State Rep. Chuck Moss Speaks on Film Incentives, Tax Reform at Kiwanis Meeting

Dozens turned out Thursday afternoon to hear state Rep. Chuck Moss (R-40th District) speak on what’s next for Michigan at the bimonthly meeting of the Birmingham Kiwanis club.

“Cuts are hard because it affects someone, somewhere,” Moss said. “But we’ve forgotten what it’s like to have a dynamic economy (in Michigan)."

Moss answered questions from a contentious crowd during the afternoon luncheon on everything from tax reform to the legacy left behind by former Gov. Jennifer Granholm. When it was all over, though, several attendees made it clear they’re not entirely confident Gov. Rick Snyder’s fixes will work.

while also financing $1.8 billion in tax cuts. On the chopping block are funds shared among the state’s municipalities, tax breaks for seniors, spending on public schools and universities and several personal tax breaks, including one for pension income.

Moss said Michigan’s biggest problem is the flight of businesses and jobs. We need jobs in Michigan, he said, adding that Snyder wants to gets rid of the overhead and reform the tax law so that businesses can begin expanding. 

“I can see empty storefronts out there, even in Birmingham,” Moss said, gesturing outside , where the lunch was held, past . “They’re empty all over. … If we want the next big thing to come here, then we have to be competitive.”

Kiwanis member Gerald Doelle of Birmingham said he isn't convinced tax reform will bring businesess back to the state. "It's the recession, it's the auto industry collapse. ... There's a lot of reasons businesses aren't coming to Michigan," Doelle said.

Moss also touched on the Michigan film incentives, which provide a 42 percent refundable tax credit for filmmakers working in the state. Moss said he voted for the credits in 2008 but now supports Snyder’s plans to cap the amount spent each year. The economy has crashed since he voted for the credits, Moss said, and he believes the money now should go through the appropriations process, not be hidden in tax code.

As for cuts to K-12 education, Moss said it all comes down to how much money the state has to work with.

Snyder is proposing to cut funding for public schools by 4 percent, or $470 per student, saving the state $452.5 million. That proposal would leave Birmingham Public Schools looking at a $7.7 million shortfall for 2011-12.

“The problem is that there isn’t an indefinite amount of money available,” Moss said. “K-12 education has to do things cheaper, faster and better, just like everyone else.”

Moss also expressed concern that the state teachers union might go on strike in the face of proposed cuts to education. When asked what parents, concerned with the state of their children’s education, should do, Moss urged them to talk to school administrators.

“Go to your school board,” he said. “Ask them to use their resources, just like everyone else.”

Moss said the state has spent more money in recent years than it has brought in, and he said something must change in Lansing so that Michigan can work toward a better future.

"These are controversial things going on, and if you don’t like it, there’s another election in two years," he said.