As the economy continues on a downward trend, more and more families are struggling with basics, including trying to save the family home. Then, consider the past year in Lansing and their choices to balance the budget. Why is increasing taxes so easily considered – and passed – in Lansing, particularly considering the sagging Michigan economy?

It seems that instead of setting real priorities (needs versus desires) and squeezing out efficiencies in existing government operations, taxation is always the ‘get-away’ car on stand-by. Taking more money out of the pockets of Michigan’s citizens happened when they can least afford it, and it happened with relative ease. Now, there is talk in Lansing that they might increase taxes again!

As a state senator that was very simple: initiating or increasing taxes should require a supermajority (2/3) vote of the legislature. (Currently, it only takes a simple majority.) A supermajority vote would provide one more source of protection and accountability for Michigan’s citizens and businesses. Even more puzzling is the fact that it takes a supermajority vote in the legislature to even bring an issue to the vote of the people as a ballot initiative.

Shouldn’t increasing your tax burden have at least the same hurdles to overcome as simply asking you to vote on a statewide issue? The bottom line, Michigan citizens need more pocket-book protection and a supermajority is one more way to accomplish that goal.

Currently, there are 16 states that require a supermajority in some form to raise taxes. Michigan currently requires a supermajority to raise property taxes as they relate to mills levied for school district operations. No other tax group is currently subject to that requirement. My point is – why not?

Ronald Reagan once said about the federal government, "We don't have a trillion-dollar debt because we haven't taxed enough; we have a trillion-dollar debt because we spend too much."

The same holds true today as it did when I was serving in the legislature. Michigan needs to enact a supermajority vote of the legislature for any new taxes or tax increases.