House District 43, Gail Haines

Gail Haines
Republican
State Representative
Oakland County
43rd Michigan House District

Why are you running for office?

I am running because I would like to continue my work serving the people of the 43rd District and doing my part to help turn Michigan around. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I work diligently to reform state government, reduce spending and protect taxpayers. As the Associate Whip on the House Republican Leadership team, I have played an integral role in developing a budget plan that balances the budget without raising taxes and is a comprehensive solution to Michigan’s budget problems.

What is the biggest problem facing Michigan residents today and how would you solve it?

The biggest problem for Michigan residents today is making ends meet. Many citizens and families are struggling with job loss and/or the loss of their homes. There is no doubt we are experiencing one of our worst economic downturns. There is no one solution to this problem however the Legislature can ensure we do not add to the financial troubles of our citizens by raising taxes. In addition, the Legislature can appropriate funds responsibly and hold our state agencies accountable for functioning within their budgets. We must avoid unfunded mandates which hamstring our local governments. Last year I introduced legislation that would cease all unfunded mandates. The bill asks: if you are going to create a law, how much will it cost? Where will the money come from? If passed, how will this legislation affect local government? This is just the sort of common sense legislation needed to turn Michigan around.

What's a better solution: finding revenue or cutting costs to meet Michigan's public education budget? How would you do it?

With Michigan dealing with a twenty percent reduction in revenue, "finding revenue" can only mean a tax increase. For every person that supports a tax increase to improve school funding problems, I hear from four people that a tax increase is not something their family budget can support at this time. We must ensure our schools are operating as efficiently as possible and that every available dollar reaches the classroom and our students. There are reforms we can implement now to ease the burden on our schools. One reform I support is requiring competitive bidding on non-instructional services. It has been estimated that this could save schools $200 million.

What's the best way to create jobs for Michigan residents?

Michigan must find a way to foster a business-friendly environment. We must: 1) eliminate the Michigan Business Tax surcharge; 2) eliminate the state’s personal property tax levied on businesses; 3) reduce regulatory reform on businesses; and 4) reduce unemployment fraud and benefit overpayments. We must make an effort to support our number two industry, agriculture, by eliminating unnecessary regulation and unfair fees. We must continue to invest in emerging businesses such as medical technology, tourism, and renewable energy. Finally, we must continue to promote and protect our greatest assets: our beautiful lakes, parks and tourist destinations.

After you leave this earth, what will they say about you?

I can only hope that I will be remembered as someone who had her priorities straight: God, family, friends, work and country; and that I strived each day to demonstrate how important these priorities were to me.