LUND FEATURED ON NEW ‘REFORM REPORT’

June 23, 2010

State Rep. Pete Lund is one of the first GOP lawmakers to be featured on the new House Republican “Reform Report,” an online video program spotlighting the efforts of Republican lawmakers to reform Lansing.

Lund, a key GOP member of the House Tax Policy Committee, talks about a Democrat plan to tax restaurant workers in the 90-second program. The video clip can be seen online at www.gophouse.com by clicking the Reform Report link.

The Reform Report is also on Twitter @MIHouseGOP and Facebook at www.facebook.com/MichiganHouseGOP.

NO SUCH THING AS A FREE LUNCH

June 23, 2010

House Democrats are working hard to prove there is no such thing as a free lunch.

House Tax Policy Committee Chair Kate Ebli today announced that the next time the committee meets it will consider legislation to tax meals restaurants provide to workers free of charge during their shift. Republican lawmakers were quick to voice their opposition to the tax hike plan.

“With all the problems facing the state, I can’t believe we’re talking about trying to get 18 cents from a kid who got a free Whopper during his shift at Burger King,” said Lund, of Shelby Township. “This is a tax hike targeting people who work mostly for minimum wage or tips.”

Currently, restaurants are allowed to provide free or reduced-cost meals to an employee during his or her shift without the employee having to pay sales tax. If the tax hike is signed into law, restaurant employees will be forced to pay sales tax on the normal value of the free or reduced-cost meals starting Oct. 1, 2010.

“Balancing the budget is about making choices. I don’t see how Democrat lawmakers can justify taxing low-income workers while the state continues to spend hundreds of millions of dollars to subsidize Hollywood film producers. Instead of raising taxes, this out-of-control spending has to stop.”

LUND ANNOUNCES FREE FISHING WEEKEND

June 10, 2010

During the weekend of June 12-13 all fishing license fees will be temporarily waived as a way to promote fishing in Michigan, state Rep. Pete Lund announced today. Residents and out-of-state visitors may enjoy fishing on both inland and Great Lakes’ waters for all species of fish for free. All fishing regulations still apply.

ATTACK ON JOBS CONTINUES

April 21, 2010

House Democrats returned from the Legislature’s two-week vacation refreshed and ready to renew their desire to increase taxes, shown again today as they considered legislation that will cost Michigan families 800 retail jobs.

“Michigan is facing a crisis that has unfortunately been forgotten by the Democrats in this budget discussion: families are facing a jobs crisis,” said state Rep. Pete Lund, a member of the Tax Policy Committee. “Everything else, including the budget crisis, is secondary to that. This latest tax increase is a short-sighted approach that will cost nearly 800 jobs and result in less revenue for the state. By addressing the jobs crisis, the solution for the budget crisis will get a lot easier.”

House Democrats took testimony today in Tax Policy on legislation that would result in a direct tax increase on one of the few sectors in Michigan’s economy creating jobs: retail. House Bills 5417, 5418, 5421 and 5422, introduced by Reps. Alma Wheeler-Smith and Mark Meadows, requires retailers to pay sales and use tax on merchandise that customers that haven’t even paid for. This bad debt comes in the form of uncollectible revenue from store credit cards. This legislation will affect stores right here in Michigan that offer their own line of credit, such as Meijer, Verizon and Ford Credit Vehicle Financing. The Democrat bills also would reduce the state funding provided to stores to collect sales tax on behalf of the state.

The Democrat change in policy will result in a $17 million tax increase to the industry, and a decrease in available credit to consumers.

“This will grind the retail industry to a screeching halt,” Lund said. “These bills are tax increases. They will hurt all retailers at a time when retail business is struggling, and it will hurt Michigan families already struggling to afford groceries, cars and telephone bills. The end result will not be more revenue for the state, it will be jobs lost for Michigan families.”

Lund noted his disappointment that while House Republicans work diligently to solve the budget crisis through government reforms and cost-saving measures, the House Democrat caucus can’t find a tax increase they don’t like.

“It’s clear that House Democrats are intent on increasing taxes on Michigan families,” Lund said. “Unfortunately, they have no plan to balance the state budget that doesn’t involve digging deeper into people’s pockets. I invite them to take our plan into consideration, which balances the budget and focuses on long-term job creation with the resources the state already has.”

The House Republican plan balances the state’s $1.5 billion budget shortfall through a comprehensive 2010-11 budget plan that brings state spending in line with Michigan’s current economic realities, increases per-pupil school funding, calls for more than $146 million in savings from needed reforms and sets long-term solutions to encourage job growth.

LUND: MICHIGAN TAXED ENOUGH ALREADY

April 15, 2010

With Tea Party activists holding rallies across the state today to protest high taxes and government intrusion on personal freedom, state Rep. Pete Lund introduced legislation intended to give residents more control by requiring voter approval before a tax increase can become law.

Lund’s legislation amends the constitution by requiring that any bill approved by the Legislature that imposes a new tax or increases an existing tax must be approved by a majority of voters at a general election or special election called for that purpose.

“We are taxed enough already in this state. This legislation is about giving people extra protection from spend-happy lawmakers who don’t know how to balance a budget without holding taxpayers upside down and shaking them until their wallets fall out of their pockets,” said Lund, of Shelby Township. “Voters deserve to have a say in whether they want to pay higher taxes.”

Lund said he began working on the legislation after lawmakers approved spending nearly $100 million of taxpayer money on a new state police headquarters that even the state police have said they don’t want and don’t need. Lund noted that the current headquarters, while in need of repair, is still fully functional and only costs the state $1 per year to lease.

Lund also said he was angered that lawmakers authorized a 3 percent pay raise for state employees, which will cost the state $48 million more per year in increased salary costs at a time when the state has a $1.5 billion budget shortfall.

“Lawmakers in Lansing are so out of touch that they think it’s fair to make people working in the private sector pay higher taxes in order to give government employees a raise,” Lund said. “Residents in my district keep telling me that lawmakers haven’t done enough to reduce spending, and they don’t want to pay another cent until real reforms are made.”

LUND INVITES RESIDENTS TO OFFICE HOURS

April 12, 2010

State Rep. Pete Lund is holding district office hours in order to give residents a convenient opportunity to meet with him locally.

Lund, of Shelby Township, will be available Friday, April 23 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Romeo District Library, located at 107 Church Street in Romeo.

No appointment is necessary. Residents unable to meet during the scheduled office hours may contact Lund at his Lansing office by calling 1-517-373-0843 or by e-mailing petelund@house.mi.gov.

MICHIGAN HOUSE WORKING ON LEGISLATION TO MAKE IT EASIER TO BUY A HOME

March 31, 2010

Think how much easier it would be to save up for the down payment on a house if you could save tax free. State Rep. Pete Lund has been working with other lawmakers in Lansing to win support for the House Republican plan to create a homeownership savings account.

House Bill 5965 allows Michigan residents to have money withdrawn directly from their paycheck state income tax free and automatically deposited into a homeownership savings account. The plan Lund is working on is similar in structure to a 401(k) retirement savings plan, except that not only does the money go in and grow tax free, it also comes out free from state income tax as long as it is used to purchase a home or used for a major remodeling project.

Of course, there’s a catch: the home would have to be a principal residence in Michigan, meaning residents couldn’t use this plan to buy a vacation home.

Lund, of Shelby Township, said he sees the plan not only as a way of helping families save for a home, but also as a way of encouraging people to stay in Michigan.

The bill is part of a package of legislation introduced by House Republicans aimed at lowering the cost of owning a home and stimulating the housing market. Other highlights of the package include legislation requiring voter approval of all property tax increases and requiring ballot questions about tax hikes to show not only the cost of an individual millage increase, but what the increase would do to a home’s total tax burden.

“As anyone who already owns a home knows, there are a lot of hidden costs. This plan will help eliminate some of those hidden costs by making sure homeowners have a say in whether they pay higher taxes,” Lund said.

HOUSE REPUBLICANS FORCE DEMOCRATS TO TAKE UP GOP REFORM BILL

March 11, 2010

With a bill to speed up the state’s permit process and speed job creation languishing in a House committee for nearly a year, GOP lawmakers today forced House Democrats to move the legislation out of committee for a vote by the full House of Representatives. The victory was short lived, however, as Democrats who control the House then used a procedural move to block the vote.

State Rep. Pete Lund said inaction is unacceptable.

“Michigan has the highest unemployment rate in the nation, so it’s incredibly frustrating to see bills that have the potential to spur job growth get held up by do-nothing lawmakers in the Legislature,” said Lund, of Shelby Township. “Talking about job creation can’t just be a buzzword – it needs to be backed up with action.”

House Bill 4908 speeds the environmental permit process by allowing businesses to use a state approved third party to conduct a review of their permit application. Following the conclusion of the review, the state Department of Natural Resources and Environment would then have 21 days to either approve or deny the application.

Lund said the legislation is necessary since the state is notoriously slow when it comes to approving permits, with businesses sometimes waiting more than two years for an answer.

“Businesses need a reliable timeframe so they know whether or when they will be able to expand and grow. The state’s failure to approve permits in a timely manner is quite literally costing the state jobs,” Lund said. “What happened today – the Democrats allowing the legislation out of committee – is meaningless if they don’t actually allow a vote. It’s a hollow, empty kabuki dance,” Lund said.

Last month, House Republicans released their Jobs Task Force report, which includes recommendations from small business owners across the state aimed at making Michigan more job-friendly by removing impediments that keep businesses from creating jobs. Improving the permit process is one of the report’s top recommendations.

LUND CRACKS DOWN ON WELFARE FRAUD

March 10, 2010

State Rep. Pete Lund is working on legislation to crack down on welfare fraud and abuse by restricting use of bridge cards.

Bridge cards, which replaced food stamps, function similar to a debit card. Because people are allowed to use them to withdraw up to nearly $500 in cash per month for legitimate purposes such as paying for a babysitter while going to a job interview, it is nearly impossible to prevent people with ill-intentions from abusing the system.

Many recent news stories have drawn attention to bridge card abuse by people using them to buy alcohol, cigarettes and even Lotto tickets. There have also been reports of college students fraudulently obtaining bridge cards and even prisoners who receive cash assistance.

“I think most everyone understands the need for a safety net, but hard-working taxpayers get really mad when they find out their money is not going to feed people in need but instead being wasted on things like cigarettes and lotto tickets,” said Lund, of Shelby Township. “The really sad thing is that abuses like these have been allowed to go on for so long.”

To ensure state aid is going to families in need and only spent on necessities, Lund is working on legislation that limits bridge card use to housing, personal toiletries, food, clothing, medicine and child care services.

It also requires merchants who accept bridge cards to verify the user’s identity. Lund said he supports putting a picture on the card and penalizing merchants who knowingly accept bridge cards under false pretenses or for banned purchases.

College students who apply for a card will have to show proof that they cannot be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax returns, although students would still be eligible for a bridge card if the family is eligible under the income tax guidelines.

The legislation would require the state to cross check lists of state aid recipients with prisoners to make sure the incarcerated are not receiving benefits. Finally, the legislation would mimic other states by implementing random drug testing for welfare recipients.

STATE EMPLOYEES TO RECEIVE 3-PERCENT PAY RAISE

March 3, 2010

With the state facing a $1.6 billion shortfall, many in Lansing had hoped to help balance the budget by freezing a scheduled 3-percent pay raise for state employees. However, attempts to stop the pay raise from going through failed today when Senate Democrats nearly unanimously blocked the effort.

State Rep. Pete Lund said he was dismayed that Democrat lawmakers want to raise taxes in order pay for raise to state employees.

“Look at our economy – nobody in the private sector is getting a raise right now. It is downright obscene to ask Michigan families who are facing record high unemployment and having their own salaries slashed to pay higher taxes so we can give raises to state employees.”

The pay raise will cost taxpayers an additional $48 million. Earlier this year, the state Civil Service Commission already denied pay raises to non-union employees.

“Government workers already get benefits that far exceed what anyone working in the private sector can reasonably expect to receive. I’m not saying we need to cut their pay, but I am saying we can’t afford to give out pay raises. These raises mean less money for the classroom, less money for police protection, less money for roads.”

In 2009, the average state employee salary was $54,246 compared to an average annual salary of $43,831 for a worker in the private sector.

LUND OFFERS FREE TAXPAYER GUIDE

February 23, 2010

Need help filling out your 2009 Michigan tax return? State Rep. Pete Lund is offering Shelby, Washington and Bruce township residents a free taxpayer guide, which may be downloaded from his website at www.gophouse.com/lund.htm under the “Publications” link on the left.

The free, easy-to-understand taxpayer guide contains the latest information on Michigan taxes and credits, including how to claim the homestead property tax credit. It also includes sample forms and phone numbers residents may call for further assistance.

Lund is also offering an instructional guide that explains how homeowners may appeal their property tax assessment. Lund, of Shelby Township, encouraged residents to use the guides to make sure they get every available deduction and credit and don’t overpay their taxes.

He also reminded residents that state of Michigan income tax forms are available online at www.mi.gov/taxes. Federal tax forms are available online at www.irs.gov.

Residents without Internet access may contact Lund’s office toll free by calling 1-888-MICH-REP (1-888-642-4737) to receive a free tax guide by mail.

LUND INVITES RESIDENTS TO PROPERTY TAX APPEAL WORKSHOP

February 9, 2010

State Rep. Pete Lund is hosting a series of informational workshops for Macomb County homeowners who want to learn how to appeal their property tax assessment.

In order to accommodate residents, Lund will host four events:

• Saturday, Feb. 20 from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at the Shelby Township Municipal Office, located at 52700 Van Dyke Road;
• Saturday, Feb. 20 from 1 to 2:45 p.m. at the Shelby Township Municipal Office, located at 52700 Van Dyke Road;
• Monday, Feb. 22 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Washington Township Hall, located at 57900 Van Dyke Road; and
• Monday, Feb. 22 from 7:15 to 8:45 p.m. at the Washington Township Hall, located at 57900 Van Dyke Road.

“Property values have fallen so much in recent years that many homeowners who normally wouldn’t bother to appeal their assessment actually stand a good chance of lowering their property taxes,” said Lund, of Shelby Township. “These workshops are a great opportunity for homeowners to learn how to effectively appeal their assessment.”

Residents may also download a free, easy-to-understand instructional guide that explains how homeowners may appeal their property tax assessment by visiting www.gophouse.com/lund.htm and clicking the “Publications” link on the left.

For more information about the property tax workshop, contact Lund by calling toll free 1-888-MICH-REP (1-888-642-4737) or e-mail petelund@house.mi.gov.

LUND VOTES TO END LIFETIME HEALTH CARE BENEFITS FOR LAWMAKERS

February 2, 2010

State Rep. Pete Lund today voted to end lifetime health care for future lawmakers, but said he was disappointed the legislation allows those already serving to keep the benefit.

Currently, lawmakers are eligible to receive lifetime health care benefits starting at age 55 after putting in as few as six years of service to the state. House Bill 4194, which was approved by the House on a nearly unanimous vote, eliminates this lavish perk but only for incoming elected officials. Current lawmakers are grandfathered in under the old system.

“This is definitely a step in the right direction, but I don’t think we should exempt current lawmakers. The state simply cannot afford this exceedingly generous perk,” said Lund, of Shelby Township.

Lund said he will continue fighting to eliminate lifetime health care benefits for all lawmakers, including those currently serving, and pointed out that he already co-sponsored legislation to do just that. He has also already voted to cut lawmaker salaries by 10 percent.

LUND ANNOUNCES NEW LEGISLATIVE AIDE

January 27, 2010

State Rep. Pete Lund today announced he has hired a new legislative aide to work in his Lansing office.

Stephanie Carlisle, a 2009 Michigan State University graduate, will work with residents on constituent issues and issues related to the 36th House District. She has a pre-law degree and previously worked for Capitol Advocacy Services Group.

Carlisle replaces Lund’s previous legislative aide, who recently accepted a position in U.S. Congresswoman Candice Miller’s district office.

“A big part of my job as a state representative is to serve as a resource when residents encounter trouble with bureaucratic red tape and don’t know where to turn,” said Lund, of Shelby Township. “I’m thrilled to have Stephanie join the team and want to remind residents that if they ever have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me or my staff.”

Lund’s district covers Shelby, Washington and Bruce townships. Residents may contact Lund by calling toll-free 1-888-MICH-REP (1-888-642-4737) or by e-mailing petelund@house.mi.gov.

LUND INVITES RESIDENTS TO OFFICE HOURS

January 12, 2010

State Rep. Pete Lund is holding district office hours in order to give residents a convenient opportunity to meet with him locally to discuss the state’s economy, as well as any questions or concerns residents may have.

Lund will be available Friday, Jan. 22 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Romeo Graubner District Library, located at 65821 Van Dyke Road in Washington Township.

No appointment is necessary. Residents unable to meet during the scheduled office hours may contact Lund at his Lansing office by calling 1-888-MICH-REP (1-888-642-4737) or by emailing petelund@house.mi.gov.