By James J. Turner/U.S. Agriculture Department The academic success of small schools in Michigan comes as no surprise to USDA Rural Development (“Small schools dominate championships” — Nov, 17, 2011). Our agency has long known that rural Michigan residents are resilient and resourceful – and the most important resource in our state. USDA Rural Development […]
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
Guest column: Snyder charts right course on roads
By James A. Jacob/Ajax Paving Cars swerving to miss potholes, bumper-to-bumper congestion, concrete falling from dangerous bridges and a lack of enhanced safety features such as broad shoulders along roadways create hazards for Michigan drivers. Michigan roads are notoriously known as some of the worst in the nation. A recent trucker survey ranked Michigan second-worst […]
Posted inMichigan Government
Analysis: Michigan makes huge strides in 2011
By Phil Power/Center for Michigan and Doug Rothwell/Business Leaders for Michigan Michigan has much to be thankful for as this year comes to a close: Better managed state and local government, a brighter economic outlook and more efficient delivery of public services. Our state’s turnaround has begun, but in many ways the hardest work still lies […]
Posted inBusiness Watch
What was Shadow Tax Cut in your town?
In 2007, $14.25 billion in property taxes were collected by local governments in Michigan. By 2010, that figure had fallen to $13.37 billion. Adjusted for inflation, the drop exceeded $1.6 billion in only four years. This “Shadow Tax Cut” has had significant effects on local governments and on Michiganians’ tax bills, but the effects have […]
Posted inSuccess
And the winners are …
Sixty Michigan public school districts claimed at least a tie for a championship in one of eight academic categories in Bridge Magazine’s Academic State Championships. Champion districts are listed in alphabetical order, regardless of division. (BRIDGE DATABASE: See how your district is doing) (BRIDGE GALLERY: Images of success) The champions Adams Township School District (8th […]
Posted inTalent & Education
State Champs: See how your district is doing
Sixty Michigan public school districts claimed at least a tie for a championship in one of eight academic categories in Bridge Magazine’s Academic State Championships for the 2010-11 school year. These winners were drawn from a database created by Public Sector Consultants, a Lansing-based research firm, and the nonpartisan, nonprofit Citizens Research Council. Statewide average […]
Posted inMichigan Government
Recall election didn't resolve anything
By Peter Luke Gov. Rick Snyder’s campaign vow to change the political culture that governs Lansing suffered the same dismal fate as former Rep. Paul Scott this week. The Grand Blanc Republican surrendered his office Wednesday less than 12 hours after conceding that he’d been recalled by voters of the 51st House District by a […]
Posted inMichigan Government
Analysis: Funding arts funds state
By Jennfer Goulet Michigan’s resurgence depends on a commitment to invest in the unique assets that make it competitive. Strong partnerships, dedicated leadership and support from both public and private sectors, position the creative sector to drive spending in local economies and private investment, while attracting new businesses and talent throughout Michigan — making it […]
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 […]
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