Michigan considers extending tax breaks to unborn babies

[RedRamage]

Michigan Legislation would give pregnancy tax break | wzzm13.com

LANSING, Mich. (AP) -- Michigan lawmakers are considering bills that would grant a tax break to parents who can show that a fetus is at least 12 weeks old at the end of a year.

The legislation would treat a fetus the same as a child for purposes of a tax deduction. The bills got a hearing Tuesday in a House committee and could come up for votes before lawmakers close their session in December.

Republican Rep. Jud Gilbert of Algonac says it's an attempt to recognize that a pregnancy brings expenses. The tax break could cost the state $5 million to $10 million a year in revenue.

The Michigan branch of the National Organization for Women is criticizing the legislation, saying it's an attempt to extend legal rights to the unborn.

As a strong anti-abortionist, I have to agree with the NOW here (dang that pains me to admit!). I see no real reason for this other than to push at the edge of what's considered a human and what isn't. Now, I have ZERO problem with them attempt to define human life as starting earlier in the process, but don't try to disguise it as "recognizing that a pregnancy brings expenses." That's just plain stupid. Have the balls to call it what it is, then I'll support you 100%.

[tigerkid23]

I was at the Tax Policy committee hearing for this yesterday for work. Like you said, these bills (there are two bills tie-barred to each other meaning both need to pass in order for either to be enacted) are just such a blatant attempt to define human life as starting earlier under the guise of a tax break for pregnant women. I'm not sure it has the votes to get out of the committee, but it could considering the bill sponsors are the House Tax Policy chairman and another influential member of the committee (Rep. Jud Gilbert and Rep. Lisa Posthumous Lyons). If it makes it to the House floor, there are a bunch of lame duck Republican legislators who just lost their seats as the Democrats made pretty significant gains in the Michigan House who are a complete wild card. However, I think it would probably die in the Senate. I doubt the Governor would sign it either.

[Melody]

Now that's just silly.

[smr-nj]

So, can a guy get a tax break for masturbating now, too? Or is that a penalty he'd be on the hook for.


I'd like to walk a whole slew of legislators off a short plank into shark infested water.......At all levels of government.
Too many self serving jerks.

[Lousluggage]

Now that's just silly.

So, can a guy get a tax break for masturbating now, too? Or is that a penalty he'd be on the hook for.


I'd like to walk a whole slew of legislators off a short plank into shark infested water.......At all levels of government.
Too many self serving jerks.

Pretty much.

[tigerkid23]

For the record, these bills died in committee.

[djhutch]

Bad policy. Glad that whole thing is over.