We Shouldn’t Treat Preschool Like Valentine’s Day
Ahh Valentine’s Day. The day of love. The day when flower shops, candy shops, and restaurants do remarkably well. But I must admit I’m not a big fan of Valentine’s…
Blog
Investing to Expand Minds and Opportunities in Michigan
Despite the crushing pressure of the fiscal cliff and the federal economy, I came back from Washington, DC last Thursday after spending several days with some Michigan colleagues and colleagues…
Will We Let Michigan Fall Off the Next Cliff?
Folks in Michigan are anxiously awaiting the release of the Governor’s budget on Thursday, with many hot issues already making the news in anticipation of the its release – a…
Making Sure That Kids Count More in 2013
The Michigan League for Public Policy released the Michigan Kids Count Databook 2012, which again, like every year for the last two decades, illustrates just how children, youth and families…
State of the Polarized State
Last night, Governor Snyder presented his third State of the State address to a Legislature that is still recovering from a bitterly divisive lame duck session. The Governor attempted to…
It’s All About Relationships
The elections are long over and the new Michigan Legislature was sworn into office last week. The new legislature has quite a hefty task ahead of them with many unfinished…
What Will be the 2013 State of our State?
The Governor’s third annual State of the State address set for next Wednesday, January 16th is the first opportunity in the new year for our elected officials to prioritize the…
Lame Duck, Why So Divisive?
Lame duck. The time after the elections before the new Legislature takes office. A time when outgoing elected officials have minimal accountability. A time when public policymaking can be particularly…
Work and Education – Inextricably Linked
The Annie E. Casey Foundation released a new report last week that illustrates the impact of economic decline in Michigan and the nation on young people. Youth and Work: Restoring…
Does the Latest Education Reform Proposal Promote Educational Equity or Will We Miss the Mark Again?
Last month, a proposed rewrite of Michigan’s School Aid Act – the Michigan Public Education Finance Act of 2013 – was released for public comment. The Public Education Finance Project…