Michigan Governor Granholm Gives Kickback to Former Republican Tax Hiker

In October 2007, Governor Granholm shoved over $3 billion in new taxes down the throats of Michiganders telling them it would solve the state’s budget crises and turn Michigan around. However, in order to pass her tax hike, she needed bipartisan support - and she found it in former republican State Representative Ed Gaffney. Well, last week the term-limited legislator finally received his thank you note from the governor – attached to a big, fat $82,000 a year appointment to the state Liquor Control Commission.

After a private meeting with Governor Granholm in 2007, former Representative Gaffney was one of only two republicans to vote for her “temporary” 12% increase in the Michigan personal income tax, which brought over $750 million into state coffers last year.

On another note, after the budget passed in 2007, Granholm released this statement: “With the state back on solid financial footing, we can turn our focus to the critical task of jumpstarting our economy and creating new jobs.” Well, over a year later Michigan currently has the highest unemployment rate in the country at 10.6%. Good work, Governor Granholm.

For some other good posts on this story, visit the Michigan Taxpayers Alliance blog and the RightMichigan blog.