October 15, 2009 – 1:09 pm
Beyond the dismal unemployment numbers, what's happening in Michigan's economy? Are there spots of growth? Are some regions healthier than others? How do Michigan's distinct regional economies compare to others in the Great Lakes and across the nation?
New numbers from the feds provide fascinating and provocative answers to those questions.
At the end of September, the [...]
April 20, 2009 – 12:13 pm
Tough & Painful describes our compilation of reform ideas as budget woes intensify in Lansing.
Just like the checkbook choices at many kitchen tables in Michigan, state government's options for reform are tough, painful, hard to swallow. But not impossible.
The Center for Michigan has compiled a list of more than $1.5 billion in hard choices [...]
March 12, 2009 – 11:43 am
Imagine if the United States completely flopped in the next Olympics. Imagine if countries like Japan and South Korea dominated the medal count and it was obvious those athletes had simply out-worked, out-practiced, and out-performed ours.
The likely results… Public outcry. Fired coaches. Promises of a quick return to athletic glory would echo across the land.
We [...]
February 19, 2009 – 1:12 pm
Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm announced her latest budget plan last week. So what's the big deal? Why should you care? Because no matter how you think the government should spend your tax dollars (whether it be social programs, education, criminal justice, environmental protection, a return of those dollars to you through tax cuts, or any [...]
A statewide group of bipartisan business and political leaders formed the Center for Michigan in early 2006
to assist our state through its current period of wrenching economic trouble and create informed hope for a
better future Michigan.
Click Here to read full report
Click to read Michigan's Defining Moment one year report:
A Common Ground Agenda for Michigan's Transformation
If you don't know where you are, you don't know where you're going.
Gov. Jennifer Granholm’s bipartisan Emergency Financial Advisory Panel preached that maxim more than a year ago.
"With regard to taxes, investment, and structural reforms, Michigan should set benchmarks drawn from best practices in Great Lakes and comparable states," those veteran state budget experts declared [...]
Three years ago, momentum began to build to overhaul Michigan’s business tax system.
Conventional wisdom held that our old Single Business Tax was too complicated and
cumbersome and inhibited the ability to attract, retain and grow business.
The road to hell is paved with good intentions.
Click to read full paper
October 19, 2007 – 10:55 am
Michigan boasts some of the very best hunting and fishing anywhere in the United States. Anglers and hunters vote with their waders and boots. Only two states (Texas and Pennsylvania) have more hunters than Michigan. Only four states (Minnesota, Florida, Texas, and California) have more anglers than Michigan.
Click link to view complete paper: [...]
COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL REFORM by Dave Campbell, Superintendent of Olivet Schools