Show Us All the Spending

The Michigan Taxpayers Tea Party in Lansing was a success. Hundreds for taxpayers showed up to tell the governor an legislature not to raise taxes. In the same spirit the Wayne County Taxpayers Association has joined a coalition of taxpayers from around the country in an effort how state money is spent.

As you may know, last year President Bush signed S. 2590, the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act, into law. The legislation creates a searchable online database that the general public can use to track the flow of hundreds of billions of dollars in federal grant and contract expenditures. We deserve the same access to state government finances.
Creating a similar website on the state level would entail little cost, but it would greatly increase transparency in the distribution of precious tax dollars and help hold all elected officials accountable for state spending. By acting now, we in Michigan have the opportunity to lead the nation in making spending more easily accessible to the public. Tell your legislator: "Show me the spending!"

By participating in the letter campaign you can help convince your legislator to support legislation. You can see pictures and a video of the rally and send letters to you legislator from our website. www.wctaxpayers.org

Recall 1983

It is almost upon us. Tomorrow, Wednesday April 18 at 11:00 AM, taxpayers from around the state will converge on the steps of the State Capitol to protest the the possibility of a tax increase. Just like in 1983 the people in this state find themselves faced with unemployment, foreclosures an an economic woes and the solution offered is to raise their taxes. The result in 1983 was the attempted recall of Gov. James Blanchard and the recall of two State Senators. A third senator was almost recalled but the campaign was sabotaged by those who wanted to put and end to the recall movement.

Just like then, people are plotting to sabotage taxpayer influence. The Michigan Federation of teachers and Artserve have changed their lobbying day to coincide with this rally. The Michigan Liberal Blog has sugested that their readers show up and behave outragiuosly before the media to convince them we are rightwing nuts. We suggest that you bring a camera and, if you see them, take a picture. You can also interupt an interview and tell them that this person does not represent you or the majority of other people at the rally.

Bring you camera, have a good time and we will see you there. I'm proud of you!

On the Road To Lansing

Momentum is building and people are calling and communicating that they will be in Lansing on Wednesday, April 18th at 11:00 AM, for the Michigan Taxpayers Tea Party. If you plan to come, and we hope you do, get there early. Bring your cameras and take pictures. There may be disruptive individuals or others taking pictures who may be trying to discredit participants of our rally.

These are not new tactics. They have been used before. There may be those among us who are on the side of the taxspenders. We have seen this behavior at other rallies and while people are trying to gather signatures for petitions. Don't forget your enthusiasm and commitment. You may be able to shape the future of this state. You may be able to influence the badly needed change in direction that this state needs.

Bring your sincerity and a smile. Bring your family, friends, a teabag for the Governor and a sign. Please leave the front of the capitol in the same condition as you found it (taxpayers have to pay to clean it). If you have time, visit your Senator and Representative while you are there and tell them NO MORE TAXES. Help us create jobs and economic developement through the proper environment and not selective government intervention.

SEE YOU THERE!