The recent decision by Indiana to become the 23rd state (and first in the Great Lakes region) to enact a Right to Work law had Lansing buzzing this winter that Michigan may soon be the next. At least one legislator was preparing to push the idea and Gov. Rick Snyder, while downplaying the concept, did […]
Michigan Government
Citizens cannot do their job of running their government if they don’t know what their public servants are doing.
Posted inMichigan Government
Two parties, lunchmeat and pants afire
Here’s the thing about the media: We’re not supposed to call people liars. We get quotes from both sides, even when we know the claptrap on one side of the issue is, as Gongwer News Service subtly suggested Wednesday, “what some might call a lie.” That story (subscription only), along with this from the Detroit […]
Posted inMichigan Government
That's your government. You can't look in there.
A legal battle over who will run the city of Flint has centered on the provisions of the rewrite of the state’s emergency manager law — PA4. But an alarming side note was sounded in the fight this week — an idea that could weaken public oversight of government statewide. According to Gongwer News Service […]
Posted inMichigan Government
Ex-city manager teaches emergency manager avoidance tips
When Ed Koryzno talks to officials in financially troubled communities, he can say to them with conviction, “Been there, done that.” Koryzno, hired earlier this year by the administration of Gov. Rick Snyder to help advise troubled communities, used to work through many of the same difficulties that financially troubled local governments are struggling to […]
Posted inMichigan Government
Guest column: Cut prison costs the smart way
By Barbara R. Levine/Citizens Alliance on Prisons and Public Spending Legislators agree we should spend less on corrections, but are reluctant to make the fundamental choices — like reinstating the sentencing commission, reforming parole practices and restoring sentencing credits — that could safely reduce the prisoner population by thousands and reduce spending by the hundreds of […]
Posted inMichigan Government
A Wings fan in Wasilla?
If you’ve ever worked on a film set, you know that nothing happens by accident — at least in front of the camera. Every prop, from throw pillows on the sofa to the painting hanging on the wall behind the actors, is vetted, to use a word from contemporary politics. To not do so is […]
Posted inMichigan Government
Rick Snyder, Bill Clinton, discuss
Reading over Gov. Rick Snyder’s special message on public safety, I was struck by its rather Clintonian tone in a number of areas. I know those are fighting words to certain folks, but I make note of this not to spark a conflict, but to attract attention to the ongoing political ferment in Republican circles […]
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan lags on ethics, lobbying, campaign rules
If Michigan lawmakers are serious about cluing the public in on the money being spent to win elections and influence policy-makers, there are plenty of places to look for guidance. Fifty states have crafted 50 systems, which vary substantially. Oregon, for example, is exceptionally strong in making sure that all campaign donations and spending are […]
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan campaign finance rules weak; reform prospects unclear
There are limits to the amount of money you can donate to the candidate of your choice in Michigan. But, as with other elements of Michigan’s lobbying and ethics rules, the state’s campaign finance limits are somewhat loose. Under current law, an individual can donate $500 to a candidate for the state House, $1,000 for […]
Posted inMichigan Government
Five decisions for a more ethical state government
By Phil Power and Derek Melot/Bridge Magazine Time and again – not least in the recent Republican presidential primary election – we hear of the countless ways money has infested and debased our political system. And in countless community conversations held by the Center for Michigan, we heard from citizens who want reform, of the […]
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