It’s time to pass these bills and get Michigan out of the bottom rankings for accountability for government officials in our country.
Guest Commentary
At Bridge, we believe in listening to voices from all over our state. Got something to say? Contact us and join the conversation (details below)
How to submit a Guest Commentary
What to know:
Bridge welcomes a diversity of voices and perspectives from readers on issues important to Michigan. Guest commentaries reflect the views of the author(s), and are independent of the nonpartisan, fact-driven reporting of Bridge’s newsroom staff.
Commentaries must be the author’s original work and preferably will not have appeared first in other publications. Bridge reserves the right to decline submissions at our discretion.
We reserve the right to edit commentary for grammar, clarity, brevity or to address legal or factual concerns. We may offer editing suggestions, but in the service of making your work more accessible, not to alter your views.
We do not pay for guest commentary.
Here are some guidelines:
- Columns are usually 500-700 words
- They generally focus on a Michigan topic or policy and should avoid ad hominem attacks
- The more direct, distinct and/or intimate your perspective, the more effective your column will be
- The best columns do more than identify problems; they also offer solutions and facts to back them up
- Please include a one- or two-sentence bio, including the writer’s organization or relevant background.
- Authors must show their work, by backing up facts with links to reports or studies
- Bridge does not publish self-promotional columns or candidate endorsements
- Send a good quality, large headshot of the writer(s) as an attachment
- We also ask that, in return for publishing a guest commentary, the author(s) and their organizations generously promote the link to the published column through your Facebook, Twitter and other social or professional networks.
That’s about it. Keep the writing clear, conversational and free of jargon, and sell our smart and receptive readership on the argument you are trying to make.
Who to contact:
Email your submission or idea to guestcommentary@bridgemi.com. Please briefly describe who you are and what you would like to say and put the words “guest commentary” in the email subject line.
Opinion | Michigan needs state investment to keep public transit moving
The state has failed to fully fund local bus operations as provided by law, leaving transit agencies understaffed and facing potential service cuts. These challenges are especially acute in rural and lower-income communities.
Opinion | Stormwater — the forgotten infrastructure
Unlike drinking and wastewater systems, there is no designated source of funding for stormwater repairs and upgrades. Senate Bill 660 needs to be passed.
Opinion | Revenue Sharing Trust Fund would build vibrant, prosperous communities
Stable local government funding ensures better local planning.
Opinion | Aggregate mining bills threaten our environment, waterways and local control
We need to let local communities make decisions to protect the local environment and their residents.
Opinion | During Native American fall harvest, plant-based recipes take center stage
This is a time of year in which we can focus on healing ourselves and the land, when we can act as stewards of the land so that environmental balance can occur.
Opinion | Open the faucet: Pass water affordability legislation
The water affordability legislation before the Michigan Legislature is a commonsense approach to help low-income families and seniors when they need it most.
Opinion | Michigan businesses need path forward to survive wage, sick leave mandates
These policies ignore the realities of running a small business. Owners already stretched thin by inflation and workforce shortages will now face added costs and confusing compliance hurdles.
Opinion | Michigan’s Hazardous Products Act would help turn off the tap on PFAS
In Michigan, PFAS are allowed in any product, from furniture to makeup and firefighting foam. Our Legislature should and can do more.
Opinion | Why Michigan must embrace the National Popular Vote
We advocate for its passage in Michigan, not as a political position, but as a moral imperative. It is within Michigan’s power to chart a new path toward a more inclusive democracy.