"For decades, Michigan has been an engine for national growth, helping to build the nation's roads, defense and
infrastructure by sending more tax dollars to other states than it has received in return," said State Representative
Vicki Barnett (D-Farmington Hills), lead sponsor of the
resolution. "Now that our unemployment rate tops the nation, all we're asking for is the same consideration from
other states as we work to turn our economy around and get back on our feet."
Michigan taxpayers continue to carry the burden of contributing more than their fair share to other states, despite
the fact that Michigan has led the nation in unemployment for 29 of the past 30 months. As a "donor state," Michigan
sends significantly more money to Washington than it receives in return for federal highway funding, military spending,
Medicaid and other programs. According to the Tax Foundation, Michigan received only
92 cents back for every dollar the state sent to Washington in 2005, compared to states that received the most:
New Mexico, $2.03; Mississippi, $2.02; Alaska, $1.84; Louisiana, $1.78; and West Virginia, $1.76.
In the days ahead, Barnett will be working with the Michigan Congressional delegation to champion this plan to end
the donor state status for Michigan and other states with crippling unemployment rates.
"In these tough economic times, it's painfully clear that our state can't afford to send much-needed state
dollars to pay for federal projects in other states," said State Representative Mike "Huck" Huckleberry
(D-Greenville). "Michigan taxpayers have paid their dues, and then some. I urge Congress to fix this unfairness and
let our taxpayers benefit from their money by keeping it right here to get our workers back on the job and get our state
back on track."