LANSING - Nearly half of Michigan's local governments say they are either "somewhat" or "significantly" having trouble keeping their fiscal condition in order, according to the results of a survey conducted by the University of Michigan's Ford School of Public Policy. But that is actually an improvement compared to earlier surveys. In a similar survey
LANSING - The Michigan Economic Growth Authority Tuesday approved tax incentives for four projects expected to generate $29.3 million in new investment and up to 796 direct jobs. ?These projects will help businesses to expand in Michigan and transform blighted, contaminated or functionally obsolete properties to add jobs and diversify Michigan's economy,? said Michael A.
LANSING - There was no decision to re-refer legislation authorizing a new bridge crossing between Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, on Thursday, but Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville raised the specter of adding a constitutional amendment to the debate. In a radio interview with Frank Beckmann on WJR-AM, Mr. Richardville (R-Monroe) said the Legislature could act
LANSING - Several Republican members of the Michigan House Commerce Committee took issue Wednesday with the proposed structure of a $100 million business development fund, while bringing up past criticisms of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. "The past administration had nothing but a slush fund through MEDC, and it was wrought with fraud and misuse
GRAND RAPIDS - Local officials have called on Governor Rick Snyder and the Legislature to guarantee full replacement of personal property tax revenue if they repeal the tax, but Snyder said Thursday that he does not see such a plan as workable. In September, a coalition of local government officials, school groups and unions proposed
LANSING - Big majorities of Michigan voters say both the state and nation are headed in the wrong direction, according to a poll released Thursday. Only 15 percent said the nation was going in the right direction with a whopping 74 percent saying it is on the wrong track, the poll from Lansing-based Marketing Resource
LANSING - A bipartisan package of bills to be introduced this week would fix what the Michigan Retailers Association says is a fundamental issue of fairness that is lacking in the way the state collects taxes from online retailers. Rep. Jim Ananich (D-Flint) and Rep. Eileen Kowall (R-White Lake Township) announced the bill package they
EAST LANSING - The emphasis on attracting high-skill jobs that require high-caliber education is leaving students who are capable of working important, quality jobs stuck with thinking that their choice in life is either to become a brain surgeon or working a low-skill service job, author and futurist Joel Kotkin said Tuesday. Speaking at the
GRAND RAPIDS ? Gov. Rick Snyder called on the Legislature to create by Thanksgiving the MI Health Marketplace to create a competitive setting for individuals and businesses to obtain health insurance. The federal Affordable Care Act requires states to set up an exchange or have the federal government set one up for them. "This legislation
LANSING - Lobbyists in Michigan spent $19.7 million through the first seven months of the year, which was up from 2010 and 2008 levels, the Michigan Campaign Finance Network said Wednesday. The 11.6 percent spike was attributed in part to $900,000 in an advertising campaign done by StudentsFirst, the group led by former D.C. schools