Posted inMichigan Government

Analysis: A slap in the face by the invisible hand

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. […]

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: 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 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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