Despite outcries from conservative activists (and no apparent benefit to his Northern Michigan State Senate District), Tom Casperson, also a candidate for U.S. House in Michigan’s First Congressional District, backed a controversial corporate welfare bill that critics say forces families to pay more while companies benefit from political clout.
The bill could cost schools or other parts of Michigan government millions of dollars…
According to MLive:
“The main bills, which passed the House 61-45 and the Senate 26-12, drew pushback from various lawmakers who argued the state should not change its tax code to benefit one particular industry or company.
“To pick and choose a property that is exempt is to leave every other loyal taxpayer without the political muscle to extract an exemption for themselves to wonder who is representing them, and why they must carry the cost of government,” said Rep. Earl Poleski, R-Jackson.
Sen. Rebekah Warren, D-Ann Arbor, quoted Sesame Street as she explained her opposition to the bills, pointing out that data center equipment would receive the same state sales tax exemption as food and prescription drugs.
“One of these things is not like the others,” she said. “One of these things just doesn’t belong.”
The sales and use tax exemptions could cost Michigan tens of millions a year in lost or foregone revenue, but the bills include language to ensure that the School Aid Fund is held harmless.”
Casperson has been referred to as the “Nation’s Most Liberal Republican Congressional Candidate.”
Previously, CI wrote:
“State Senator Tom Casperson announced his campaign to run for the Congressional seat being vacated by Rep. Dan Benishek.
Benishek, a Doctor from Northern Michigan, announced he’s retiring from his seat in Michigan’s First Congressional District when his term ends in January of 2017.
Casperson’s voting record is immensely controversial, voting for multiple pieces of legislation that Michigan conservatives despise.
From voting for a gas tax increase, Michigan’s version of “Obamacare,” as well as the largest tax increase in the Great Lakes State in over 50 years-among other things- Casperson’s conservative credentials are sure to be front and center throughout the campaign.
According to an analysis from Inside Michigan Politics, Casperson is the 2nd most liberal Republican State Senator in Michigan.
“Only one Republican state senator has a more liberal voting record than Senator Tom Casperson of Escanaba.””
