By Rich Robinson On one level, the vote by the Senate Economic Development Committee to defer to another day the proposed new public-private bridge betweenDetroit andWindsor looks like the triumph of ideology over commerce. Fearless libertarians who have had enough of taxation faced down every business association in Michigan. The titans of business and industry blinked. […]
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 inBusiness Watch
Auto insurance fees examined for faults
By Pat Shellenbarger/Bridge Magazine contributor Megan Hanges-Reynolds concedes that until recently she gave little thought — none, really — to Michigan’s no-fault auto insurance law and its guarantee of unlimited, lifetime coverage for those severely injured in auto accidents. She thinks about it a lot now. That’s because the morning of Sept. 18, 2010, on […]
Posted inBusiness Watch
How 'flushed' is your hometown?
In May 2010, in the teeth of the worst Michigan economy in a generation, Fortune Magazine came to Grand Rapids to proclaim, “A Michigan Success Story.” Grand Rapidians have much to point to with optimism and pride, from the construction on “Hospital Hill” to the revitalization of its downtown. But there’s more to the story. A Bridge […]
Posted inBusiness Watch
Analysis: 'Economic Life' missed nonprofits' impact
Editor’s note: As part of our ongoing “Economic Life” coverage, we asked two observers to give their analysis of Bridge’s in-depth look into the state’s economic performance and job prospects. We’ve all seen the lists that show the growing and shrinking sectors of Michigan’s economy. Policy-makers use these inventories to help them chart the direction […]
Posted inBusiness Watch
Analysis: Five strategies to help Michiganians find work
Editor’s note: As part of our ongoing “Economic Life” coverage, we asked two observers to give their analysis of Bridge’s in-depth look into the state’s economic performance and job prospects. Bridge’s series about jobs, skills and educational attainment frames a crucial agenda for all of us in Michigan. We face a daunting, multi-dimensional policy challenge: […]
Posted inBusiness Watch
Analysis: African Americans hit hardest on homeownership
Editor’s note: Bridge presents, from time to time, comments from Kurt Metzger of Data Driven Detroit on what the 2010 census results mean for Michigan today, and tomorrow. Metzger worked for the U.S. Census Bureau for 15 years and has been studying demographic data and issues in Michigan for three decades. Homeownership was humming nationally […]
Posted inQuality of Life
Guest column: Dunes decision troubling for all
By Alison Swan A quirk in Michigan case law makes it possible for a land speculator with deep pockets to force a change in local zoning rules that forever squelches any meaningful public participation. And it nullifies — again forever — local ordinances. Yes, “forever” is a strong word. Let me explain why it is so […]
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan's regulation of liquor business is sobering
(Originally published June 22, 2011) By Susan J. Demas No, it’s not your imagination. That bottle of Jack Daniels really does cost more in New Buffalo than in Michigan City, Ind. “There is a mark-up,” said Andrea Miller, spokeswoman for the Liquor Control Commission, the state agency that regulates alcohol. Why is that? The answer […]
Posted inChildren & Families
Don't count out early education
(Originally published Feb. 3, 2011) By Susan J. Demas How’s this for a contrast? Last year, the Early Childhood Investment Corp. (ECIC) released a study showing that Michigan’s budget saves a whopping $805 million because of pre-K programs. And yet in fiscal 2010, Michigan was among the 17 states that put their programs on the […]
Posted inTalent & Education
School Daze: Michigan's incredible shrinking school year
(Originally published March 12, 2009) Imagine if the United States completely flopped in the next Olympics. Imagine if countries like Japan and South Korea dominated the medal count and it was obvious those athletes had simply out-worked, out-practiced, and out-performed ours. The likely results… Public outcry. Fired coaches. Promises of a quick return to athletic […]
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