Region enjoys modest, broad-based growthFour of the region’s largest sectors have seen growth over last three years after the historic decline bottomed out in 2009.Click on a sector to add it to the chart below.In inflation-adjusted 2009 dollars. Rank, 2013 Sector 1 Finance, insurance 2 Manufacturing 3 Professional, business services 4 Education, health care services […]
Bridge Staff
Bridge’s mission is to inform Michigan citizens about their state, amplify their views and explore the challenges of our civic life.
Posted inMichigan Government
7 ways Tuesday’s election changes Michigan
From governor on down, Republicans intensified their dominance in Lansing. Here’s what the data tell us about Michigan’s future.
Posted inMichigan Government
Fewer voted, Snyder wins – here’s how he did it.
Despite claims that voter turnout would be above 2010 levels, perhaps turning the Michigan governor's race into a toss-up, turnout was actually down across Michigan Tuesday and Republican Gov. Rick Snyder won handily.
Posted inMichigan Government
12 questions to ask about political polls
Judging the independence and reliability of polls during election season can difficult, even for politically astute voters. Here are a few questions to ask to help determine a survey’s credibility.
Posted inBusiness Watch
The economies of Michigan: Grand Rapids
Rising tide lifting most sectorsThe region’s top industry sectors all saw positive growth in 2013, continue four years of recovery.Click on a sector to add it to the chart below.In inflation-adjusted 2009 dollars. Rank, 2013 Sector 1 Manufacturing 2 Finance, insurance 3 Professional, business services 4 Education services 5 Wholesale trade Dollar amounts are inflation-adjusted […]
Posted inTalent & Education
Smartest kids: Four school advocates raise their hands
We asked four fierce, very different education advocates how to improve Michigan schools. They hit on many reforms successfully used in leading states.
Posted inThe Center for Michigan
VIDEO: Miss the Ballot Bash? Watch now!
Miss the Ballot Bash? No worries. We've got video of all the candidates.
Posted inTalent & Education
How Tennessee, Michigan compare
How Michigan, Tennessee compare Tennessee has made great strides on national tests in recent years, a byproduct officials say of better teacher training and blah blah blah 4th grade math, all4th grade reading, all4th grade math, poor* students 4th grade math, not poor 4th grade math, black students 4th grade math, white students 4th grade […]
Posted inA Truth Squad companion
Michigan Tax Facts QUIZ
When we launched the series "Michigan Tax Facts" we promised to provide the most important information every Michigan tax payer needs to know. So how did we do? Today, we will test your knowledge.
Posted inA Truth Squad companion
Michigan Tax Facts ANSWERS
1. How does Michigan’s tax burden rank nationally, according to the Tax Foundation’s “Facts & Figures: How Does Your State Compare” book published in March 2014? ANSWER: 21st 2. How much money will the Michigan government spend in 2014? ANSWER: $52 Billion 3. Over a decade in which Michigan endured a crippling recession and lost […]