Over and over, business leaders and economic development gurus have begged Lansing for a clear resolution of the state's business tax system. Take five minutes. Read the Center for Michigan's new timeline of the Michigan business tax debate. Then ask yourself: In this climate, how can we reasonably expect businesses to relocate to, expand in, or remain in Michigan?
"Lowest ever." That's how Lansing pollster Ed Sarpolis describes the latest approval ratings for the Legislature and the Governor. Business leaders, too, are beyond frustrated by the lack of solutions in Lansing.
So much for the secret ballot, independent voting, and keeping valuable public records in the public domain. In a 4-3 decision issued on the eve of Thanksgiving, the Michigan Supreme Court essentially gave away the lists and party preferences of anyone who votes in the January presidential primary.
Members of Congress are quietly building bipartisan alliances down the street from the Capitol. Through a series of dinners with legislators, the Center for Michigan is doing the same thing in Lansing.
Kudos to ace Detroit News reporter Ron French for an incisive look at the mortgage/foreclosure crisis, its impact on the Michigan economy, and the numerous ways regulators and elected leaders failed to get a handle on the problem before it grew out of control.
Picture of the Week
Our Picture of the Week is "Michigan Winter Birds" by bard4355 . Upload your photos to our Michigan Photos Group on Flickr.
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