MICHIGAN
With state legislators returning to Lansing this week, both parties are laying out their top issues for 2006.
Top Republican legislators said they want to cut the alternate small business tax and control state regulations that would hinder economic growth.
Democrats said they want to focus on ending Canadian and out-of-state trash dumping, increasing minimum wage, preventing outsourcing and expanding preschools.
Focusing on recovery
To catch up with the recovery of other states, the state must cut costs and be more business-friendly for job providers, said House Speaker Craig DeRoche, R-Novi, who joined Senate Majority Leader Ken Sikkema, R-Wyoming, in announcing the Republicans' goals Tuesday.
"This is the year to address small businesses and the vital role they play in Michigan's economy," Sikkema said.
The party is trying to shift focus away from the state budget to examine the state's economic recovery, said Ari Adler, Sikkema's spokesperson.