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Aw-w-w...Michigan...Really ? !!!

By
Real Estate Agent


On the day of New Year's Eve:
...is this really the message you want to send to MI. Seniors, Is IT?

[ Earlier this month {Dec. 6, 2009 / Sunday Free Press / 1 A]
...it was noted that MI is "..a haven for seniors"...in referencing the fact that many
   pensions for seniors in this State are not taxed
...this cash-strapped state could see $700 M per year
...among 43 states with income taxes, MI exempts more retiree income than any other.
...noted that most of the exemptions are for retired public sector seniors
...which leaves us out]

Now, the plot-so-tospeak THICKENS
                                             
The Macomb Daily / Thursday Dec.31, 2009 / 'Snowbirds' cost state / article by: Quincy Hodges / 1A
...referencing the 2010 Census; it seems that the Lt. Gov. John Cherry [heading the census count effort]
   " ...estimated about 200,000 snowbirds were omitted as Michigan residents in 2000."..."contributed to
     the state's loss of a seat in Congress, and about $2B in federal funds over the post [past?] decade."
...the seat was lost by a count of -50,000 
...a "census awareness program---"It's in Our Hands, Michigan"..among other items is "also trying to
    eeducte snowbirds on how to fill out the forms properly."

OK ! now that crosses the line of respect, support & understanding; and to that I state a LOL campaigne.

...many of those 'snowbirds' stay in Florida more than the 6mo.--some as long as October to 1 June,
   making their 'stay, 2nd Home, place in  the sun' longer than the time spent in the welcoming state of MI.
   Therefore, one would assume that FL would be much more interested in receiving the 'head count' from
   Michigan Seniors [ by the way, not all who go to FL in the winter are 65 +, just a thought to chew upon]

   In Fl. those who are not staying in 'permanent residences' are paying higher property taxes; so if MI is
   set on treating them as 'less-than-intelligent' persons, maybe they will decide to stay in the warmth.
   MI, wants these seniors [who are not all 65+ ] to write "0" on the FL census & when returning to MI,
   write "2". Do you not BELIEVE that most seniors can decide for themselves? I do! 
We are moving there & it will be a permanent move--even knowing that we must pay non-resident property tax for the 1st year; kinda makes me want to purchase before the 2010 census.
So, there, Michigan "power-holders', did your Mother NOT teach you how to treat others? I think she did.

On to some exciting news:
 Macomb County, Michigan, what a year 2010 will be for all of us. This year we will:
...see a vote for a County Executive [ by any other name--it will be the same concept]
...see the 26  commission members, cut to 13 [ shouldn't they choose another number --13 ???? not
    HIGH on the list of 'lucky' numbers--a thought to chew upon ]
...see the re-arrangement of various Departments with some taking effect in January.
...see if it is true that our economy is sctually turning around here, as some are saying
...see if we, too, will benefit from an improvement in the housing market
Way to go MACOMB COUNTY,MICHIGAN--Let's make this OUR year!

Another reality check:
...not everyone moving from Michigan go to FL; some go West to AR. NA, & Texas.
...AND, more interesting is that NOT all who leave Michigan are snowbirds, seniors, retirees--NO SIRm
   some are the youth of our state who go West, South, NE & NW--following the "call of the jobs", or
   actually seeking their NOW place in the sun.
Just, a thought to chew upon....to those in 'higher places of power' in Michigan.

So, tonight if & when you put on your silly hats, blow the noise makers, & salute 2010--do keep all
Michiganders [makes us sound like Ducks, don't you think? LOL] in your thoughts.
BUT, whatever else you do thonight--do NOT Chew on that thought. LOL LOL LOL

 

The Blessings of God on You & Yours


SEE YOU NEXT YEAR !

 

Posted by


Live, Learn, Love, & always remember to Laugh!

 
a Keyless start....a Forward Looking VIEW from the DASH; Join the RIDE 


Barb & Sal

Comments(4)

Andrew Mooers | 207.532.6573
MOOERS REALTY - Houlton, ME
Northern Maine Real Estate-Aroostook County Broker

Your state has been hit hard with the rolling iron problems. But you are tough, resourceful and will rally. Happy New Year Barb & Sal!

Dec 31, 2009 04:04 AM
Barb & Sal Dragotta
Macomb, MI
Macomb County Michigan

Andrew...love the way you size up our State...it really is a great place & come 2010, some may be left in the dust, so-to-speak. 
  Happy 2010 to You & Yours, too. Um-m-m, Maine--Northern Maine--gets loads of snow right! so drive carefully, keep safe & have a great New Year's Eve.
Barb & Sal

Dec 31, 2009 04:09 AM
Michael Bergin
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - ABR - SRES - Alexandria, VA
Northern Virginia Real Estate

Nice place to visit (I spent part of my growing up years in Minnesota) but think I'll be staying right here in Virginia for a long time.  Realtors don;t ever really retire do they?

Happy New Year,

Michael

Dec 31, 2009 04:28 AM
Barb & Sal Dragotta
Macomb, MI
Macomb County Michigan

Michael..Michigan is a kindred soul to Minnesota-sort-a'..I went to a Junior Achievement rally one year eons & eons ago; it was fun & I got to see another State--this was pre-Internet, cell-phones & pagers, so you get the idea. Hope that Michigan continues to be a fun place to visit in the future.
Sincerely hope that Realtors don't retire; perhaps we all just go to places warm & sunny. LOL
Happy New Year to you & yours.
Barb & Sal  

Jan 01, 2010 10:09 AM