Skubick: Expect Republicans to stand in way of Snyder's road fee hike
Posted:
Updated:
By Tim Skubick FOX 2 Political Analyst
LANSING, Mich. (WJBK) -- Governor Rick Snyder made a little history in last night's State of the State address. For the first time in some 27 years a sitting governor stood before the house and senate and endorsed raising more revenue. This would be for the roads. He was careful not to label it a tax hike, preferring instead the term user fee. What's the old saying about a duck?
The last time a sitting governor did that was former Gov. Jim Blanchard who, during his first years in office, embraced an extremely unpopular income tax hike. Mr. Blanchard eventually got what he wanted, but the read on Mr. Snyder repeating history is iffy at best. Get real, the fee hike is in deep doo-doo.
It's not because it's a lousy idea; everybody knows the roads are crumbling faster than the Lion's defense. But voting for stuff in this town because it's good public policy is one of the last reasons that legislators consider. There are other more pressing issues such as self-preservation.
House members are safely in office for two more years, but now the GOP senators are running for their political lives which makes it tough for the governor to round up votes.
For example in a pre-speech pitch, the governor went behind closed doors with the House and Senate GOP caucuses. Let's just say they were not bouncing up and down for joy.
One wag in town quickly labeled it the Birthday Tax because the state sends the registration fee bill right around your 'B-day.'
So what kind of reception did he get if not unbridled enthusiasm?
"I will give him a fair hearing," advised conservative Macomb County GOP Rep. Peter Lund. That was code for he is not ready to vote 'yes.'
"I need to see the details," echoed another Macomb County anti-tax lawmaker Rep. Ken Goike. Seeing the details and voting 'yes' are two different animals.
Watching all this, with some glee, are legislative Democrats. They know, that he knows that he needs them and the D's are not ready to bail the governor out. Why should they because they like him?
On the contrary, the loyal opposition has probably figured out that it can develop a list of demands . If Snyder meets them, they might vote for road revenue. If he doesn't, forget it.
Give him credit. His passion was palpable when he called on everyone to set politics aside and do something for the people. It was his best rift but the reality is, what he wants lots of Republican's don't.
Which means the Democrats have him sprawled over a barrel. And there's another old saying, turnabout is fair play.
Monday, May 13 2013 7:13 AM EDT2013-05-13 11:13:17 GMT
The undone stuff Gov. Snyder and Lt. Gov. Calley are still struggling to adopt is piling up like the garbage in your neighbor's backyard and it's beginning to stink.
The undone stuff Gov. Snyder and Lt. Gov. Calley are still struggling to adopt is piling up like the garbage in your neighbor's backyard and it's beginning to stink.
Tuesday, May 7 2013 8:21 AM EDT2013-05-07 12:21:59 GMT
Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero has been the subject of this cross-examination for months as his Democratic Party continues its elongated and so far unsuccessful search for a candidate for governor.
Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero has been the subject of this cross-examination for months as his Democratic Party continues its elongated and so far unsuccessful search for a candidate for governor.
Tuesday, April 30 2013 10:02 PM EDT2013-05-01 02:02:40 GMT
The Snyder administration is concerned that Detroit Mayor Dave Bing's support for Emergency Manager Kevin Orr "may go south" as Bing gears up for a possible re-election campaign.
The Snyder administration is concerned that Detroit Mayor Dave Bing's support for Emergency Manager Kevin Orr "may go south" as Bing gears up for a possible re-election campaign.
Friday, May 24 2013 11:58 PM EDT2013-05-25 03:58:44 GMT
Police say a woman was held captive at a hotel for several days and forced to have sex around the clock with multiple men, whoever would pay the price. 26-year-old Deante Brown now faces sex trafficking charges.
Police say a woman was held captive at a hotel for several days and forced to have sex around the clock with multiple men, whoever would pay the price. 26-year-old Deante Brown now faces sex trafficking charges.
Friday, May 24 2013 11:18 PM EDT2013-05-25 03:18:53 GMT
Dairy Boy keeps getting hit with tire tracks in the yard, so they brought in boulders to act as a visual warning and physical reminder not to cut the corner. Now they've been told those rocks must go.
Dairy Boy keeps getting hit with tire tracks in the yard, so they brought in boulders to act as a visual warning and physical reminder not to cut the corner. Now they've been told those rocks must go.
Friday, May 24 2013 10:34 PM EDT2013-05-25 02:34:36 GMT
The pediatrician called him a big baby, his parents believed their boy was genetically destined to be obese, but he proved them all wrong. One day, he made a critical decision and became a weight loss winner.
The pediatrician called him a big baby, his parents believed their boy was genetically destined to be obese, but he proved them all wrong. One day, he made a critical decision and became a weight loss winner.
Friday, May 24 2013 8:54 PM EDT2013-05-25 00:54:08 GMT
More than 150 dogs have been removed from locations owned by a breeding facility in Michigan's northern Lower Peninsula, where officials said the animals were living in outdoor enclosures with little protection.
More than 150 dogs have been removed from locations owned by a breeding facility in Michigan's northern Lower Peninsula, where officials said the animals were living in outdoor enclosures with little protection.
Friday, May 24 2013 7:06 PM EDT2013-05-24 23:06:29 GMT
Krazy Jim's Blimpy Burger, an institution for generations of University of Michigan students in Ann Arbor, is about to undergo a historic change of address.
Krazy Jim's Blimpy Burger, an institution for generations of University of Michigan students in Ann Arbor, is about to undergo a historic change of address.
Friday, May 24 2013 6:54 PM EDT2013-05-24 22:54:49 GMT
Gleaming stainless steel circa 1975 provides the once futuristic setting for Southfield's best-kept secret -- Anthony's Coney Cafe inside the IBM building at Nine Mile and Southfield Road.
Gleaming stainless steel circa 1975 provides the once futuristic setting for Southfield's best-kept secret -- Anthony's Coney Cafe inside the IBM building at Nine Mile and Southfield Road.
Friday, May 24 2013 5:31 PM EDT2013-05-24 21:31:37 GMT
A home explosion in Royal Oak back in February killed a man and damaged dozens of houses. Now some homeowners are complaining that insurance companies are making repairs difficult.
A home explosion in Royal Oak back in February killed a man and damaged dozens of houses. Now some homeowners are complaining that insurance companies are making repairs difficult.
Friday, May 24 2013 1:52 PM EDT2013-05-24 17:52:39 GMT
Alan Lee asks Wallace if the subject of Viagara will 'come up' in Wallace's scheduled interview with former Senator Bob Dole. Wallace responds, "Comes up, really that's what you're going to say?"
Alan Lee asks Wallace if the subject of Viagara will 'come up' in Wallace's scheduled interview with former Senator Bob Dole. Wallace responds, "Comes up, really that's what you're going to say?"
Friday, May 24 2013 1:29 PM EDT2013-05-24 17:29:01 GMT
School officials say an earlier lockdown at three schools in Allen Park Friday has been lifted.
School officials say an earlier lockdown at three schools in Allen Park Friday has been lifted. Officials say police gave the all-clear at Allen Park Middle School, Lindemann Elementary and Riley Education Center around 12:40 p.m. Friday.
