Through the 1980's, our national economy experienced a record-breaking peacetime expansion. Ours did not. Year after year, even though our population has not grown at all, government spending in Michigan has grown relentlessly. And, in spite of greater and greater amounts of taxes paid by the working citizens of our state, government has persistently failed to live within its means. The 1990's will mark the end of this disastrous cycle.
Strong medicine is required.
As we chart a new course for Michigan, we must first recognize that the hand of government reaches all too far into the pockets of the people. We must not be satisfied with the status quo. Yes, our jobs in this Capitol building would be much easier if taxes remained high. They have imposed an enormous cost on this state in the form of lost jobs, lost businesses, and lost population. My friends, there is only one proper course.