State Representative Jon Hoadley says legacy tax credits to businesses have busted a hole in the state budget. He says the state can't operate with such uncertainty decades into the future. The Kalamazoo Democrat says the state should get concessions from businesses with unclaimed tax credits.
Hoadley says business leaders should come back to the table and "share in the sacrifice." He says that could include spreading out the payments over a longer period of time. Hoadley sat down with WMUK's Gordon Evans. A summary of other issues:
Tax Policy
Michigan voters will soon decide if the sales tax will go up one percent. But Hoadley says there should be a "conversation" about a graduated income tax. He says there may not be much legislative movement on the idea for now. But Hoadley says that could help fund the state's priorities and would reduce the tax burden on the poorest Michigan residents. He says a petition drive could put that issue on the ballot in the future.
Guns
Hoadley is co-sponsoring legislation that would prohibit people from openly carrying guns in "weapons-free" zones. He says a loophole has been created that allows someone with a concealed pistol license to carry a gun out in the open. Hoadley says only law enforcement officials should be carrying a weapon in a "gun free zone" such as a school or hospital.
Road Funding
Michigan's plan to boost road funding hinges on voters approving an increase in the sales tax on May 5th. Initial polling has shown that the proposal may be facing an uphill climb. Hoadley says it's still early in the process, and that may change. He says a "yes" vote on the one-percent boost to the sales tax is the best option for solving a long-term problem without harming school funding or local government. Hoadley says there are parts of the road funding package, he doesn't like. But he says there is not a significant "Plan B" right now.
Role in the Legislature
Hoadley is the one Democrat representing Southwest Michigan. Asked what that means for his role in the Legislature, he says the delegation from the region has a good working relationship. Hoadley says it's important for all sides of the debate and to be heard, and he says voters don't care what party a good idea comes from.
Other Topics
In the web version of the interview, Hoadley discusses the Allied Paper Landfill site in Kalamazoo, his appointment to the U.S. Civil Rights Commission's Michigan Advisory Committee, the continuing debate over the Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act and government transparency.
