Archive for Economy
Labor belabored: MEA losing members, losing fights. Will it lose its grip?
Michigan’s largest teachers union is struggling to keep a toehold as change-minded foes with growing momentum seek to topple the MEA — one of the state’s traditional political giants. The 152,000-member union’s finances are deteriorating. Its [...]
Long-simmering GOP-MEA ‘war’ intensifies going into 2014
The Michigan Education Association and Michigan Republican Party are on speaking terms – sort of. Last year, the two sides regularly exchanged plenty of words – words such as “protecting sexual predators,” “hijack,” “robber” and “lying.” In [...]
Tax shift adds to fiscal woes at city hall
After years of political wrangling over the issue, business advocates hail the phase-out of Michigan’s tax on industrial machinery and business equipment as a welcome tonic for job growth. Public officials in places like River Rouge [...]
Who’s no. 1? County-by-county rankings on property values
No corner of Michigan has escaped unscathed from the “Big Flush,” the loss of billions upon billions of dollars in property values. In five years, total Michigan property values plunged by more than $260 billion, according [...]
In Michigan suburbs, once-pricey bedrooms worth less
Some 15 miles southeast of Ann Arbor, the cozy bedroom community of Milan belies stereotypical views of Michigan’s economic decline. Largely white, nestled around a quaint downtown and dotted with upscale, newer homes, it projects the [...]
Property value drops exceed 30 percent in parts of SE Michigan
It might be only a slight exaggeration to say that as Southeast Michigan goes, so goes the state. The region, with roughly 50 percent of the state population and the driver of half its economic activity, [...]
Stressed cities hear little sympathy from State Capitol
There is no funding problem. $30 + Billion dollars/year are available
Best, worst of Michigan communities’ fiscal ratings
It is somewhat humorous to see Saginaw on the Crisis Averted list, mov
Guest commentary: Keep world-class standards for Michigan learners
If, and this is a big if, the Common Core is used as it is (being adve
State leaders navigating a route to new dollars for roads
Adding to Michigan's already absurd sales tax system is a really dumb
Stressed cities hear little sympathy from State Capitol
Roger, Looking at the financial ratings, it would suggest that some