Gov. John Engler was urged by the business community to raise fuel taxes up to 12 cents a gallon to fix Michigan roads and bridges. He agreed to a 4-cent raise. It wasn’t enough over the long haul. Today, MDOT pays $240 million a year on a $2.5 billion debt to repair roads.
Business Watch
Covering the intersection of business and policy, and informing Michigan employers and workers on the long road back from coronavirus. Our Michigan Economic Dashboard shows key metrics that show how the state is performing.
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Take me out to the (non-taxpayer financed) ball game
At a time when most professional sports stadiums tap public funds for stadiums, the West Michigan Whitecaps built and run a ballpark on private funds alone.
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Public shells out for Detroit sports stadiums
Taxpayers have paid hundreds of millions of dollars to help Detroit’s sports teams build stadiums over the decades. A look at some recent deals.
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No-fault reform would cut high rates, but beneficiaries fear losing quality of life
A recent Michigan court ruling leaves some brain-injured crash victims unable to afford the vans that get them out of the house. Lansing, meanwhile, is seeking even further restrictions on the state’s generous no-fault auto benefits, citing the high cost to drivers.
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At issue: Michigan’s no-fault auto insurance
Michigan unlimited no-fault auto insurance benefits may soon be rolled back. We weigh the savings of such a rollback against the consequences.
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Is Michigan in another auto bubble?
Growing inventories and modest sales forecasts raise questions about Gov. Snyder’s pledge to “double down” on auto industry and manufacturing investments.
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Immigrants are already saving Michigan
Gov. Rick Snyder has pushed hard to make Michigan welcoming for immigrant entrepreneurs and international students at our colleges and universities. New Census data shows just how valuable well-educated newcomers are to Michigan’s economic recovery.
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Like Michigan craft beer? Malt shortage could slow the pour
Farmers are eager to help Michigan’s growing beer and whiskey industry, but the state lacks enough malt operators to reach its potential
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Michigan-made malt is pricey, but makes great booze
Wendell Banks says his small-batch malt in tiny Shepherd costs twice as much as national suppliers charge, but argues that fresh, Michigan-made malt is worth the price.
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As Detroit auto show revs, America cools to car culture
Although carmakers are still in hot pursuit of the youth market, data suggests these potential customers don’t really care what’s about to be unveiled at the Detroit auto show. (Photo by Flickr user LotProCars; used under Creative Commons license) Around 800,000 people are expected to check out the auto industry’s latest models during the nine-day […]