[An earlier version contained a summary of this column that was placed below the bylines, inadvertently making it appear as if that summary was written by the authors. The summary was in fact written by Bridge.] As Michigan education leaders who work in very different sectors, we often see education reform from different points of […]
Michigan needs a smart, statewide system to measure student growth
Posted inGuest Commentary
Proposed laws will make public records truly public
Charles Hill Most government officials and politicians will agree in public that the work of government should be transparent so citizens can judge whether money is being spent wisely and decisions are being made properly. But the reality is that getting your hands on specific government information isn’t always easy, even when the law says […]
Posted inQuality of Life
Time for Michigan to drop the drumstick
Rob St. Mary was already traveling light when he moved to Colorado in March. He sold many of his belongings, including his car, packed his cats and a U-Haul, and set out from Detroit to a job at Aspen Public Radio. Just a few months into his new life, he is even lighter, having shed […]
Posted inGuest Commentary
Making early literacy a priority for Michigan
Reading is the gateway to future academic success. A national consensus of research proves that and no other single factor is more critical in predicting future success or failure in education than 3rd-grade reading proficiency. We know that students in kindergarten through 3rd grade are learning to read, and starting in 4th grade students begin […]
Posted inPhil's Column
Midnight act by Senate Republicans to keep campaign donors secret breeds cynicism
Three weeks ago, before the political life of Michigan got interrupted for important things (Thanksgiving, turkey, football) we were treated to a bombshell from Secretary of State Ruth Johnson. Responding to a request by the State Bar of Michigan to require public disclosure of donors who sponsor millions in so-called “issue ads” in judicial elections, […]
Posted inBrunch with Bridge
Two words that can fight as often as agree: Conservative Catholic
HERE COMES EVERYBODY: Conservative Catholics occupy many high-profile positions in our society, but what exactly is the Catholic part all about? (Photo by Flickr user Jim Forest; used under Creative Commons license) I chafe when the label “conservative” is applied to me. I am not embarrassed to be called a conservative or associated with its […]
Posted inBrunch with Bridge
Abortion-insurance law will brand state as extreme, hostile to women
‘RAPE INSURANCE?’ A voter petition likely to be approved by the legislature will require Michigan women to purchase a separate insurance rider, should she need an abortion — no matter the circumstances. (Photo by Flickr user Clinic Escort; used under Creative Commons license) I never plan to have an abortion. But then, I never plan […]
Posted inThe Center for Michigan
Black Thursday, or who to throttle first at the Thanksgiving table
The word “rant” is overused in describing today’s political discourse, but what this man, a psychologist in his 50s, is working himself up to can hardly be called anything else. He is sitting at a table in a gracious home in Grosse Pointe Park, among friends and friends of friends, invited to a discussion about […]
Posted inThe Center for Michigan
Attack or stand down?
If Thanksgiving cooking is so daunting that a poultry producer can set up a 1-800 help line, what advice dedicated to social interaction on the holiday might be helpful? Marci Raver, an Ann Arbor etiquette expert, admits it’s a tough one: “I’ve found that it is very tricky to drink just enough wine” that one […]
Posted inGuest Commentary
Officeholders and nonprofit corporations: A toxic mix
Michigan’s citizens are tired of the divisive political culture in Lansing. Midnight deals, closed doors meetings, lobbyists, and special interest influence have stood in the way of long-term solutions. As Governor, I will ensure that government is open, fair, and accountable to the citizens by making Michigan a national leader in transparency and ethics. – […]
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