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Category Archives: The Center at Work
Goodbye police officer, hello deputy?
If you have an emergency at your house or place of employment, do you care whether the first responder is a city police officer or a county deputy?
Michigan residents may find themselves asking that question as recession-driven budget cuts grow more acute in local communities.
At least that’s the suggestion of the Citizens Research Council, as [...]
Also posted in Fresh Thoughts, Government Collaboration Comments closed
New ammo in the public sector pay and benefits debates
Two new reports heighten the debates at the capitol and around city council and school board tables regarding pay and benefits levels for public employees in Michigan.
A new Citizens Research Council report suggests Michigan’s public sector is battered, but has weathered the state’s economic storm better than the private sector. Insights from the report:
Contrary to [...]
Also posted in Fresh Thoughts, Government Collaboration Comments closed
The fight continues for sensible long-term preschool investment
Imagine a business that could offer a four times return on investment. What shareholder wouldn’t want a piece of that action?
Too bad Michigan decision makers have been unable to make such a calculation as it relates to the value of preschool programs.
A four times return. That’s what Upjohn Institute economist Tim Bartik estimates society [...]
Also posted in Fresh Thoughts, K-16 Education Comments closed
SPECIAL REPORT: AN INSIDE LOOK AT MICHIGAN’S REGIONAL ECONOMIES
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 [...]
Also posted in Economic Development, Fresh Thoughts, Quality of Place Comments closed
Tax breaks are easier to give than take away
By Ken Sikkema
Around Lansing, there’s a growing sense that tax breaks doled out by the Legislature over the past few decades are worth looking at as part of the solution to Michigan’s ongoing budget crisis.
The official name for such tax breaks is “tax expenditures” and Michigan has about $36 billion worth. (Click here for the [...]
Also posted in Clear Taxing & Spending, Fresh Thoughts Comments closed
Keeping our eyes on future prosperity
As unemployment heads north of the 15 percent mark, lots of voices are speaking in very similar tones about how to regain Michigan prosperity.
Phil Power lays out a four-step roadmap in his column this week: 1) Shared Vision (as the Center has developed through Community Conversations); 2) Get our financial house in order; 3) Invest [...]
Also posted in Fresh Thoughts Comments closed
Governor fumbles $30 million in prison reforms
Looks like the legions of bipartisan Michigan interest groups and citizens who demand money-saving reforms to the Michigan Department of Corrections will just have to keep shouting from rooftops.
Two weeks ago, we gave a big electronic thank you to members of the House and Senate who worked very hard to craft a compromise spending bill [...]
Also posted in Accountability, Fresh Thoughts Comments closed
Is a government consolidation breakthrough near?
Whispers about big government consolidation plans in West Michigan grew louder this week when WZZM television featured a long segment on talks between Grand Rapids and surrounding cities to consolidate police, fire, public works, and other services.
The suggestion: mayors and city managers are on the verge of a major breakthrough — the formation of a [...]
Also posted in Fresh Thoughts, Government Collaboration Comments closed
Michigan's roadmap to prosperity
Let’s assume the legislature and the governor finally agree on a “balanced” budget some time this month.
Odds are that will happen. Now let’s assume further that they understand that merely passing a budget is not the same as putting together a solid, long-term plan to put Michigan’s financial house in order and lay the foundation [...]
Also posted in Columns Comments closed
