During the recent round of the Lansing budget balancing act by our representatives, I have come up with a couple of simple strategies for them to follow.

It seems that they simply don't understand what the words "cut" or "balance" mean, so here is a lesson.

If a Bill starts with “to create…to establish… to author…to raise” it is probably just another government bill wanting to add more bureaucracy with additional costs (that would be taxes)and should be voted against.

If a Bill starts with “to eliminate…to cut…to reduce…to suspend” it is probably a good bill and should be voted for.

Of course, there are always exceptions but this would be a good start for them. And they say government is too complex for the average citizen to understand.

The bottom line is if you don't have the money, you don't spend it. Then you cut waste, programs and/or services. Many Michigan residents have had to cut major chunks out of their budgets and are struggling to survive and these Lansing politicians are trying to find a new name for taxes. They call them fees, service initiatives, renumerations, dues, assessments, contributions, capitations, fines, tariffs, tolls but they are all TAX INCREASES.

Governor Granholm and her Democratic party have raised taxes every year since she became governor and the Republicans have been hoodwinked to go along with her so their is plenty of blame to go around.

It is time to Take a Stand against any and all tax increases.