PICTURE OF PROGRESS: Downtown Grand Rapids and the rest of the Grand Rapids-Wyoming MSA posted a 2.3 percent growth rate in 2011, matching the statewide figure. (Bridge archive photo) The Holland-Grand Haven area had the best 2011 when it came to economic growth in 2011 – at least as it compared to 2010. Still, though, […]
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 inTalent & Education
School experts, parents will review K-12 report in televised townhall
On March 6 the Center for Michigan will host a televised townhall meeting in partnership with Detroit Public Television on the future of education in Michigan to discuss the nonprofit think tank’s latest report: “The Public’s Agenda for Public Education: How Michigan citizens want to improve student learning.” This event will be aired live from […]
Posted inGuest Commentary
Guest column: Make businesses pay their fair share for schools, roads, universities
By Rep. Pam Faris Doug Rothwell, president and CEO of Business Leaders for Michigan, recently proposed a three-point plan to get Michigan moving. Rothwell’s plan applauds Gov. Rick Snyder’s proposed budget for fiscal 2014, acknowledging his investments in pre-K education, community colleges and higher education and the rebuilding of our infrastructure. While I agree that […]
Posted inGuest Commentary
Guest column: Why is education establishment resisting school reform?
By Peter B. Ruddell/Wiener Associates It’s about the kids, not the district. Despite the Center for Michigan’s recent report and Michigan’s mediocre (but improving) education achievement, the entrenched education establishment is arguing the status quo is good for kids. This time the arguments come high atop the traditional education establishment’s ivory tower – from David […]
Posted inTalent & Education
Education reform is theme of TV forum for Southeast Michigan
On March 6 the Center for Michigan will host a televised townhall meeting in partnership with Detroit Public Television on the future of education in Michigan to discuss the nonprofit think tank’s latest report: “The Public’s Agenda for Public Education: How Michigan citizens want to improve student learning.” “The Center for Michigan has organized this […]
Posted inGuest Commentary
Guest column: Keep the pride, change the logo
By Dan Levy/ Michigan Department of Civil Rights When the Michigan Department of Civil Rights asked the U.S. Department of Education to end the use of American Indian mascots, we expected that many people’s first reaction would be to defend the traditions they represent. Pride runs deep in our state and nowhere is that pride […]
Posted inGuest Commentary
Guest column: Eight steps that will lower auto insurance rates
By Steven Gursten/Motor Vehicle Trial Lawyers If the goal of reforming Michigan’s “No Fault” system is to lower auto insurance prices for Michigan drivers, then we need to focus on “reform” proposals that will truly help Michigan drivers save money on car insurance. The insurance industry has wanted to push ideas that would slash drivers’ […]
Posted inGuest Commentary
Guest column: Michigan will spend for better state
By John Austin/Michigan Economic Center Over a year ago a set of citizens, leaders and organizations came together in the Michigan Economic Center to tap Michigan citizen’s ideas about how to move our economy forward. Our motivation was a belief that foundational economic assets of our state, which also are parts of our unique identity, […]
Posted inGuest Commentary
Guest column: Three-point investment plan will get Michigan moving
By Doug Rothwell/Business Leaders for Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder’s proposed budget for 2014 offers new promise for Michigan. Now that our fiscal house is in order, thanks to an eradication of old accounting gimmicks and heavy debt obligations, our state is positioned to make good choices about its future investments. The options we pursue today […]
Posted inGuest Commentary
Guest column: Arts and culture mean jobs for Michigan
By Jennifer Goulet/ArtServe Michigan ArtServe’s 2012 Creative State MI report undeniably revealed proven impacts of the nonprofit arts and cultural sector on Michigan’s economic vitality. This year’s data further defines the arts, culture and creative industries as a sector playing strategic roles in Michigan’s reinvention and one poised for more action. As Michigan’s economy struggled […]
You must be logged in to post a comment.