The MBT is crippling Michigan’s economic recovery. Our state is in need of more jobs and we can’t afford to continue to tie the hands of our job creators with an unfair and extremely complicated business tax. It’s time for a fair and simple solution that will put Michigan on a long-term path to economic prosperity and help restore our state’s reputation. As Governor, Rick will eliminate the worst business tax in the country and replace it with a simple and fair solution that reduces the tax burden by 1.5 billion dollars – a flat corporate income tax.

Michigan is in desperate need of a new approach to its state budget – one that puts the citizens’ priorities first. After two government shutdowns in three years, accounting gimmicks, no clear objectives and no clear performance measurements, it’s clear that the current budget process is failing the citizens of Michigan. “Value for Money Budgeting” will stabilize Michigan’s unreliable budget process with a two-year cycle, prioritize state spending through citizen input, and only fund programs that provide real value for tax dollars.

Michigan economic future depends on having strong, vibrant cities. For Michigan to be a world leader again, the state’s central cities need to be revitalized into vibrant places where families want to visit, work, and live. For Michigan to become a great state again, its central cities must become communities of opportunity with positive reputations. With vibrant cities and Michigan’s existing world-class university system, the state will retain more of the best and brightest needed to compete in the global knowledge-based economy.

Michigan needs to be a national leader and innovator in protecting the environment. Michigan is blessed with natural resources that serve as the foundation for the quality of life of our citizens, contribute to the economic vitality of our state, and offer a competitive advantage as we transition into a new era. The state must make smart investments and develop long range plans focused on safeguarding its citizens, protecting the environment, and ensuring that Michigan’s natural treasures are preserved for future generations. Michigan must also support industries like agriculture, tourism, outdoor recreational activities, and renewable energy.

Rick believes that a child’s progress from pre-kindergarten through college and advanced degrees is the cycle on which the state’s efforts should be focused and coordinated. Rick believes that schools, teachers and parents must renew their commitment to ensuring that each child is given the best possible preparation and education for life so that future generations can be competitive and innovative.

Michigan’s reputation has fallen along with its economic decline. It will not be easy, but Michigan has the potential to be the comeback story of this era. Our history is one of innovation, resilience and a shared work ethic that has been the envy of the world. This is the state that built America’s middle class and inspired the American Dream. We rose to the top before and we can do it again.