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There is a legitimate role for bond financing in road construction and maintenance, but that is to accelerate construction, not as a source of funding. Without a new revenue stream to finance the debt, the state would only be borrowing against future revenue, the guest author writes.
Lansing’s failures to adequately manage and fund the state retirement system of teachers is chewing up the small annual increases in the state budget for K-12 education.
Fewer college students are considering careers in teaching, and new teachers flee the profession at a high rate. Michigan needs to address those issues.
Why do we need a redistricting commission made up of fallible, possibly biased people to redraw Michigan’s political boundaries? Can’t a computer do that? Eric Lupher explains why you need both
Putting reviews of ballot initiatives at the end of the process creates headaches and expensive misfires, says the president of the Citizens Research Council.
Some government authorities representing Michigan counties or towns are allowed to raise taxes or issue debt even when their voting members do not equally represent the residents of that region.
A new report shows over $2 billion in potential General Fund revenue will be diverted or dedicated to other promised programs by 2023. Add an economy that will inevitably cool, and Michigan will soon be facing serious budget challenges.
Taking a more regional approach to local government would improve the efficiency and economics of service delivery. Counties are in a better position to drive technology, elections, tax assessments and other back office functions.
