Some ride the Rails, while others ride in Gilded Gondolas in Michigan
Michigan has had long standing tax policies that favor certain citizens over others. I have always advocated double blind application of taxes, where no one citizen can make an emotional case as to why they deserve favoritism. Anyone can make the claim, that their presence in our society is so beneficial that they deserve a tax break. This logic fails, when those who actually pay the taxes leave the State in protest, as we are witnessing now.
Michigan has lost 1 million residents since 2000. And, 3 out of 4 College Seniors leave after graduation. This is not just because of the job climate, as this is problematic nationwide. It is however caused by forcing young private workers, to carry the entire tax burden for a state that has a disproportionate number of seniors and public employees. I predicted a $400 Million loss in Income Tax Revenues from early retirements and layoffs in the SE Michigan Auto Sector in 2008, and I was right on target. While wages are declining, wage earners must bear a heavier and heavier tax load to maintain our State infrastructure, while many with high incomes paid nothing.
If we want our kids to live here in Michigan, we need to force the gentry class to pay it's fair share. Especially, when outstate transplants can retire here, and enjoy prferential pension treatment, after never having worked in Michgan to contribute to the infrastructure of our State.
Wages for workers have declined in Michigan, substantially reducing our tax rolls, as they are the only ones that pay significant taxes. As a Father of 9 kids, with many whom have graduated college and are in the work force, I see this first hand and am willing to reset the pendulum of favoritism towards attracting workers.