Tom Erdmann’s priorities 

Small businesses need and deserve more support. As a former entrepreneur, Tom will find ways to do this, diverting some priorities from huge companies that have been subsidized and then slapped Michigan in the face by outsourcing jobs overseas. 

Michigan’s taxation and other revenue sources need to be studied carefully, compared to other states, and update. It would be fairer to Michigan residents to rely less on property taxes, and institute a graduated income tax including federal deductions. 

The legislature is only a part time job, and should be compensated accordingly. Tom Erdmann knows that truly dedicated lawmakers will gladly accept salaries comparable to the average of neighboring states. 

Tom will insist that counties and municipalities be compensated for alternative sentencing projects because they save Michigan taxpayers $90 a day per person! We can be proud that Michigan is a national leader in diverting prisoners to more efficient programs while actually reducing crime. 

Tax increment financing (TIF) has proven its value for industrial development. Now Michigan must also use TIF to enhance tourism and agriculture and improve the lives of year-round residents. 

No group should be discriminated against in the State of Michigan, including on the basis of sexual orientation. 

In order to give Michigan residents the best possible government services at the lowest possible cost, Tom will push for a review laws that dictate the organizational structure of municipalities and counties. He will suggest changes to allow combinations of joint departments for neighboring municipalities, counties, and school districts, and encourage consolidation of departments. 

Michigan must also study public safety functions, and education at all levels, in other states, to seek opportunities for improvement of services and financing. 

While we must increase the use of nuclear energy, Michigan’s precious natural resources must also be preserved and guarded. Nuclear energy will continue to be one of the safest ways to generate electricity, and we can find new ways to re-use nuclear waste, as have other countries. Tom will also find ways for electric utilities to help finance solar and wind generation.


Tom Erdmann:

Right for Michigan!

Right for District 80!

Right now!