Wednesday, June 16, 2010

“Hoekstra: State has failed for years (with video)” plus 1 more

“Hoekstra: State has failed for years (with video)” plus 1 more

Hoekstra: State has failed for years (with video)

Posted: 16 Jun 2010 02:13 AM PDT

"Lansing needs adult supervision" to turn Michigan's economy around, usher in business and improve education, said U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Holland, who is running for governor.

While clearly a shot at Gov. Jennifer Granholm's administration, Hoekstra said the state's leadership for years has failed to take action to address Michigan's structural financial problems.

Hoekstra, one of five Republican candidates for governor, visited the offices of the Daily Press & Argus Tuesday afternoon.

He declined to say who would serve in key positions if he were elected, but said compromise and a practical approach need to return to Michigan government.

Hoekstra said the state won't be able to rely on the next governor or state or national government to create jobs, but that the governor can initiate measures to improve Michigan's business climate.

He cited the Michigan Business Tax — which he advocates getting rid of — and what he said are extensive and confusing state regulatory rules as examples of things that discourage business investment, and should be a top priority in the new administration.

Hoekstra also supports eliminating the personal-property tax on new business equipment.

"It's hard to do business in Michigan, and it's expensive to do business in Michigan," Hoekstra said.

"But there's been no movement toward fixing the problem," he added.

Hoekstra said the void created by eliminating the state business tax and personal-property tax on businesses could be filled by expanding the state's sales tax and increasing the rate, but wouldn't say how high the current 6 percent sales tax should be raised.

The issue would go before voters because it would require a state constitutional amendment.

When asked if his plan shifts the tax burden from businesses to residents, Hoekstra said most business taxes are already passed onto consumers.

Hoekstra said taxing consumers based on what they buy at a higher rate makes for better tax policy.

"We know that the current system doesn't work," he said, adding that capital is being "driven out of Michigan" under current tax policy.

Five Filters featured article: Headshot - Propaganda, State Religion and the Attack On the Gaza Peace Flotilla. Available tools: PDF Newspaper, Full Text RSS, Term Extraction.

Hadley graduation

Posted: 15 Jun 2010 11:16 AM PDT

Wednesday, June 9, The Hadley School for the Blind held its annual High School Graduation at the Winnetka Woman's Club. This year, eight students received their high school diplomas and six were present for Hadley's commencement ceremony.

This year's graduates are: Charles S. Henries, Spencer, N.C.; Michael R. North, Lansing, Mich.; Amy E. Bonano, Clear Water, Fla.; Robert J. Whittaker, Monterey, Tenn.; Henry E. Mallett, Lumberton, N.C.; Sarah A. Nelson-Norwood, River Ridge, Mich.; Conrad L. Perry of Ayer, Mass.; and Kristin Sheriff, Key Largo, Fla. They range in age from 21 to 60.

Celebrating its 90th anniversary this year, Hadley has had an accredited, tuition-free high school program since the 1930s, helping people over the age of 14 who are blind or visually impaired achieve this important milestone. Through this nationally-recognized program, students can transfer credits to their local school district or receive their diploma directly through Hadley. Many apply credits from their local school toward their Hadley diploma. Some students supplement their homeschooling with Hadley's high school courses as well.

Students participating in Hadley's High School Program often find themselves unable to complete courses through their local school for a variety of reasons, including a lack of accessible materials. Hadley's courses are all accessible and available in a student's medium of choice - large print, braille, audio or online. Students study at their own pace, in the convenience of their own home.

Hadley also offers three other programs: Adult Continuing Education, Family Education and the Hadley School for Professional Studies. The school has a partnership with Utah State University as well, offering college credit for educators and paraeducators of school-age children with visual impairments. Hadley's courses are free of charge for students who are blind or visually impaired; there is a modest tuition for professionals. To learn more about The Hadley School for the Blind, call 800-323-4238 or visit www.hadley.edu.



Five Filters featured article: Headshot - Propaganda, State Religion and the Attack On the Gaza Peace Flotilla. Available tools: PDF Newspaper, Full Text RSS, Term Extraction.
Posted by at

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)