State Representative Aaron Miller says he can support a tax increase as part of a comprehensive package for road funding. But he says lawmakers and the Snyder administration can do better than the plan which includes an increase in the state sales tax.
Miller says he does not support the ballot proposal to boost the sales tax one percent. He says there are some good reforms in the road funding package. But Miller says a tax increase should be tied to cost savings and accountability in the Michigan Department of Transportation's Budget. Miller says lawmakers should be working on a "Plan B" in case the ballot proposal is rejected.
Miller spoke with WMUK's Gordon Evans on a range of issues. A summary.
Budget and Tax Credits
Michigan is facing a budget shortfall that officials say is linked to tax credits that businesses have been claiming, and could continue to cash in for several more years. Miller, who sits on the House Appropriations Committee, says he would favor trying to reach a deal with companies that could claim tax credits with the state. He says that may mean a "sweetener" such as larger credits in exchange for stretching them out over time. Miller says the state needs predictability in how much will have to paid out in tax credits every year. The freshman Republican from Sturgis says awarding the tax credits at the time was understandable because Michigan's economy needed a boost. But Miller says going forward, the state should be looking for more board-based policies to help businesses in the state, rather than credits to individual companies.
Civil Forfeiture
A new report by the Institute for Justice gives Michigan a D-minus for its laws on civil forfeiture. Miller says he thinks there will be bi-partisan support for reform. He says police agencies should not keep property seized as part of forfeiture. Miller says if seized property is evidence, that should be part of an investigation, but he says otherwise it should be returned.
Other Issues
In the extended version of the interview, Miller says he still supports repealing Michigan's "prevailing wage" law. Governor Rick Snyder has said he's opposed to the repeal because he fears it would hinder the state's efforts to boost skilled trades. Miller also reacted to a report on lobbyists spending on state lawmakers. He says meeting with lobbyists is part of the job, but doesn't have to include buying food or drink. Miller says all spending by lobbyists on food, drink and entertainment for lawmakers should be reported, no matter how small the amount.
