By Laura Sager/Citizens Alliance on Prisons & Public Spending Michigan taxpayers spend hundreds of millions of dollars more on prisons than public safety requires. How? By keeping people locked up far longer than we used to, than other states do and than is necessary to prevent recidivism. Every additional month, one person serves costs roughly […]
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
Join school forums in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Dearborn
Michigan will spend nearly $13 billion out of its School Aid Fund for the coming year. Most of that money will go to public schools across the state. Is Michigan getting the most it can out of the school investment? The Center for Michigan stands ready to help you join the discussion on K-12 education. […]
Posted inGuest Commentary
Guest column: Invasive species burden Michigan, region with tens of millions in costs
By Helen Taylor/Nature Conservancy Tiny mussels that wash up on beaches and attach to boats, piers and underwater pipes. Mats of vegetation that blanket lakes and take the fun out of boating, fishing and water-skiing. Tall grasses that invade shorelines, blocking lake views. In the Great Lakes states, we’ve read about aquatic invasive species such as zebra […]
Posted inGuest Commentary
Do liquor control rules fail public?
While the Snyder administration has reported consistent progress on pruning Michigan’s regulatory thicket, the matter of how much to regulate the liquor market has proven to be more ticklish than most. As Bridge reported in April, “The one exception to the smooth process of developing (reform) recommendations could be the Liquor Control Advisory Rules Committee, […]
Posted inGuest Commentary
Guest column: Michigan's libraries, learners will lose if tax funds aren't replaced
By Lance Werner/Kent District Library Libraries and other organizations such as schools, police, and fire departments that provide essential tax-supported services have been working with state lawmakers for nearly a year to brainstorm ways to replace the business equipment personal property tax (PPT), if it is eliminated. Replacement is critical because, without it, the services […]
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan's recreational trouble spots
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is charged by Congress with maintenance of a variety of harbors and channels around the Great Lakes. However, despite the existence of a federal fee-based fund to finance such maintenance, Congress has not appropriated sufficient funds in recent years to cover all the work. In response the Army Corps […]
Posted inTalent & Education
Join school discussions in Dearborn, Inkster, online
Another school year draws to a close as parents, patrons, educators and lawmakers continue to debate how best to serve Michigan’s schoolchildren and the future of our state. The Center for Michigan stands ready to help you join the discussion. CFM, parent to Bridge Magazine, is engaged in a year-long series of community conversations on […]
Posted inMichigan Government
Tallying up the Snyder administration
Rick Snyder took office in January 2011 as Michigan faced yet another budget deficit and as plenty of citizens wondered whether state government could act with alacrity. Armed with large Republican majorities in both chambers of the Legislature, and aided by a good economic tailwind, Snyder rushed through the first six months of his term […]
Posted inGuest Commentary
State waits for Legislature to do its job on transit
By Timothy R. Fischer/Michigan Environmental Council and Michele Hodges/Troy Chamber of Commerce Our state’s leaders must stop dithering and approve the regional transit authority bills (Senate Bills 909, 911-912) before the Michigan Legislature. An RTA matters for the entire state. It would control transit tax expenditures in Southeast Michigan, cut duplicative service, force efficiencies and […]
Posted inGuest Commentary
Guest column: Student loan debt is next big bubble
By Evan Montague/Lansing Community College Graduation stories abound this time of year, inspiring students and educators alike with the promise of a career and personal success. Imagine starting this journey with a monthly payment of $276 for the next 10 years — if not longer. The average Michigan undergraduate student loan borrower is graduating with […]