KALAMAZOO — Tax-related questions drew the strongest opinions from state House candidates during a forum Monday.
At a meeting hosted by Kalamazoo County Advocates for Senior Issues, the candidates were asked questions on topics ranging from term limits, funding for senior services, and taxes. Frank Cody, legislative affairs chairman for KCASI, moderated the forum.
KCASI asked candidates if they would support raising the tax on beer. A report suggests that raising the tax on beer by 4 cents per can would generate $90 million in additional revenue.
Democrat Thomas Batten, candidate for the 61st District, answered that “we do need to restructure our tax code that’s for sure.”
Margaret O’Brien, the Republican candidate in the 61st, said that reform and job creation, and not tax increases, will turn around the economy.
Democrat Grant Taylor, write-in candidate for the 61st District, said that such a tax increase is “a step in the right direction” but also noted “we can’t count on these one-time fixes.”
The 61st District includes the cities of Portage and Parchment; townships of Alamo, Oshtemo, Texas and Prairie Ronde; and part of Kalamazoo Township.
KCASI supports increased funding and no reduction for senior services and programs. Yet services — including in-home care and home-delivered meals — have seen their funding reduced and more cuts are planned.
Candidates were asked if they would oppose further reductions and advocate for reinstatement of lost funding.
Batten said that Michigan job losses are what was leading to decreased revenue for programs.
Taylor said that “we do need revenue reform. We need revenue enhancement. We can’t afford to be slashing any more services for our (seniors).”
O’Brien said she is not in favor of decreasing funding for essential senior services but with the state’s deficit couldn’t promise that she would support increases.
