippling effects yet unknown. Ann Barnhardt explains the repercussions in this interview, click here.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/12/06/us-mfglobal-agriculture-idUSTRE7B509620111206

Politicians and diapers should be changed often, and for the same reason

Mark Twain

The “Bain Report” is a weekly publication for those citizens of Michigan who are concerned with the representation they are receiving from their elected officials. The purpose of this report is to educate and inform the citizens with pertinent articles and legislation that affect the families of Michigan. If you or anyone you know wishes to receive the “Bain Report” reply to rabman13@aol.com with add me to the weekly “Bain Report” in the subject line with your name and e-mail address in the body. Your email will be added to the list of those Patriots, Activist, and Concerned Citizens here in Michigan who receive the “Bain Report” published every Monday. For those currently receiving the “Bain Report” and wish to be removed from these mailings please reply to above e-mail address with remove me from your list in the subject line.

Opinion by R Al Bain

For the past three weeks I have conversed with several individual citizens and business owners of all political affiliation throughout Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The overall consensus of the direction of our state, country, and the political leadership we as citizens are receiving is not good at all. While the conversations were on a broad range of the political spectrum and recent enacted policies here in Michigan, the citizenry are not happy campers

The new Pension Tax, the Smoking Ban, and the proposed New Bridge to Canada along with higher taxes in general dominated the conversations. Not one person I talked with liked any of the above or agreed with the enacted or proposed legislation. How is it that those we elect to represent us do not adhere to our wishes? This tell’s me that the rhetoric we hear from these representative’s prior to being elected is just that. Once in office, special interest, lobbyist, and party take a front seat to our wishes and concerns on how we want to be represented.

We as voters must to our due diligence with research before casting a vote. The Republican leadership in Lansing is not governing in accordance with the principles, traditions, and values that the Republican Party was founded upon! In fact, I would argue that today’s Republican’s are “New Deal Republican’s” and not Conservative Republican’s. We need a smaller government along with, less taxes and a part-time legislature here in Michigan!

15% Poverty Rate? No Evidence where Lobbyists and Legislators Meet

The Recession is Over for Lobbyists! It appears that the recession has ended, at least for Lansing lobbyists. They reported spending $19,664,879 in the first seven months of 2011. That figure is up by 11.6 percent compared to the first seven months of 2010, and it exceeds the spending pace of 2008, the record year for lobbying in Lansing, when reported spending totaled $19,599,000 in the January through July reporting period. Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville was the top beneficiary of the food and beverage hospitality, enjoying $2,985 worth of food and libations. That is more than $47 per day when the Senate was in session. So much for representing your constituents over the lobbyist and special interest! http://mcfn.org/press.php?prId=133

Lobbyists Welcome Michigan Legislators with Perks

Private parties. Free meals. Even gifts. It sounds like a dream come true, and for some lawmakers, it really is. Michigan legislators just got back from a five-day conference where they were wined and dined. It’s reported that a handful of Michigan lawmakers made the trip and not at taxpayer expense but I disagree totally in that assumption. Indirectly taxpayers pay dearly in the legislative influence wielded by these lobbyist and special interest groups over what’s in the best interest of the citizens (taxpayers) here in Michigan. Lobbyist and Special Interest groups have a policy agenda, and they’re trying to drive that agenda. http://www.wxyz.com/dpp/news/local_news/investigations/lawmakers-lavished-with-free-meals,-parties,-gifts-at-san-antonio-conference

Michigan Senators who voted for SB 693 Obamacare Wall of Shame http://www.campaignforliberty.org/profile/7653/blog/2011/11/13/obamacare-exchange-wall-shame

Senators Admit Obamacare Is Unconstitutional

On the morning of Nov. 10, the following 13 Republican state senators all voted to implement a key component of the federal “Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act” by authorizing creation of a Michigan agency to distribute the law’s insurance subsidies: Darwin Booher, Bruce Caswell, Judy Emmons, Mike Green, Geoff Hansen, David Hildenbrand, Mark Jansen, Rick Jones, Roger Kahn, Jim Marleau, Arlan Meekhof, John Pappageorge and Randy Richardville.

A few minutes later, these same Republicans (plus several others who voted against creation of the agency – the “exchange”) voted for a resolution that included the following assertion about the PPACA: “The act violates the U.S. Constitution, including the Ninth and Tenth Amendments and the constitutional principles of federalism and dual sovereignty on which this nation was founded.”

Some are saying that by their own admission these lawmakers declared that they had just violated the U.S. Constitution, which 10 months ago they all swore an oath to support. These politicians will claim that this characterization is unfair and simplistic, because Obamacare forces lawmakers to choose between two unpalatable options: Implement what they consider an unconstitutional law themselves, or let the federal government do so, possibly in ways that are even more harmful to Michigan.

In fact, the law does force that choice, although for most Michigan residents it will make little difference whether Obamacare’s mandates, cost increases, budget-busting subsidies and eventual rationing are administered by the state or the federal government. http://www.mackinac.org/error404.aspx?ID=16036#thread1

Governor Snyder may go it alone on New Bridge to Canada

Gov. Rick Snyder lost the battle his first significant defeat since taking office in January to convince the Legislature to sign off on one of his top priorities: building a public bridge between Detroit and Windsor. But expectations are growing that he will push the New International Trade Crossing outside of the Legislature, a strategy that raises serious legal questions over the extent of the governor’s executive authority. http://www.freep.com/article/20111121/NEWS06/111210438/Gov-Snyder-may-go-alone-new-public-bridge-Canada

Michigan DNR Buys Upper Peninsula Land

Our State is “broke” and in “debt” so can anyone tell me how and why we are buying land? The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is buying about 2,000 acres of Upper Peninsula land to create the Menominee River State Recreation Area. The DNR announced Tuesday it will buy the acreage in Menominee and Dickinson counties for $2.5 million from Wisconsin Electric Power Co. Northern Michigan Land Brokers purchased the expanse of riverfront from We Energies, a Wisconsin utility at roughly $2,000 an acre or twice as much per acre as the company paid, according to Robert Sullivan, the firm’s principal owner. http://www.fox11online.com/dpp/sports/outdoors/michigan-dnr-buys-land-in-upper-peninsula

Property Values in Michigan Down but not Taxes

The median change in property tax revenues among communities statewide is a 5.7% increase between 2008 and 2010, according to the Free Press analysis. http://www.freep.com/article/20111118/NEWS05/111180394/Property-values-metro-Detroit-down-not-taxes-analysis-shows

GOP Plan Targets Deductions, Would Raise Taxes by $290 Billion

A Republican plan to raise taxes by $290 billion over the next decade would limit deductions for mortgage interest, charitable donations and state and local taxes as part of a deficit-reduction deal. Some workers could also see their employer-provided health benefits taxed for the first time, though aides cautioned that the plan is still fluid. http://news.yahoo.com/gop-tax-plan-targets-itemized-deductions-080710390.html

Statistics Proves U.S. Economy Much Worse Than Most Americans Think

Yes, most Americans realize that the economy is not doing well right now, but most of them also believe that this is just a “temporary” downturn. The mainstream media tells us over and over that a “recovery” has either already begun or that one is right around the corner. Sadly, the truth is that the U.S.economy is in much worse shape than most Americans think. http://www.conservativeactionalerts.com/2011/11/15-statistics-which-prove-that-the-u-s-economy-is-in-much-worse-shape-than-most-americans-think/

New Social Security Formula would Cut Benefits, Raise Taxes

Why is it that our elected officials (politicians) whether in Lansing or Washington, make decisions, it seems to effect the citizens they are supposed to represent the hardest and have little if any effect on them? The recent legislation passed in Lansing to cut lawmaker benefits sounds great on the surface but out of 38 Senators they rigged it so 36 are exempt! Just as 55 million Social Security recipients are about to get their first benefit increase in three years, Congress is looking at reducing future raises by adopting a new measure of inflation that also would increase taxes for most families. Those with low incomes would be hit hardest. http://www.freep.com/article/20111108/NEWS07/111080330/New-Social-Security-formula-would-cut-benefits-raise-taxes

“Governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.” Thomas Jefferson

by Gonalo Lira

“For ordinary, non-specialist people just tuning in to the horror-show which is the European crisis, the whole mess can seem daunting and almost hermetic—almost like a secret language, or a really complicated code.” more… [This is worth a read.]

Taking Executive Orders Too Far

by Ron Paul

“This may be news to the supposed constitutional scholar who is now our president, but if the political process seems inconvenient to the implementation of his agenda, that is not a flaw in the system. It was designed that way. The drafters of the Constitution intended the default action of government to be inaction. Hopefully, this means actions taken by the government are necessary and proper. If federal laws or executive actions can’t be agreed upon constitutionally- which is to say legally- such laws or actions should be rejected.” more…

Understanding the Price of Money

by Robert P. Murphy

“In a money economy, the money commodity is on one side of every transaction, and hence reduces the number of relevant prices. The direct exchange ratio between any two commodities can easily be computed from their respective money prices. The `price’ or purchasing power of money is the array of goods and services for which a unit of money can be exchanged.” more…

Regulars

• The Bain Report
• Friday Fail
• One failed bank this week.

Other Stuff

• Geothermal energy shows promise. Apparently so does privately funded science!
• Ohio votes to nullify ObamaCare.
• Ron Paul at the Michigan Presidential Debate. (video abut 11 minutes).

And now the numbers…

DOW Jones Industrials – 12,153.68 (+170.44/1.42%)
S&P 500 – 1,263.85 (+10.62/0.85%)
VIX – 30.04 (-0.12/-0.40%)
CSI 300 (China) – 2,695.002 (-68.744/-2.49%)
BSE 500 (India) – 6,585.87 (-156.21/-2.32%)
MICEX (Russia) – 1,484.97 (-16.21/-1.08%)
BOVESPA (Brazil) – 58,546.97 (-122.95/-0.21%)
Nikkei 225 (Japan) – 8,514.47 (-286.93/-3.26%)
RICI (Commodities) – 3,754.70 (+10.33/0.28%)
Oil/bbl (Brent) – 114.16 (+2.19/1.96%)
Corn/bu – 647.75 (-8.00/-1.22%)
Wheat/bu (CBT) – 646.00 (+9.25/1.45%)
Rough Rice (CBOT) – 15.22 (-0.905/-5.61%)
Copper/lb – 348.30 (-8.15/-2.29%)
Gold/oz – 1,788.10 (+32.00/1.82%)
Silver/oz – 34.682 (+0.598/1.75%)
EUR-USD – 1.3807 (+0.0015/0.11%)
USD-JPY – 77.1213 (-1.1182/-1.43%)
USD-BRL – 1.7435 (-0.0083/-0.47%)
NZD-USD – 0.7894 (-0.0044/-0.55%)
3 Month Treasury – 0.00 (+0.01/-100.00%)
2 Year Treasury – 0.23 (+0.01/4.55%)
10 Year Treasury – 2.06 (+0.03/1.48%)
30 Year Treasury – 3.13 (+0.04/1.29%)
3 Month LIBOR – 0.46 (+0.02/4.55%)
U.S. Public Debt (official) – 14,973,303,402,600.00 (+74,794,200.00/0.00%)
Baltic Dry Index (BDIY:IND) – 1,835.00 (+51.00/2.86%)

Not too much going on around here. Thought I’d watch some football today, but that’s been largely a no go, although I can see that the Broncos are winning. Wonderful Wife has worked all weekend and Little Bear and I have been hanging out. Went to Cabella’s yesterday, looked at all of the fish, and shopped around. Mainly I needed a pair of gloves, you know, for shoveling the snow that is about to come. Today we’ve mainly watched TV: Peppa Pig, Harry Potter, Ponyo, and some football. She’s sleeping now. I’m headed back to watch football and read a bit. New baby is going to be here in just a couple of weeks!

Have a great week!