(Bridgman, MI – 7-20-20) Jacquie Gnodtke-Blackwell announced today that the Americans for Tax Reform has accepted her signed Taxpayer Protection Pledge. Gnodtke Blackwell is running for state representative in the 79th district; challenging incumbent Pauline Wendzel.

“COVID-19 is calling for a complete overhaul of the way we budget and fund programs. The 101st legislature will need to be creative for the challenge ahead of us – and be willing to re-think budget priorities. I believe that by eliminating waste, fraud and the abuse of our resources, we will have a budget to work with. In addition, residents are struggling with their own losses of income. Therefore, I do not see a need to raise taxes.”

“I am honored to sign the Taxpayer protection pledge. As a member of the Michigan House of Representatives, I will oppose all efforts to increase taxes on families and small business, and look for sustainable solutions to alleviate as much burden on small businesses as possible; ie: reducing the cost of doing business. I will protect the economic gains our state has made and will build on these gains by continuing to cut regulations and keep taxes low.”

“My opponent has refused to sign the Taxpayer Protection Pledge. In fact, she has taken the path to increase costs on businesses and consumers by sponsoring a bill as part of a 3-bill package against the Michigan Commercial Fishing industry.”

Those House Bills are HB 4567 sponsored by Rep. Jack O’Malley (R-Lake Ann); HB 4568 sponsored by Rep. Pauline Wendzel (R-Watervliet); and HB 4569 sponsored by Rep. Jim Lilly (R-Park Township).

Fellow Republican State Rep. Brad Paquette (Niles) voted against Wendzel’s Commercial Fishing Bill. Gnodtke-Blackwell joins Paquette who also signed the Taxpayer Protection Pledge.

Blackwell said –

“These bills go against small business by increasing fees, (ie: taxes) regulations and nanny state demands on the last remaining 13 family-owned commercial fishing businesses in Michigan. The plight of these fishing operations will have a negative ripple effect on restaurants, fish markets and grocery stores.”

If passed by the Senate these bills would in effect smother these small businesses causing Michigan restaurants and consumers to 1) import fish from Canada – with added tariffs; and 2) causing fresh fish to be at least a day older. This is not sensible legislation and needs to be stopped especially in light of businesses that
are struggling and closing down.

The Fishing Bills are on the agenda of the Senate Committee on Natural Resources Wednesday July 22.

Signing The Taxpayer Protection Pledge is a commitment by candidates and incumbents to oppose any and all tax increases. While American For Tax Reform (ATR) has the role of promoting and monitoring the Pledge, the Taxpayer Protection Pledge is made to a candidate’s constituents, who deserve to know the candidate’s stance on taxes. Since the Pledge is a prerequisite for many voters, it is considered a binding agreement as long as the individual holds the office for which they signed the Pledge.

To learn more about the Taxpayer Protection Pledge please CLICK HERE.

Articles regarding Commercial Fishing:

https://thumbwind.com/2019/10/20/demise-michigans-commercialfishing-industry/
https://www.nationalfisherman.com/national-international/great-lakes-high-stakes-fishing-bills-threatenfreshwater-industry