The final forum for the 2015 IPPSR Spring Series will bring together a panel to reflect on the process leading up to the May 5 vote on Proposal I and the outcome of the ballot voting results. The proposal is formally noted as the Michigan Sales Tax Increase for Transportation Amendment, Proposal 1. It is less formally noted as the “Road Ballot.” Simply put, the Road Ballot is intended to change the way transportation infrastructure is funded in Michigan. Instead of taking a percentage of the fuel purchase tax and a percentage of the annual vehicle registration fee to pay for our transportation grid, taxes paid at the fuel pump – aside from a federal tax - would go directly to supporting transportation infrastructure needs and maintenance. This would impact how those tax percentages are currently divided up among local governments, public education and the State’s general Fund. For the exact language of the ballot, see the Michigan Secretary of State website.
Speakers
- Roger Martin will join us for a debriefing of the campaign. Mr. Martin has 30 years of award-winning news media, public relations and marketing experience. He is the recipient for top regional and national awards — including the PR industry’s coveted Silver Anvil and multiple “Best of Shows” — for writing, research, and campaign planning and execution. He is a graduate of Michigan State University, where he taught journalism for about a decade. While a reporter and bureau chief at The Detroit News, he won three Pulitzer Prize nominations. Mr. Martin specializes in issue management, media relations, crisis communications and community relations. He has provided winning counseling and services to corporations of all sizes, trade associations, coalitions and individuals.
- Gilda Jacobs has supported Proposal I as director for the Michigan League for Public Policy. She will discuss the vote outcome and options for moving forward. Ms. Jacobs became League President & CEO on Jan. 3, 2011, following eight years as a state senator and four years as a state representative from Huntington Woods. As senator, Ms. Jacobs was the vice chair of Campaign & Election Oversight; Families & Human Services, and Finance and also served on Economic Development & Regulatory Reform; and Health Policy. Prior to serving in the Legislature, she served as an Oakland County Commissioner, and before that, a city commissioner. She had previously served as Development Director for JARC, a Jewish association providing residential care for persons with disabilities, and earlier as a special education teacher. Ms. Jacobs received her bachelor’s degree with distinction from the University of Michigan, and a master’s degree in behavioral sciences in education.
- Randall Thompson has served as the Executive Director of the Coalition Against Higher Taxes and Special Interest Deals, the lead opposition to Proposal 1 initiated by businessman Paul Mitchell, Chairman of the Faith & Freedom Coalition of Michigan. Mr. Thompson will reflect on the voters’ response, the campaign path and next steps. He previously served as Chief of Staff in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the Michigan House of Representatives. Additionally, he served as Director of Communications and Spokesman in the U.S. Congress and to both the Secretary of State and Attorney General of the State of Michigan. He holds a Bachelor of Science from Central Michigan University and a Master of Science in Economics from the University of Detroit-Mercy studying under Professor Harry Veryser concentrating on Austrian Economics.
- Craig Thiel is a Senior Research Associate with the Citizens Research Council, an observer of Proposal 1, who will offer an explanation of action to follow the voting results. Mr. Thiel joined CRC in 2006 and currently serves as a Senior Research Associate assigned to education matters. Before coming to CRC, He worked for the Senate Fiscal Agency for six years and for the House Fiscal Agency for three years. Previous to his time with the Michigan Legislature, Mr. Thiel held positions with the Michigan Department of State, Office of Policy and Planning from 1995 to 1997 and the United States Environmental Protection Agency in Chicago, Illinois from 1991 to 1993. Mr. Thiel holds a B.A. in Economics and Political Science from Kalamazoo College and a Masters in Public Administration from Wayne State University. He holds positions on various professional, nonprofit, and local government boards/associations.