Jim Stamas Watch

Better off than you were a year ago?

2009-10-21T17:20:00.002-04:00

Last November, Midland voters chose the cuts-only candidate. I guess they are getting what they asked for as the school system faces huge cuts to their budget: http://abclocal.go.com/wjrt/story?section=news/local&id=7074188

Six months and counting

2009-06-22T14:13:00.003-04:00

Anyone seen Rep. Stamas lately? Last I heard, he was holding "office hours" in Midland, and he did make a showing in the requisite Memorial Day events...in Midland. How about Saginaw county, specifically Kochville, Carrollton, Zilwaukee? Any of you good folks seen him around?

Seems his introduced bills (6) and amendments (4) also have nothing to do with the platform that he supposedly ran on (Jobs, Education, Health Care).

Let's see, there's HB 4898: to require state agencies with authority over various environmental regulatory regimes, in particular the Department of Environmental Quality, to hire an independent expert to conduct two studies each year benchmarking the regulation administration on the basis of per permit cost, how fast permits are processed, “customer service” practices, measurable environmental effects, how it compares to other states, and more. The benchmarking would continue at that pace until all programs had been reviewed.

HB 4736: to authorize enhanced restitution for victims of identity theft, which would include any costs and attorney fees incurred to rectify the effects on the victim’s finances, credit history and personal records.

HB 4657: to give the state Public Service Commission the duty of recommending policies that would “reduce barriers” to senior or low income utility customers receiving state subsidies.

HB 4517: to grant a pro-rated homestead property tax exemption after May 1 to a person who acquires and occupies a homestead for which an exemption was not already on the tax roll on May 1. Under current law, if an owner has not filed the principal residence (homestead) property tax exemption for a residence by May 1, then the property tax exemption does not apply until the following year.

HB 4153: no longer use state agencies (and money) to enforce the wetland land use regulations required by federal law, but instead leave this to federal authorities to enforce.

See www.michiganvotes.org for more detail.

Against hiring Michigan first?

2009-03-13T06:55:00.003-04:00

In case you haven't been watching (http://www.michiganvotes.org/), Mr. Stamas has opposed numerous bills introduced relevant to citizenship and residency preferences for the hiring of employees. All seems rather hypocritical of the GOP which stands firmly behind granting any immigrant rights. So, you can employ them and pay them susbstandard wages but don't penalize the business for doing so? There's also that ugly provision about hiring Michigan workers first. You cannot tell me that there are no qualified Michigan workers, in these economic times. There might be a few laid off Midland workers who won't take kindly to this. As I recall, a lot of Michigan residents are looking for work. We should be doing everything that we can to keep them here. Then, there's our new batch of college graduates to think of. Will they be able to stay within the state or will they have to go elsewhere for employment?

Opposed: 2009 House Bill 4085 - 4094 (Require citizenship and resident preferences in subsidies & tax breaks).

To be fair he did support related bills 4083, 4084 & 4090.

Michigan Votes

2009-02-20T19:51:00.002-05:00

In case you are interested and have some time, you can keep an eye on the legislation that Mr. Stamas supports or opposes at:

http://www.michiganvotes.org/

State budget cuts

2009-02-14T13:58:00.003-05:00

The Governor unveiled her State budget on Thursday and, as expected, there were proposed cuts to education, corrections, and health care.

According to the Midland Daily Snooze, Mr. Stamas offered up "that Granholm is on the right track but I believe we can do even more to spend taxpayer dollars more efficiently and wisely."

So how can we do better Mr. Stamas? These blanket statements that are put out, without any really content, are truly annoying. So, you were going for a little press without any substance. Any solutions to offer up?

He added "The governor's decision to use part of our federal stimulus package money to help pay for the state's deficit is shortsighted. That money is intended to create jobs and stimulate our economy, not pay for government programs and services. Our schools should always be a top priority, and we need to ensure our budget reflects that priority."

Again a little bit of substance would do you well. Actual ideas and promises to help fix the problem might be good. But wait, your party really doesn't ever offer up ideas and solutions. My bad.

But he did add, that "her decision to consolidate some departments and use technology to improve government efficiency are commendable." Hmmm, your buddies in the township won't be too happy about that.

Legislator pay cuts - Part 2

2009-02-08T12:43:00.006-05:00

Our friends in the legislature have voted to cut their pay (see resolution description below). The most burning question however is when would the proposed cut go into effect? Word has it, not until 2011 or later. Hmmm, we'll cut our pay.....later.

House Concurrent Resolution 0003 (2009):
A concurrent resolution to request the State Officers' Compensation Commission to recommend a 10 percent reduction in salaries of the members of the Legislature, the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, the Attorney General, and the Secretary of State the next time the commission meets and to urge the commission to ensure that none of its future recommendations exceed the average increase in state employee pay. Last Action: 02/05/2009 - REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS AND REFORM

According to the Midland Daily News: "Democrat Alma Wheeler Smith of Washtenaw County’s Salem Township cast the only House vote against the 10 percent pay cut for lawmakers, the governor and other elected officials. She called the resolution “frivolous and misleading.” “There is no language for implementation in this bill,” she said in a prepared statement. “To decrease the salaries as proposed requires a constitutional change, which consequently requires a public vote. It is a real shame that we advocate transparency in government and then we put forth a resolution like this one designed to pull the wool over the public’s eyes.”The State Officers’ Compensation Commission reportedly will meet later this year."

Coal plant

2009-02-05T06:27:00.003-05:00

If you have been following the news for the past two years, you know that a coal plant has been proposed for Midland, just off Waldo road. However, there's been a great deal of resistance locally and the state also seems opposed to any new expansions. However, according to the Saginaw News, "Rep. Jim Stamas, a Midland Township Republican, said he's concerned a hold on coal-powered plants would hurt new industries that need energy now. LS Power Co. of East Brunswick, N.J., is deep in the permit process for a $1.3 billion "clean coal" plant in Midland, and Jackson-based Consumers Energy plans a $2.3 billion similar electricity generation venture adjacent to the Karn-Weadock complex in Bay County. "I'm all for renewable energies," Stamas said. "I don't know that they've shown the ability to provide the energy we need."

If Mr. Stamas is "all for renewable energies" then it will be exciting to see him proposing the growth, expansion and use of such energy sources. In the meantime, he might want to spend some time with the Michigan Environmental Council, who can educate him about the ability of renewable energy to provide the energy that is needed in region.

Office hours

2009-02-05T06:18:00.004-05:00

Mr. Stamas receives an additional $12,000 for expenses which one could assume is to help defray the cost of an office. Yet, there are no signs or notifications of an office anywhere in the district. Mr. Stamas has scheduled office hours at the Stacker Grill in Midland (4312 N. Saginaw Road) on Monday, February 9 from 8:00 - 9:30 a.m. If you aren't at work you should stop in.

In the meantime, one wonders if the residents of Brant and Brady, or Merrill, will make the trek to stop in during his "office hours." Hopefully he will remember that the district includes more than the city of Midland.

This just in (02.09.09): Rep. Stamas schedules local office hours — Local residents can visit with state Rep. Jim Stamas in Saginaw County on Friday, Feb. 13 and Monday, Feb. 16. The 98th District lawmaker will conduct office hours on Feb. 13 at the Carrollton Township Office, 1645 Mapleridge Road, from 9 to 10:30 a.m.† Stamas also has scheduled office hours on Feb. 16 at Little Bambino's Restaurant Merrill, 120 W Saginaw St., Merrill, from 9:30 to 11 a.m.† For more information, call Stamas toll free at 1-800-626-8887, or through e-mail at jimstamas@house.mi.gov.†

Lawmaker paycuts proposed

2009-02-05T06:05:00.004-05:00

If you were watching the State of the State address, or have recently read the newspaper, you'll know that the Governor has called for lawmakers to take a 10% paycut. Mr. Stamas seems to agree: "I didn't come to Lansing for the salary. I came to work with and for the people." (Source: The Saginaw News, February 4, 2009) As a result, it is then correct to assume that Mr. Stamas will be introducing legislation to this effect, right?

In case you are not aware, our House reps earn $79,650 annually, and receive an additional $12,000 for expenses. They also receive lifetime healthcare after serving six years in office. In addition, they receive extra compensation for leadership positions, which Mr. Stamas has received (Republican assistant whip).

Stay tuned. Let's see if Mr. Stamas puts his money where his mouth is and proposes a pay cut.

Great Lakes Education Project support

2009-02-02T19:25:00.005-05:00

One of the major donors to Mr. Stamas' campaign has been the Great Lakes Education Project (GLEP). The GLEP donated $5,000 directly to Mr. Stamas' campaign but also supported him through media buys in the amount of $40,002.60 on October 23, 2008.

Just to clarify, the mission of the GLEP is "to improve the climate for meaningful education reform, in Michigan, by electing candidates who are committed to action. We will assist candidates who are truly concerned about the plight of the hundreds of thousands of children, in Michigan, that are being denied an equal opportunity to a quality education and candidates who will work to bring educational freedom and choices to parents." For more information on the types of questions that the GLEP asks candidates before deciding to endorse and support, see: http://lerner2008.com/index2.php?option=com_docman&task=doc_view&gid=8&Itemid=87

Perhaps you are wondering where the GLEP gets its support. Recent filing reports indicate that the following donations were received from August - October, 2008:
Helen DeVos - $125,000
Richard DeVos - $125,000
Ron Weiser - $50,000 (Executive with the Huizenga Group)
Dick DeVos - $50,000
Betsy DeVos - $50,000
J.C. Huizenga - $75,000

Next up, Michigan 2010. Also another major donor to Mr. Stamas campaign.

PAC Contributions

2009-01-29T14:56:00.006-05:00

Mr. Stamas received quite a bit of support from Political Action Committees, 71% of his overall contributions as a matter of fact. In the interest of campaign disclosure, see the list below. You will notice a trend and might not be surprised then by the legislation that he will undoubtedly support.

4th District Republican Committee - $1,500.00
ABC of Michigan PAC - $1,150.00
Amerisure PAC - $500.00
AT&T Michigan PAC - $700.00
Auto Dealers of Michigan PAC - $2,500.00
Bank of America PAC - $500.00
Bishop Majority Fund - $5,000.00
Blue Cross/Blue Shield - $4,000.00
Brookholdings & Jackson Life PAC - $1,000.00
Cameron Brown Leadership Fund - $200.00
Campaign for Michigan Families - $199.00
Chrysler Service Contracts PAC - $200.00
Clark Hill PAC - $250.00
CMS Energy Emp for Better Gov - $500.00
Comerica Bank PAC - $850.00
Commander's Majority Fund - $250.00
Committee Jim Stamas County Comm. - $168.75
Cox 5200 Club - $1,750.00
DentPAC of Michigan - $350.00
Deputy Sheriff's PAC - $100.00
Dow Chemical Company Employee PAC - $1,500.00
Dow Corning Legislative Action Team - $2,200.00
DTE Energy Company PAC - $1,750.00
Enterprise Rent-A-Car Company PAC - $500.00
Friends of CMU - $150.00
Friends of Farmers Insurance PAC - $500.00
Friends of Ferris - $350.00
Friends of Housing - $1,000.00
Friends of John Moolenaar - $100.00
Grand Rapids Chamber PAC - $1,000.00
Great Lakes Education Project - $250.00
Green Team Majority Fund - $2,000.00
Health Care Association of Michigan PAC - $500.00
Hildebrand Leadership Fund - $3,000.00
House Republican Campaign Committee - $15,000.00 (In-kind)
Huizenga House Fund - $750.00
Insurance & Financial Adv. PAC-MI - $750.00
Insurance Institute of Michigan PAC - $500.00
ITC Holdings Corporation PAC - Michigan - $250.00
Jansen Legacy Fund - $2,000.00
John Moolenaar Leadership Fund - $1,500.00
Kahn Leadership Fund - $5,000.00
Kelly Services PAC - $250.00
Ken Horn Saginaw Valley Leadership PAC - $500.00
LaFarge Michigan PAC - $500.00
Land Victory Fund - $1,000.00
MACPA PAC - $250.00
Martin Knollenburg Leadership Fund - $1,500.00
Meekhof Majority Fund PAC - $500.00
Meijer PAC - $500.00
MHSA PAC - $1,034.29
Michigan 2010 - $5,000.00
Michigan Aggregates Association PAC - $500.00
Michigan Assoc. of Collection Agents PAC - $200.00
Michigan Association of Health Plans PAC - $200.00
Michigan Association of Insurance Agents PAC - $850.00
Michigan Bankers Association - $2,000.00
Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Assn PAC - $5,000.00
Michigan Chamber PAC - $1,450.00
Michigan Chiropractic Society PAC - $250.00
Michigan Credit Union PAC - $1,000.00
Michigan Doctors PAC - $1,500.00
Michigan Farm Bureau PAC - $5,000.00
Michigan Forest Products Council PAC - $100.00
Michigan Funeral Directors PAC-MFDA - $150.00
Michigan Licensed Beverage Assoc. PAC - $450.00
Michigan Manufactured Housing PAC - $500.00
Michigan McDonald's Operators PAC - $500.00
Michigan Mortgage Brokers Assn PAC - $250.00
Michigan Osteopathic PAC - $500.00
Michigan Paving & Materials PAC - $500.00
Michigan Propane Gas Assn PAC - $100.00
Michigan Restaurant Association PAC - $5,000.00
Michigan Townships Association PAC - $750.00
MICPAC - $500.00
Midland County Republican Committee - $5,000.00
Naeyaert Advocacy Group - $500.00
PAC for Employees of Dow Chemical - $1,000.00
Principled Leadership Fund - $500.00
Realtors PAC of Michigan - $4,750.00
Republican Victory Committee - $1,000.00
Richardsville Leadership Fund - $2,000.00
Saginaw Builders PAC - $500.00
School Administrators PAC - $500.00
Small Business Assoc. of MI PAC - $250.00
St. Joseph County Republicans - $250.00
Telecommunications Association/MI PAC - $1,000.00
The Great Southwest Fund - $1,300.00
Troopers PAC - $500.00
Waste Management PAC of Michigan - $200.00
Wyeth Good Government Fund - $250.00

Stamas Committee Assignments

2009-01-29T09:02:00.000-05:00

Ah, the committee assignments have been made and it seems that those campaign promises are not reflected anywhere in the assignments that Mr. Stamas received:

State Rep. Jim Stamas will serve on the influential House Tax Policy Committee where he will advocate for reforming the state's tax structure to create jobs and strengthen the economy. Stamas is a longtime small-business owner who asked to serve on the committee in order to help reform tax policy to help Michigan residents and the economy. Stamas said a major detriment to job creation has been a new tax surcharge placed on businesses last year. "The state must repeal this surcharge to allow Michigan businesses to create more jobs while encouraging other job providers to move to our state," said Stamas, R-Midland. "Reforming our current tax policy is an excellent way to help Michigan become a more competitive place to live and work."

Stamas also will serve as caucus vice chair of the House Tourism, Outdoor Recreation and Natural Resources Committee, it was announced today. The lawmaker also was appointed to the regulatory reform and joint committee on administrative rules committees.

So, let's see, there is a mention of jobs creation in the first assignment. Although we all now know that tax breaks certainly haven't helped jump start our state or national economy in recent years. What we have here is the same old tiresome mantra of the republican party. In addition, while everyone agrees that a revision of the MBT is in order, where are the solutions? Nope, just do away with the thing entirely. And, let's be sure to remember that the business community played a major role in the development of the current MBT and then cried foul after their ideas and suggestions were enacted. Might I humbly suggest that rather than doing away with the thing all together, perhaps a bit of ingenuity would be appropriate at this time. Soultions are always a good thing.

Second to note is that there is no sign of that commitment to Health Care or Education anywhere in those committee assignments.

Not delivering

2009-01-28T15:56:00.000-05:00

No sooner has the Pizza Boy gotten to Lansing and he is co-sponsoring legislation for his buddies in business: HB 4120 (A bill to amend 2007 PA 36, entitled "Michigan business tax act," by repealing section 281 (MCL 208.1281).

Hmmm, do you see those campaign promises anywhere in there?

Welcome

2009-01-28T15:13:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the Representative Jim Stamas watch blog. That's right, we're keeping track of the Pizza Boy's campaign promises and whether or not he is following through on said promises.

So, let's remind the constituents of Michigan's 98th HD of Mr. Stamas' promises:
1. Education,
2. Health Care, and
3. Jobs.

Is he following though? You decide for yourself. I will be posting any legislation that Mr. Stamas is sponsoring or co-sponsoring, as well as keeping track of other activities in which he is involved.

Thanks for checking in.