Michigan Political Week in Review: Feb 15 - 21
It may seem that all you hear out of Lansing or Washington right now is the word “budget” being either preceded or followed by a string of expletives. And there is a reason everyone is so worked up about it right now; Governor Snyder is right to call this our defining moment. Everything else done by government for the remainder of these next two years will be impacted in some way – and often dramatically – by this budget.
The world doesn’t stop, though, as the budget moves forward. In this week’s Political Week in Review: The Michigan budget proposal (of course), the release of the National LCV Scorecard, the interconnection between the budget crisis in Michigan and Wisconsin, and the U.S. House’s decision to keep the locks open for the Asian Carp.
The Michigan Budget and the environment, in less than 350 words
The budget is more than dollars and cents. It is the process by which we as a state, guided by our elected officials, prioritize what we value most and what we are willing to cut. The question now, then, is how much do we value our Great Lakes, open spaces, and overall quality of life?
This year, Governor Snyder recommended a roughly 15% cut (page B-38) to the programs that monitor and enforce essential environmental safeguards. This 15% must be put into context, though, as it slashes once again at programs that have sustained over 75% in cuts over the past decade --- though sustained is, perhaps, too generous of a word. At this point, basic services --- from prompt permitting to the emergency clean-ups --- cannot be provided to protect our parks, rivers, communities, and Great Lakes with this remarkable lack of resources. Almost as important, though, was the proposal to essentially eliminate tax credits. That means no more credits for contaminated sites to be converted into productive lots, no more credits for the continued growth of the electric vehicle industry, and no more credits for the attraction of clean energy manufacturing.
But, look, it doesn’t do to simply criticize the Governor. He is in the intensely unenviable position of making intensely unpopular decisions to bring our state back within its means. The difference in opinion stems from his prioritization. For example, is a six percent flat corporate tax really the most important thing we can do for Michigan? Or can we compromise to find room to secure our state’s position as a national leader in advanced batteries, the renewable energy industry, and as a unique tourism location with our vibrant Great Lakes?
Whether you like the Governor’s proposed budget or not, this is only the beginning of the budget battle and the proposal is only that, a proposal. The legislators - 60 out of 110 of whom in the State House are hardly two months into their new jobs - must now take it up and will deliberate for the next three months. Do not assume that these new faces will know the best course of action in this enormously complex process. Michgian LCV exists to work with them and hold them accountable on their votes, but it is on you to call your Representative or Senator to tell them your own priorities as their constituents. For the full picture, read the Governor’s proposal here.
It is no exaggeration to say that the next two years depends on it.
Release of the National LCV Annual Environmental Scorecard
This week, our sister organization in DC released its Scorecard of all the nation’s federal representatives. Most notable from Michigan’s perspective was the 100% scored by Congressmen Levin, Conyers, Peters, Stupak, and Kildee, along with Senators Levin and Stabenow. Most disappointing was Representative Upton’s turn from a 37% lifetime score to a 0% on the latest scorecard.
Why is this all so important? Last week, the U.S. House voted to pass a budget resolution which effectively destroyed the EPA's ability to regulate greenhouse gas and tore into clean energy research funding. When it is time to vote again in 2012, voters deserve to have easy access to these kinds of wildly irresponsible actions. (Don't lose too much sleep yet, however, as the President already threatened a veto and the Senate is yet to take their crack at it, too).
Where the Madison protests and Michigan’s economy intersect
If you were to continue westward on I-94 far enough, beyond Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids, even Chicago and Milwaukee, you would eventually run into the most roiling protest this side of the Atlantic. The fight emerges from Wisconsin Governor Walker’s move to eliminate collective bargaining rights for public unions (but not the ones that supported him in his reelection, suspiciously, though even they are publicly regretting it now). As important as this fight is for both sides at the epicenter in Wisconsin’s capitol, the tremors felt here in Michigan extend well beyond just labor, with much larger implications for our evolving economy.
Last week, for example, the Blue-Green Alliance – a national coalition of labor and environmental organizations – highlighted the inextricable connection between the right to organize and economic growth in the clean energy sector. If the right to collectively bargain for fair wages and benefits continues to be attacked, the economic gain to the state and communities becomes much less impressive as the value of each of those jobs is diminished.
Congress keeps the locks open for the Asian Carp
Most Americans lock their doors at night to keep out those they would prefer not enter without invitation. But, then again, the U.S. House is hardly “most Americans.” Despite bipartisan efforts by Representative Dave Camp (R-Midland) and Senator Debbie Stabenow (D), the House voted 292-137 to keep the Chicago locks open despite the continuing threat and invasion of the Asian Carp. As Camp notes, 800,000 jobs depend on the integrity of the Great Lakes ecosystem. Leaving the door ajar to hordes of ugly and voracious 100-pound invaders is not a good policy in any neighborhood, much less Lake Michigan, itself. Knock knock... Check out the new neighbors.
Until next week,
Ryan Werder, Political Director
