Surveying the events out of State College, Pa., in recent days, I was reminded of a comment from a wise man: “A student can win 12 letters at a university without learning how to write one.” So said Robert Maynard Hutchins about the problems he saw in marrying big-time athletics to universities. In fact, as […]
Posted inMichigan Government
Recall election didn't resolve anything
By Peter Luke Gov. Rick Snyder’s campaign vow to change the political culture that governs Lansing suffered the same dismal fate as former Rep. Paul Scott this week. The Grand Blanc Republican surrendered his office Wednesday less than 12 hours after conceding that he’d been recalled by voters of the 51st House District by a […]
Posted inBusiness Watch
Michigan reaches for upper rungs on tourism
Five years of Pure Michigan national advertising is just beginning to buff up the state’s rust-belt image. After the state had spent $67 million for the slick campaign featuring the voice of Michigan native Tim Allen, a survey done for the state found that Michigan still ranked in the middle of the pack in tourism […]
Posted inChildren & Families
Racial divide persists in Michigan's infant mortality rate
For nearly 30 years, Michigan has been reducing its infant mortality rate. Still, as of 2009, a black infant in Michigan is three times more likely to die than a white baby, according to the latest statistics from 2009. In fact, the mortality rate for black infants in Michigan for 2009 (15.5 per 1,000 live […]
Posted inMichigan Government
Analysis: Funding arts funds state
By Jennfer Goulet Michigan’s resurgence depends on a commitment to invest in the unique assets that make it competitive. Strong partnerships, dedicated leadership and support from both public and private sectors, position the creative sector to drive spending in local economies and private investment, while attracting new businesses and talent throughout Michigan — making it […]
Posted inMichigan Government
Pure Michigan credited with $605 million gain
Pure Michigan. The sweeping lake vistas. The woods afire with autumnal splendor. The powdery snow covering a tranquil field. And over each image, the resonant voice of Tim Allen. And behind these ads, the state of Michigan has spent $67 million since 2006 in a bid to draw more tourists — and their dollars — […]
Posted inQuality of Life
The costs of that "$500 house" in Detroit
A year ago, Jerry Paffendorf showed a friend from New York City how a house was up for sale in Detroit’s North Corktown neighborhood via a tax foreclosure auction. That friend fell in love withDetroit, the neighborhood and the house and bought it online for just a few thousand dollars, less than a few months’ […]
Posted inMichigan Government
Analysis: A slap in the face by the invisible hand
By Rich Robinson On one level, the vote by the Senate Economic Development Committee to defer to another day the proposed new public-private bridge betweenDetroit andWindsor looks like the triumph of ideology over commerce. Fearless libertarians who have had enough of taxation faced down every business association in Michigan. The titans of business and industry blinked. […]
Posted inTalent & Education
Bridge seeks reporter to expand team
Bridge Magazine, a project of The Center for Michigan, a 501(c)3 nonprofit “think-and-do” tank, seeks a dynamic journalist with proven expertise in covering Michigan policy and life to serve as a reporter/writer on our growing staff. This is a full-time position featuring competitive salary, bonus structure and benefits based on the successful candidate’s experience. (UPDATE: […]
Posted inMichigan Government
'No fault' and Lansing's fault
For a quick and thorough review of what the issues are in the push to change Michigan’s no-fault/unlimited medical coverage system for catastrophic injuries in auto accidents, check out Pat Shellenbarger’s piece last week in Bridge. Pat made two points that have received far little coverage elsewhere, but reflect, I think, the fundamental dysfunction in […]
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