Walberg Weekly Wrap-Up: "Michigan's Elected Officials Need the Tenacity of a Wolverine"

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WALBERG WEEKLY WRAP-UP: "MICHIGAN'S ELECTED OFFICIALS NEED THE TENACITY OF A WOLVERINE"

I have heard historian Alexis de Tocqueville, a man who once said "America is great because she is good. If America ceases to be good, America will cease to be great," had similarly profound insights about our state.

Traveling through the Michigan wilderness in 1831, De Tocqueville described the area as mosquito-infested but came away impressed with the ability of Michigan's early pioneers to persevere in spite of their surroundings.

It is believed that during his travels De Tocqueville likened early Michiganders to wolverines because of their tenacious and cunning spirits.

Though there are few recorded sightings of wolverines in our state, over time Michigan developed a moniker in honor of this enigmatic animal.

Today the Wolverine State faces challenges as great as any in its history.

A recent analysis by economist David Littman of the Mackinac Center compared Michigan's per capita income to the national average and revealed the state reached its lowest level in 75 years in 2005.

At the end of 2006 Michigan had the second highest unemployment rate in the nation and since January of 2001, Michigan has lost over 205,000 jobs.

These statistics are unacceptable to the hard-working men and women in south-central Michigan and to this Congressman.

In these trying times, Michigan needs the tenacity of a wolverine to overcome the challenges we face.

Right now, taxpayers in south-central Michigan are making tough choices every day to ensure their family budgets are balanced. They do it by cutting spending and having fiscal discipline.

It's time for the state of Michigan to operate in the same manner.

Imagine what prospective businesses considering moving here think when they hear Michigan has a $1.5 billion tax increase on the table. Michigan will be far less attractive to working families and job providers.

Through tax relief and fiscal discipline, Michigan can revitalize its economy and Michigan young people will choose to use their talents here.

By enacting common-sense regulations, Michigan individuals and businesses will develop and build the products of tomorrow here and our Michigan communities will be stronger and renewed.

On the federal level, I am supporting an expansion of the tax relief programs that were enacted in 2001 and 2003 that created millions of jobs nationwide and left more money in the pockets of taxpayers.

I have co-sponsored several bills that expand American energy exploration and develop alternative sources of energy. This legislation will not only create opportunity here in Michigan, but it will help lessen America's dependence on Middle Eastern oil.

We can build a better, brighter future for Michigan, and I have no doubts Michiganders are up to the task.

Leaders need to make educated and fiscally responsible decisions for our state's future so Michigan will have brighter days ahead.

Like a tenacious wolverine, Michigan's elected officials need the courage and determination to cut waste, instill fiscal discipline and bring back the greatness De Tocqueville described of our beautiful state.

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