Lindsay VanHulle is a former reporter for Bridge Magazine
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Articles
Michigan looks to lead on regulation of autonomous vehicles
The state is one of the first to pass laws on the driverless cars of the near future. One lawmaker says he hopes Michigan can be a model for others.
Michigan’s company towns: striking a balance with powerful employers
For decades, dominant industries in small towns have meant jobs, money and economic and civic spinoffs. They can also cause jitters and economic heartache. Here's a look at five Michigan towns with an outsized corporate resident.
Greenville: Moving past Electrolux
Town puts focus on regional economic development, skilled trade
Midland: Leaders say Dow Chemical is committed to city’s future
Thinking positively about a merger in a town inextricably linked to the chemical company
Flint water crisis could threaten Pure Michigan campaign success
Business leaders say they must work harder now to attract companies to Michigan in the wake of ongoing negative publicity
Mission Improbable: Selling Flint in wake of crisis
Efforts aim to counter lead crisis with Flint positive
Pure confusion?
Revamp of state travel website aims to put tourists on right road to Michigan
Why a Florida company is designing the Pure Michigan website
Miles Media was neither the highest nor lowest bidder out of the 22 firms vying for the contract
Old money, new direction: Who will Michigan’s big donors back, After Jeb?
Following Jeb Bush’s flameout from the 2016 presidential race, some powerful GOP donors in Michigan are deciding who to support now
MEDC awards $400,000 contract to rebuild Michigan's website to Florida-based company
Miles Media Group LLP, based in Sarasota, Fla., on Tuesday won a nearly $400,000 contract to rebuild Michigan.org from the Michigan Strategic Fund, a division of the Michigan Economic Development Corp
State senator’s plan would burn DPS debt with tobacco revenue
No bill has been introduced yet, but money from national tobacco settlement would support the governor’s two-district plan to address DPS money problems while keeping the district functioning
Powerful law firms step up Lansing lobbying efforts
The Honigman law firm, which recently snagged Gov. Snyder’s chief of staff Dennis Muchmore, is one of several firms adding to its lobbying presence in the capital to influence legislation for clients.
Bill would restrict ads for the state’s Medicaid expansion program
Republican senators say the state has advertised enough, while defenders say frequent turnover among those seeking insurance requires constant education.
State seeks to eliminate tax credit for auto insurers
The increased use of the tax credit could cost the state $80 million in annual revenue if it is not addressed
Putting a price on fixing Flint, and cities like it
More than $100 million in state and federal money already headed toward Flint will help with immediate needs. But replacing aging, lead-based water pipes in Flint and other older cities will take time, and a whole lot more money.
Snyder urges state to approve $28 million for Flint water crisis
Gov. Rick Snyder used his State of the State speech to personally apologize for government’s failure to protect Flint residents from lead-poisoned drinking water, and pledge long-term support for those impacted
Should medical pot users be protected from job firings?
Under current law, workers registered under Michigan’s medical marijuana law could nevertheless lose their job if pot showed up in a drug test. Employers say such a law would make drug policies difficult to enforce
State budget decisions coming on surplus, less revenue
At least some of the windfall will likely be steered toward the state-created water crisis in Flint
When low-wage workers’ problems become a company’s problem
A flat tire. Medical problems. No child care. All can lead to missed days for low-paid workers, and cost them a job. But finding new workers is a drag on companies, too. Some are finding that offering help also helps the bottom line.
Grand Rapids company helped forge employee aid program
For more than two decades, Cascade Engineering has scrutinized how to help low-income workers overcome obstacles. Now, companies are pooling resources to hire caseworkers to help workers solve problems and stay in jobs.