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Michigan Radio's
A state scholarship program for private college students is among the programs that could be cut due to a budget shortfall. Michigan Radio's Sarah Hulett reports. Hear the story
Here's a phrase we haven't been hearing a lot lately: Democrats and Republicans in Lansing have reached an agreement. Late Wednesday Governor Granholm, Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop and House Speaker Andy Dillon announced that they have come to an agreement on the replacement for the state's Single Business Tax which expires at the end of the year. Michigan Radio's Charity Nebbe talked with Michigan State University Economist Charles Ballard about the pros and cons of the new tax. Hear the interview
Michigan Radio's Senior Political Analyst Jack Lessenberry's thoughts on what higher ed funding cuts mean for the future. Hear the essay
The governor has repeatedly said that higher education is the key to Michigan’s future. But state universities have seen their funding cut again and again in recent years. And a recent deal to balance the budget did so by taking another $26 million away from higher education, and delaying $69 million owed now till later this fall. Irvin Reid is president of Wayne State University Michigan Radio’s Jack Lessenberry spoke with him about how budget cuts are affecting Wayne. Hear the interview
Michigan is going through tough economic times and many of us are asking questions. Why are we in this situation and just how long is this downturn going to last? Those are questions Dana Johnson attempts to answer in his latest assessment of the Michigan economy. Johnson is Senior Vice President and Chief Economist at Comerica Bank. He spoke with Michigan Radio's Charity Nebbe.Hear the interview
Schools in Michigan have two and a half weeks to finish up their budgets for the upcoming school year. Schools are required by law to have their budgets ready before their fiscal year begins on July first. That's a problem this year. The budget stalemate in Lansing has delayed action on a spending plan for K-12 schools, and school officials have no idea how much money they'll be getting from the state. Michigan Public Radio's Rick Pluta reports. Hear the story
Michigan Radio's Senior Political Analyst Jack Lessenberry's thoughts on what solving the budget problem will cost us. Hear the essay
Some thought the Michigan Legislature might remain in session throughout the holiday weekend. But we woke up Saturday to find our lawmakers had apparently balanced the budget. But how did they do that, and what does it mean? Chris Christoff is Lansing bureau chief of the Detroit Free Press. Michigan Radio’s Jack Lessenberry spoke with him. Hear the interview
The Legislature goes back to work today on the final details of a plan to balance the budget. But the compromise solution is already being criticized for relying too much on accounting gimmicks and short-term fixes. The plan balances Michigan's 2007 budget on paper. It also allows Republicans to take credit for dodging a tax hike this year. And it allows Governor Granholm to keep her promise not to cut school funding. But to do that, the plan relies heavily on borrowing, selling assets, and delaying payments. It pushes many of this year's problem into next year, making the 2008 deficit even bigger. House Speaker Andy Dillon says he's disappointed by some aspects of the plan. Michigan Public Radio's Rick Pluta reports. Hear the story
Later this week, business and political leaders will convene on Mackinac Island for the Detroit Regional Chamber's annual policy conference. Arts funding will be one of the topics for discussion on the island. Just about every thriving economy has a thriving arts scene. But like all areas of Michigan's economy, the arts are suffering. Earlier this year, Governor Granholm issued a freeze on all state-sponsored arts grants. On top of that, the state Senate wants to cut $3.6 million dollars in arts funding for the next fiscal year. But it's not just the various programs that will be hurt by the cuts young leaders who are looking to build a career in the arts could feel the pinch, too. Michigan Radio's Jennifer Guerra reports. Hear the story
State Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop announced earlier this week that he believes Michigan should have a part time legislature in an effort to streamline government and save money. Michigan is one of only four states with a full time legislature so we didn't have to look far to find a state with a part time legislature. Our neighbors to the south in Indiana have a part time legislature that meets for a long session of 61 days in odd numbered years and a short session of 30 days in even numbered years. Michigan Radio's Charity Nebbe called Mary Beth Schnider, legislative reporter for the Indiana Star, for some insight on how that works.Hear the interview
The Governor and state legislators continue to battle over the best way to fix deficits in the state's general and school aid funds. The key sticking point is whether to raise taxes, and if so, which taxes, and by how much. Michigan Radio's Tracy Samilton asked an impromptu panel of three educators at Pinckney Community Schools in Livingston County what they think should be done. Two of the three said, "go ahead - raise my taxes." Hear the story
Michigan Radio's Senior Political Analyst Jack Lessenberry's thoughts on what solving the budget problem will cost us. Hear the essay
The legislature is grappling with a number of ideas to solve the budget problem. One way is by raising revenue. Michigan Radio’s Jack Lessenberry checked in with State Treasurer Robert Kleine to find out about some of the latest proposals for balancing the budget. Hear the interview
Leaders in Michigan talk a lot about the need to diversify the state's economy. The idea is to have many companies in a variety of industries, so the state won't suffer as much when one of these industries struggles. That means more people have to take a risk and start their own companies, and be able to pitch their ideas to potential investors. Hear the story
Negotiations continue in Lansing today to try to resolve the state's $800 million budget deficit. The governor and others have warned that if they can't reach an agreement to resolve the deficit, parts of the government will have to shut down. If that happens, it wouldn't be the first time in Michigan. Michigan Radio's Dustin Dwyer reports. Hear the story
School administrators, health care providers and business groups are keeping an eye on Lansing this week. The state's 11 days away from big cuts to schools and to hospitals and doctors that treat Medicaid patients. But the state House could vote this week on a tax increase that would avert those cuts. Michigan Public Radio's Rick Pluta reports. Hear the story
Michigan is now facing an 800 million dollar deficit for this fiscal year, that number is the result of a revenue estimating conference held this morning. Of course we know that means we're in even more trouble than we thought we were, but Michigan Radio's Charity Nebbe asked Craig Thiel, a senior research associate at Citizen's Research Council in Lansing to help us understand the implications. Hear the interview
Governor Granholm has put the state's Medicaid providers on notice that the payment reduction will take effect June First unless she and the Legislature can come up with another way to close the state’s budget deficit. As Michigan Radio’s Sarah Hulett reports, families with disabled children are planning an exercise in online civil disobedience to protest cuts to Medicaid. Hear the story
Yesterday Republican Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop sent out word that a budget agreement had been reached, almost immediately following that announcement Governor Granholm sent out word that no agreement had been reached, and the impasse continues. Chris Christoff is Lansing Bureau Chief for the Detroit Free Press, he talked with Michigan Radio's Charity Nebbe about the ongoing negotiations. Hear the interview
Beginning today, it will cost five dollars more to spend the night at a state campground. Rising fees to camp, hunt and fish, are directly related to the state's budget crisis. Governor Granholm's proposed budget would cut half a million dollars in funding for the Department of Natural Resources. The DNR would receive about $25 million from the state. That's nearly half what it received four years ago and less than 9% of the department's overall budget, which continues to increase. Michigan Radio's Richie Duchon reports. Hear the story
Governor Granholm is proposing boosting state aid for municipalities that partner with nearby communities to pay for things like libraries and courts. But two Michigan communities are considering taking cooperation a step further. Michigan Radio's Sarah Hulett reports. Hear the story
Michigan Radio?s Senior Political Analyst Jack Lessenberry's thoughts on our attitudes toward taxes. Hear the essay
Some legislators are acting as if supporting any kind of tax increase would be political suicide. But a new survey for the Detroit News by the Lansing-based pollster EPIC/MRA found that 64 percent of voters favor a combination of tax increases and spending cuts. Ed Sarpolus is vice president of the polling firm. Michigan Radio's Jack Lessenberry spoke with him. Hear the interview
Michigan Radio?s Senior Political Analyst Jack Lessenberry's thoughts on the fact that there "ain?t no such thing as a free lunch." Hear the essay
There were signs last week that the Michigan legislature may actually be moving to replace the Single Business Tax. Both the House and Senate passed legislation setting up a replacement tax, and appeared willing to compromise. MSU economist Charles Ballard is the author of the book ?Michigan?s Economic Future?. Michigan Radio?s Jack Lessenberry spoke with him. Hear the interview
The state's budget woes are trickling down to local governments who say they're running out of options unless state law is changed. Michigan Radio's Kaomi Goetz reports. Hear the story
Governor Granholm was in Brighton this morning. She attended a town hall in a library that's losing half its state funding, to listen to people's concerns about looming cuts to health care and to schools. Michigan Public Radio?s Rick Pluta reports. Hear the story
Discussions on a new Michigan business tax have jump started. The state House approved a new tax this afternoon to replace the Single Business Tax, which expires at the end of this year. The state Senate?s expected to vote on a competing plan tomorrow. Michigan Public Radio?s Rick Pluta reports. Hear the story
Michigan Radio?s Senior Political Analyst Jack Lessenberry's thoughts on how politics are leading to potential cuts to programs like Medicaid. Hear the essay
The next casualty of Michigan?s budget crisis could be those who provide health care services to some of Michigan?s most needy - those on Medicaid. Word is that reimbursements are being cut effective June 1. Michigan Radio?s Jack Lessenberry spoke with Rick Pluta who has been covering the story in Lansing for the Michigan Public Radio Network. Hear the interview
The clock has started ticking for school districts in Michigan. Unless the state solves a 700 million dollar budget deficit by June first, districts could lose 125 dollars per pupil in state aid. That number could have been as high as 300 dollars per pupil, had lawmakers not approved a series of accounting shifts. But, that's not much comfort to school districts of every size concerned about their finances. Michigan Public Radio?s Rachel Lippmann reports. Hear the story
This week, Governor Granholm will formally inform school districts and the Legislature that she will cut K-12 funding unless the state comes up with more revenue. If that happens, schools say they will have to lay off staff, or some may end classes early. Some would go into deficit. The governor says blame goes to Republicans in the state Senate for refusing to consider a tax increase to raise more money for schools. But her action also flies in the face of a promise she made three months ago not to cut school funding. Michigan Public Radio?s Rick Pluta reports. Hear the story
Earlier this month, Governor Granholm issued a freeze on all state-sponsored arts grants. On top of that, the Senate has proposed to cut three-point-six million dollars in arts funding for the next fiscal year. But, as Michigan Radio's Jennifer Guerra discovered, it's not just the various programs that will be hurt by the cuts...young leaders who are looking to build a career in the arts could feel the pinch, too.Hear the interview
School officials are bracing for cuts in state funding. Governor Granholm announced today that schools can expect to lose 125 dollars in their annual per-student state aid. She says that's because the Legislature has not come up with the money to eliminate a deficit in the School Aid Fund. School officials say the cuts would force them to take dramatic steps with just a few weeks to go before classes end. Rick Pluta reports for the Michigan Public Radio Network. Hear the story
As the seemingly endless battle over the state budget continues in Lansing this week at least one element of the fight seems to be coming to a head. On April 25th House Democrats released their plan for replacing the Single Business Tax. A plan that the Governor has endorsed. Chris Christoff is Lansing Bureau Chief for the Detroit Free Press. He talked with Michigan Radio's Charity Nebbe about how this plan varies from the old business tax and how interested parties are responding the plan. Hear the interview
Michigan Radio?s Senior Political Analyst Jack Lessenberry's thoughts on why term limits are to blame for the state's budget woes. Hear the essay
The Michigan Legislature has been deadlocked for months over how to resolve a worsening budget crisis. Many longtime observers think term limits are a big part of the problem. Wayne State Professor Marjorie Sarbaugh-Thompson has been studying the effects of term limits right from the start. Michigan Radio?s Jack Lessenberry spoke with her. Hear the interview
The Governor and legislature are continuing their wrangling over the state budget. Even after initial cuts made by the governor the state is facing a 700 million dollar shortfall for this fiscal year. While the debate goes on in Lansing, the public still seems mostly ambivalent about the budget crisis. Bill Rustem is President of Public Sector Consultants in Lansing. Michigan Radio's Charity Nebbe talks with him about why we should care about the budget crisis. Hear the interview
n Lansing these days, the debate over the state government budget, and how to close a nearly 700 million dollar gap, is ongoing. But, a group of students at Michigan State University think the focus is in the wrong place. Michigan Radio's Steve Carmody reports. Hear the story
Michigan Radio?s Senior Political Analyst Jack Lessenberry's talks about what the state's credit rating means.Hear the essay
When it comes to getting a credit rating, states are very much like people. Pay your bills on time, live responsibly and it becomes easier to borrow money at a better rate. Make bad choices, and your options get narrower and more costly. Jim Weimken is the primary financial analyst for the state of Michigan at Standard and Poors. Michigan Radio?s Jack Lessenberry spoke with him. Hear the interview
Michigan Radio?s Senior Political Analyst Jack Lessenberry's asks the question we?re all trying to avoid. Do we want public schools, or not?Hear the essay
It?s been a tough year financially for many Michigan school districts ? and may be about to get a lot tougher. If there isn?t an agreement on closing the state?s budget deficit by May 1, the State Budget Director says he will order school funds cut by as much as $125 per pupil for the rest of this year. Thomas Svitkovich is superintendent of the Genesee Intermediate School district, which services twenty-one school systems. Michigan Radio?s Jack Lessenberry spoke with him. Hear the interview
Wednesday was a day of slogans, rallies, and lobbying at the state Capitol. Groups competed for the attention of the media and legislators as they lobbied for their approaches to fixing the state's budget crisis. Some were demanding more money for arts and public schools. Others were there to oppose new taxes to balance Michigan's budget. Rick Pluta reports for the Michigan Public Radio Network. Hear the story
Michigan Radio?s Senior Political Analyst Jack Lessenberry's talks about an e-mail he got from a thirtysomething who sees all too well what the budget crisis means for her life. Hear the essay
More than two months ago, the governor?s emergency financial panel presented their unanimous report. It stressed the need for urgent, immediate action to solve the financial crisis threatening to cripple the state. But nothing has happened since then. Kalamazoo County Administrator Don Gilmer who is a Republican, was a member of the panel. Michigan Radio?s Jack Lessenberry spoke with him. Hear the interview
Michigan Radio?s Senior Political Analyst Jack Lessenberry's thoughts about a time in the past when the state's politics and finances looked very similar to what we're seeing now. Hear the essay
Lou Glazer has devoted himself to Michigan?s Future. That?s actually the name of his non-partisan organization. Michigan Radio?s Jack Lessenberry spoke with him about how the state?s current budget crisis impacts the state?s future prospects. Hear the interview
Michigan Radio?s Senior Political Analyst Jack Lessenberry's thoughts about how a lack of leadership has contributed to the current state budget problems. Hear the essay
Michigan?s ongoing state financial crisis was highlighted late last week when the budget director announced that if there is no solution soon, school payments would be drastically cut on May 1st. But is there any movement in the legislature? Chris Christoff is Lansing bureau chief of the Detroit Free Press. Michigan Radio?s Jack Lessenberry spoke with him.Hear the interview
Michigan?s schools could be facing a cut of up of $125 dollars per student, for this fiscal year if the state legislature doesn?t come up with a solution to our budget crisis by May 1st. Michigan Radio's Charity Nebbe spoke with Tom White who is the Executive Director of the Michigan School Business Officials. She asked him what it would mean to a school district to lose between 90 and 125 dollars per pupil this late in the fiscal year. Hear the interview
Michigan Radio?s Senior Political Analyst Jack Lessenberry's essay about the budget crisis. His take is that we are all to blame for the current state budget problems. Hear the essay
The state is running a huge budget deficit, and the books have to be balanced by September 30th. The man in charge of balancing them is Budget Director Bob Emerson. He spent many years in both houses of the legislature. Michigan Radio?s Jack Lessenberry spoke with him. Hear the interview
Arts advocates around the state are in a tizzy today because state funding for the arts is in jeopardy...yet again. As Michigan Radio's Jennifer Guerra notes, Governor Granholm has issued a temporary moratorium on all state-sponsored grants through the end of this fiscal year. Hear the interview |
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