a:1:{s:15:"field_blog_body";a:1:{i:0;a:2:{s:5:"value";s:1098:"<p>This morning, while browsing a must-read site for me, <a href="http://apps.detnews.com/apps/blogs/watercooler/index.php">The Michigan View</a>, there it was, a <a href="http://apps.detnews.com/apps/blogs/watercooler/index.php?blogid=1232">post by Henry Payne</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Your motel tax bill - going up!<br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>
<p>(Mackinac Center) - <a href="http://michiganvotes.org/RollCall.aspx?ID=513371">Senate Bill 1515</a>, Increase hotel and motel tax, passed 70 to 32 in the House.<br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>
<p>To increase from 2 percent to 5 percent the amount of room tax that can be imposed on hotels and motels by any local convention and tourism marketing bureau.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Sadly, many Republicans voted for the bill, trying to capitalize on our tourism industry, apparently not realizing that many Michiganders stay in their own state for their vacations.</p>
<p>On the plus side, our representative, Rep. Opsommer, did not vote for the tax increase. On the minus side, this is what passes for bipartisanship - both sides voting for bad bills.</p>";s:6:"format";s:1:"2";}}}