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Covering the intersection of business and policy, and informing Michigan employers and workers on the long road back from coronavirus.
Articles
A divisive practice's pros and cons
Fracking’s economic benefits are weighed against the potential risks to Michigan’s environment and public health.
Book excerpt: An automaker survival guide in the age of driving light
Young adults are far more likely than past generations to opt for public transportation or ride sharing than to buy a car of their own, a trend carmakers have been slow to address. In this book excerpt, Micheline Maynard offers Ford, GM and their competitors a blueprint for remaining relevant and profitable.
How the 'car-light' trend is changing Michigan, and the nation
If the rescue of Detroit automakers served as a thank you to President Obama’s political base, his embrace of alternative modes of transportation offers a gesture to the future.
Road funding stalls as state elections near
Republican lawmakers don’t want to be seen as supporting tax increases. Democrats want to blame Gov. Snyder for Michigan’s crumbling infrastructure. The result: a shortage of lawmakers willing to lead the charge for better roads.
Better roads boost economy, business groups say
Many in Michigan’s business community favor increasing fuel taxes and vehicle registration fees, saying crumbling roads make it difficult to do business, and attract new businesses and visitors to the state.
Why are Germany’s roads better? Or are they?
Michigan’s harsh winters and surrounding Great Lakes are difficult foes, even for roads built to German highway standards. But lessons abound
Searchable database: How bad are YOUR roads?
In the last eight years, roads have taken a pounding, with Michigan spending the least in the nation on road work. Use our searchable database to find the current condition of roads in your community.
Michigan roads now among nation’s worst
Michigan spends less per capita on roads and bridges than any other state in the nation, and it shows. Experts say the state needs even more than the $1.3 billion requested by Gov. Snyder to make long-term improvements. Legislative leaders aren’t convinced.
Engler’s (political) road not taken
Gov. John Engler was urged by the business community to raise fuel taxes up to 12 cents a gallon to fix Michigan roads and bridges. He agreed to a 4-cent raise. It wasn’t enough over the long haul. Today, MDOT pays $240 million a year on a $2.5 billion debt to repair roads.
Take me out to the (non-taxpayer financed) ball game
At a time when most professional sports stadiums tap public funds for stadiums, the West Michigan Whitecaps built and run a ballpark on private funds alone.
Public shells out for Detroit sports stadiums
Taxpayers have paid hundreds of millions of dollars to help Detroit’s sports teams build stadiums over the decades. A look at some recent deals.
No-fault reform would cut high rates, but beneficiaries fear losing quality of life
A recent Michigan court ruling leaves some brain-injured crash victims unable to afford the vans that get them out of the house. Lansing, meanwhile, is seeking even further restrictions on the state’s generous no-fault auto benefits, citing the high cost to drivers.
At issue: Michigan’s no-fault auto insurance
Michigan unlimited no-fault auto insurance benefits may soon be rolled back. We weigh the savings of such a rollback against the consequences.
Is Michigan in another auto bubble?
Growing inventories and modest sales forecasts raise questions about Gov. Snyder’s pledge to “double down” on auto industry and manufacturing investments.
Immigrants are already saving Michigan
Gov. Rick Snyder has pushed hard to make Michigan welcoming for immigrant entrepreneurs and international students at our colleges and universities. New Census data shows just how valuable well-educated newcomers are to Michigan’s economic recovery.
Like Michigan craft beer? Malt shortage could slow the pour
Farmers are eager to help Michigan’s growing beer and whiskey industry, but the state lacks enough malt operators to reach its potential
Michigan-made malt is pricey, but makes great booze
Wendell Banks says his small-batch malt in tiny Shepherd costs twice as much as national suppliers charge, but argues that fresh, Michigan-made malt is worth the price.
