Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Roger Kahn, R-Saginaw Township, made headlines recently when he proposed adding $140 million to the 2013-14 budget for state-funded preschool. Bridge spoke to him about his proposal, the hurdles the proposal might face and why he’s become an outspoken advocate for early childhood education. Bridge: You proposed $140 million in additional funding […]
Key senator says state must make long-term commitment to preschool funding
Posted inTalent & Education
Business boosts ambitious pre-K expansion plans in Michigan
Momentum is growing for groundbreaking improvements to Michigan’s public preschool programs. Statewide business leaders are leading the way. “It’s become clear to the business community there are thousands of job openings going unfilled for lack of people with adequate skills,” said William Parfet, chairman and CEO of MPI Research in Mattawan and a member of […]
Posted inLand O Links
Land O Links
“Data is not information, information is not knowledge, knowledge is not understanding, understanding is not wisdom” — Clifford Stoll, American author. * A study says the financial trends for public research universities – here that means U-M, MSU and Wayne State – are grim. ” Public research universities — particularly top-tier flagship institutions like the […]
Posted inBusiness Watch
Another income report is out, and the news is not so good for Michigan
Last time, I reported on the good news coming out of the latest Census Bureau report: median household income increased and poverty decreased for Michigan between 2010 and 2011. These data points were based on the results of the Current Population Survey (CPS) Annual Social and Income Supplement, conducted in March of each year. We […]
Posted inPhil's Column
Encourage lawmakers to take action on preschool funding gaps
For the first time in years, the door to far-reaching school reform in Michigan is gradually creaking open. But will it stay open? Over the past two weeks, Bridge, the Center for Michigan’s online magazine, has been running a series on early childhood learning programs — something virtually all experts and educators call the essential […]
Posted inTalent & Education
Education discussion series enters home stretch; make your voice heard
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. 4, 6: p.m. to 7:30 p.m. WHERE: ARISE Detroit, 5555 Conner Ave., Detroit RSVP: Luther Keith – (313) 921-1955 WHEN: Oct. 16, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. WHERE: Elmhurst […]
Posted inMichigan Government
Fouls called on both sides in 71st House District by Truth Squad
MICHIGAN TRUTH SQUAD ANALYSIS: “Generations” and “Theresa Abed” Who: Citizens to Elect Deb Shaughnessy State Representative, Michigan Democratic Party What: Radio ad (Shaughnessy), mailer (Abed) Truth Squad calls: Foul on Shaughnessy, Foul on Democrats/Abed. Shaughnessy ad Questionable statement: “Her opponent, Theresa Abed, voted for lifetime healthcare for county politicians, like herself.” Democrat Theresa Abed is […]
Posted inMichigan Government
Anti-Prop 2 ads get 'no foul' ruling from Truth Squad
MICHIGAN TRUTH SQUAD ANALYSIS: “Michigan kids don’t need teacher strikes” and “School safety” Who: Citizens Protecting Michigan’s Constitution, anti-ballot proposal group, and Protecting Michigan Taxpayers, an anti-Prop 2 group What: TV ads Truth Squad call: No foul. Proposal 2 would “grant public and private employees the constitutional right to organize and bargain collectively through labor […]
Posted inTalent & Education
Picking winners, losers in preschool
Xavier Eaton is a lucky boy. The Battle Creek child not only got a coveted spot in the state’s free preschool program (Great Start) last year as a 4-year-old, but was in a classroom for a full day, rather than a half-day. Studies indicate he likely is better prepared for kindergarten this fall because he […]
Posted inTalent & Education
Grand Rapids preschool effort strained by budget trends
For Joanne Kelty, the economics of Michigan’s preschool program become more vexing each year. She supervises a program for Grand Rapids Public Schools considered to be a model for the state, with vocal support from the district’s superintendent and school board. Yet every year, the district has fewer 4-year-olds in class. “I hold my breath […]