For years, officials charged with managing local government services and finances have pointed to a variety of provisions in state law they say make the sharing of services with neighbors financially unappealing. With Gov. Rick Snyder’s signature last week on a set of bills, the state believes it has removed a large hurdle to increased […]
Center for Michigan
Posted inPhil's Column
Center will make your voice heard on schools
I know I’m not alone when I say I’m disgusted with the way our political system is (not) working these days. What seems to be happening all over the country is that a mixture of highly partisan activists from both parties, passionate ideologues and special interest groups are succeeding in mostly closing off the political […]
Posted inTalent & Education
Group wants surpluses spent on children
The Children’s Leadership Council of Michigan, a collection of business, nonprofit and educational groups, has some advice for the Legislature and Gov. Rick Snyder on using the projected surpluses from the 2011 fiscal year: Spend it on the kids. In a new letter (see full draft below), the group argues, “Viewing them as investment strategies, […]
Posted inTalent & Education
Snyder team reads Bridge
Perhaps a bit lost in the post Thanksgiving haze, or pre-Christmas shopping rush, Gov. Rick Snyder unveiled last week his message and plans for upgrading the talent and opportunities in Michigan. For a complete text of the message, click here. I will highlight one paragraph, for obvious — and self-serving — reasons: “A recent report […]
Posted inMichigan Government
Snyder gets his changes; consequences unclear
Michigan won’t be reinvented in a day. Or a dog year. But as Gov. Rick Snyder concludes his first (human) year in office, the general course he defined as a candidate is coming into view as legislative markers are set. Eight years of partisan division and economic decline prompted public interest groups such as The […]
Posted inMichigan Government
Analysis: Michigan makes huge strides in 2011
By Phil Power/Center for Michigan and Doug Rothwell/Business Leaders for Michigan Michigan has much to be thankful for as this year comes to a close: Better managed state and local government, a brighter economic outlook and more efficient delivery of public services. Our state’s turnaround has begun, but in many ways the hardest work still lies […]
Posted inSuccess
And the winners are …
Sixty Michigan public school districts claimed at least a tie for a championship in one of eight academic categories in Bridge Magazine’s Academic State Championships. Champion districts are listed in alphabetical order, regardless of division. (BRIDGE DATABASE: See how your district is doing) (BRIDGE GALLERY: Images of success) The champions Adams Township School District (8th […]
Posted inPhil's Column
Political physics pulls us back to the center
It wasn’t a revolution — but it just might signify a sea change. I’m referring to the results of the Nov. 8 off-year elections, which were anxiously scrutinized for possible indicators of public mood. Would that message be a continuation of 2010’s sharp tilt to the Tea Party-driven right — or a cautionary tale about […]
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
'Flagrant foul' on Moroun
Another arm of the burgeoning Center for Michigan empire — the Michigan Truth Squad — today issued a “flagrant foul” against a TV ad paid for by the Detroit International Bridge Co. against the proposal to build a joint Canada-Michigan crossing between Detroit and Windsor. “This is the third ad from DIBC to blatantly stretch […]