By James P. Hallan/Michigan Retailers Association Since 2008, Michigan electricity customers have been denied the opportunity to shop for electricity in the competitive market because of legislation that capped competition at just 1 percent of total electric use. As a result, we are currently suffering from the highest electricity rates in the Midwest and rates […]
Guest column: Limited choice isn’t helping electric rates
Posted inPhil's Column
The glorious beauty of Michigan in fall
The fish jumped, twice, each landing shattering the glassy calm of the lake into thousands of brightly colored shards of light. To the north, where the ground is high and rocky, the maples are blazing red and molten gold. And to the west, where swamp gradually turns to a pitched hill, the yellow-green of the […]
Posted inTalent & Education
Lansing, Flint, Howell and Pontiac are stops on K-12 townhall series
Michiganians, October is your last chance to discuss K-12 education and reform as part of the Center for Michigan’s townhall series on the topic: WHEN: Oct. 16, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. WHERE: Elmhurst Elementary School gym, 2400 Pattengill Ave., Lansing RSVP: Carolyn Stone – Carolyn.stone@lansingschools.net WHEN: Oct. 21, 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. WHERE: […]
Posted inMichigan Government
Fouls called by Truth Squad in GOP attacks on Debbie Stabenow
MICHIGAN TRUTH SQUAD ANALYSIS: “Replacement Refs”, “Stabenow: Addicted to spending”, “Stabenow: Sheepish” Who: Hoekstra for Senate, Michigan Republican Party What: TV ads Truth Squad calls: Flagrant foul on Hoekstra, Technical foul on Michigan GOP Hoekstra ad Questionable statement: “What’s the most watched sport around here? It’s the debate about Debbie Stabenow being the worst senator […]
Posted inMichigan Government
Truth Squad finds problems in claims made in 103rd House District campaigns
MICHIGAN TRUTH SQUAD ANALYSIS: “The Rendon Record” and “Bruce Rendon” Who: Michigan Democratic Party, Bruce Rendon for State Representative What: TV ad, website Truth Squad call: Warning on Michigan Democratic Party. Foul on Rendon. This Truth Squad report covers numerous campaign materials from both sides in the race for the seat in District 103 of […]
Posted inBusiness Watch
Where do consumers fit in Blues overhaul?
Few public policy topics are as important — and as mind-numbingly complex — as health insurance regulation. But Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, its supporters and detractors have tried to keep things lively over the years. And they’re at it again. Gov. Rick Snyder surprised many in the State Capitol on Sept. 11 when […]
Posted inBusiness Watch
Uncertainty surrounds future of Blues’ Medigap coverage
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan says Gov. Rick Snyder’s proposed overhaul of how the insurer is regulated will lead to better, more affordable health care for Michigan residents. But one group that could eventually see much higher rates for coverage is senior citizens who buy Blue Cross Medicare supplement policies, known as Medigap coverage. […]
Posted inSuccess
A hope for homeless youth in Detroit’s Covenant House
Sam Joseph once spotted a former resident playing basketball in Covenant House Michigan’s gated five-acre campus. It was Prince, who had been a homeless teen when he found shelter, education and life-skills training at Covenant House Michigan, then got a scholarship and moved on to Ferris State University. “Why are you here? Did you get […]
Posted inMichigan Government
For cities in crisis, a wonk in wingtips
Fred Headen has been in the news lately, for reasons that do not necessarily burnish Michigan’s image. As director of the Department of Treasury’s Bureau of Local Government Services, Headen has played a regular role in reviewing the finances of Michigan’s most troubled cities. He’s served on local finance review teams and helped oversee how […]
Posted inGuest Commentary
Guest column: It’s time to stop distorting truth about Common Core
By David Musselwhite/Michigan PTA The Common Core, a comprehensive set of internationally-benchmarked and comprehensive K-12 standards in mathematics and English Language Arts, has fallen prey to exaggerated and dishonest criticism from educators and Washington think tanks. It isn’t difficult to find naysayers who lump the Common Core into arguments against what they call “corporate education reform.” […]