Comments on: Michigan legislators: stupid is, as stupid does

By: Alan

Alan — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 17:32:14 +0000

Quite simply, I would refuse to do this. Just as I was ready to refuse to comply with the law that was talked about (never went through) that would have required our business to charge a state sales tax of our customers for massage therapy. Let the government (try to) shut down our business if they really want to expend the effort… I won't comply with laws that are not just, and clearly this is not a just law, at least not the second part.

I can't imagine how this would pass though, honestly… No big business such as Best Buy, etc. is going to allow their gift certificate dollars to be usurped by the state…

By: Sharon

Sharon — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 16:52:57 +0000

The thought that a state would require funds to be turned over to them when a gift certificate goes unredeemed is very scary. I doubt the ill-gotten proceeds the state would generate would cover the cost of enforcing such a law.

I agree — this would be a stupid law — among many stupid laws — for the governor to sign. Punishing "big business" is never done without hurting the rest of us far more.

By: Sandra

Sandra — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 19:33:48 +0000

Thanks for this insightful article Larry! It really sums up the state of things in Michigan, and perhaps the national political culture. It seems many legislators are "out of touch."

By: Chacha

Chacha — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 17:30:45 +0000

I am in total agreement with the previous comment. A law is only as good as there is someone to monitor it. Michigan is obviously on some sort of power trip. They will never be able to keep up w/ the paperwork.

Yes, ridiculous, quite ridiculous.

By: Sarah H.

Sarah H. — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 15:19:43 +0000

So what are these businesses supposed to do? Stop selling gift certificates? Lie, and say the certificates were used when they were not? Have clients "prepay" without giving a certificate?

This is not well thought out. Since the money goes to the state after the term is up, it also seems a way for the local government to take the money and use it.

It is as ridiculous as it is scary. It is very scary.

By: robert luu

robert luu — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 01:56:34 +0000

I checked that link to see the current laws in Washington. Thanks for the updates. I'm glad you guys keep track of these changes.