College readiness means knowing how to solve an algebraic equation, but it also means knowing how to set an alarm clock. That’s the advice of Jim Montoya, former dean of admissions at Stanford University and now president of higher education relationship development at the College Board, which runs the SAT college admissions test. In an […]
Parsing the 3 Rs: Rigor, responsibility, readiness
Posted inTalent & Education
Spend a little on kids now, save a lot later
Call it common sense, call it common knowledge, but now it has a number attached: $40,000. Or $100,000. The first number is the amount the state of Michigan saves on every child who arrives at kindergarten “ready to learn,” that is, with an adequate preschool or similar early-childhood experience. The six-figure sum is what the […]
Posted inPhil's Column
Michigan, learn the lessons of early childhood
There are two approaches to justify initiatives in public policy: arguing from assertions of morality and reasoning from return on investment. The former method is by far the most common in today’s discourse. It’s relatively easy to do and comforting, as well, to wrap one’s preferences in the gauzy warmth of moral principles. And in some […]
Posted inLand O Links
Land O Links
“The benefits of education and of useful knowledge, generally diffused through a community, are essential to the preservation of a free government” — Sam Houston, Texan revolutionary. A task force looking for ways to improve how the state selects its Supreme Court justices suggested the creation of an “open primary” to have voters select the […]
Posted inBusiness Watch
Snyder builds tax plan on complicated tax credit math
The Snyder administration’s plan to give tax relief to businesses by reducing the personal property tax rests … on the end of tax breaks for businesses. Yes, you read that correctly. Over the next several years, Michigan will stop sending hundreds of millions of dollars of business-tax credits out the door. The corresponding expected increase […]
Posted inBusiness Watch
In Ohio, tax repeal advocates tout anecdotes
While Michigan tinkers with its tax structure in an effort to improve its business climate, its neighbor to the south already is collecting accolades and attracting investments. Site Selection magazine, in its March issue, awarded Ohio its Governor’s Cup for attracting 498 major capital investment projects in 2011, the most among the 50 states. Michigan […]
Posted inBusiness Watch
Calley: PPT plan puts Michigan ahead of Ohio
Lt. Governor Brian Calley testified last week on behalf of the Snyder administration’s proposal to phase-out the personal property tax (read business equipment tax) by 2022. The proposal is strongly backed by business groups and just as strongly opposed by groups representing local governments and schools, which fear the loss of almost half a billion […]
Posted inGuest Commentary
Will personal property tax tug-of-war drag cities into the mud?
Legislation that would phase out Michigan’s personal property tax — essentially a business equipment levy — on industrial and commercial property is working its way through the Michigan Senate. The repeal is strongly backed by business groups such as the Michigan Chamber of Commerce and manufacturers. It is just as strongly opposed by alliances of […]
Posted inLand O Links
Land O Links
“Knowledge which is divorced from justice, may be called cunning rather than wisdom” — Marcus Tullius Cicero, Roman senator * Center for Michigan President John Bebow sat down with Michigan Municipal League President Dan Gilmartin to talk about prosperity in Michigan, along with with Gary Heidel of MSHDA, Tim Fischer of the Michigan Environmental Council […]
Posted inBusiness Watch
Moroun family looks to state ballot tactic to protect its business
News item: The Detroit International Bridge Company, which owns the Ambassador Bridge, wants to put a state constitutional amendment on the ballot, one that would require a statewide vote for the New International Trade Crossing bridge to go forward. There’s little mystery as to what this is really all about. The bridge company is entirely […]