January 31, 2008

HIGHLITES FROM THE SENATE

SENATOR MARK ZIEMAN

This was the first full week that all the wheels of the legislative process rolled. Work began in budget subcommittees, even though we do not have any spending targets issued. This process did not work well last year and I had hoped some lessons would have been learned. It seems many of my colleagues left fiscal responsibility at home when they headed for Des Moines. At the end of this session, the budget will have grown $1,000,000,000, or 20% in just two years. This will be an interesting process again this year.

The Senate Republicans decided to move the process forward by announcing plans aimed at illegal immigration, alternative highway funding and an economic stimulus package this week. All three plans are in their infancy, but, I will share their highlights with you.

I believe we need to secure our borders, implement guest worker and I.D. programs so we know who is here. It is now more difficult to get out of the Unites States than it is to sneak in. With that said, the Senate Republicans took a look at the Oklahoma and Arizona plans. We want Workforce Development involved. We propose adding ICE trained Highway Patrol Officers to help our local officials deal with complicated immigration issues. Historically, we are a welcoming state whose residents are law abiding. We expect others here to follow those same laws. Hopefully, this action will send a clear message to our congressional delegation that we expect action on their part.

The Governor proposed taking $90,000,000 from the infrastructure fund and using it for on-going expenses. Those monies would be better spent on infrastructure, thus the proposal to move it to highways, although, I am not totally enamored with this plan.

Finally, we proposed that any economic stimulus payments from the federal government be state tax free. The Governor and majority party agreed with us on this proposal. In addition, we presented a proposal to lower tax withholding rates to more accurately reflect the amount owed the state. Currently, we refund $600,000,000 each year.

As you can see, the wheels are moving - they just needed a little oil to get them started.

My next forums will be Saturday, February 9. Representative Gipp and I will be in New Albin at the Townhouse Meeting Room from 9 till 10 am. Then from 10:30 till noon, we will be at T.J.’s Pub and Grub in Lansing. Please join us for discussion of some interesting topics.

Respectfully,

SENATOR MARK ZIEMAN
Senate District 8

For further information or clarification, please contact me at the Capitol (515) 281-3371 or at my home (563) 864-3104.