Subscribe to the Latest from MI
The LATEST from MI
-
- Stateline Story
The United Regions of America
President Obama would like to transform the traditional strategy of states battling each other for jobs and replace it with an approach that emphasizes U.S. regions competing against other countries in the global economy. more
-
- Stateline Story
The Bank of North Dakota: Banking's 'Public Option'
Originally intended to help farmers by increasing access to farm loans, the nation's only state-run bank now does a healthy business lending to businesses, students and private-sector banks. Some see the model as a beacon of economic stability and financial independence. more
-
April 1, 2010
Prison Count 2010
For the first time in nearly 40 years, the number of state prisoners in the United States has declined, according to Prison Count 2010, a survey by the Pew Center on the States. more
-
- Stateline Story
Do You Want a Tax With That?
The funeral home director in Pennsylvania and hair dresser in Michigan may soon have something in common with the yoga instructor in Missouri and limo driver in New York. Their customers may have to pay a state sales tax. With tax revenues at a historic low and federal stimulus dollars drying up, states are eying adding a sales tax to some of the 180 services that states could be taxing but most don't, ranging from pet grooming and dating services to dental and legal services. The change would be a fundamental shift in states' tax systems, but the proposals are running into stiff opposition from the business community.more -
- Stateline Story
Spinning the Stimulus
Economists credit the federal stimulus package for helping bring an end to the recession. Most governors say the money prevented more drastic spending cuts and tax increases in their states. But a few Republican governors who took the money contend the stimulus was a mistake.more -
- Stateline Story
A Crack in the Prison Door
The recession is forcing lawmakers in some states to search for savings in places that might have been unthinkable a few years ago, including in their prison systems. One of those states is Oregon, where lawmakers last year approved a measure that will result in about 3,500 inmates being released from prison earlier than scheduled.But a recent backlash over the law serves as a reminder of the political sensitivity surrounding "early releases" as a money-saving effort. California, Colorado, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan and Wisconsin are among the other states that have recently accelerated prisoner releases or are considering doing so.more -
- Stateline Story
Lukewarm About Lansing
Governor Jennifer Granholm's 2006 State of the State address was an adventure in optimism. "In five years," she said, "you're going to be blown away by the strength and diversity of Michigan's transformed economy." The five years are almost up, and to most Michigan residents, the only things blowing away are jobs, mortgages and income. Now, the race to succeed Granholm has begun. But the word race is a misnomer in this case. Prospective candidates are asking themselves a reasonable question - "Why would anyone want to be governor of Michigan at this point?" - and coming up dry. Despite the best efforts of the state's political establishment, promising candidates have been hard to come by.more -
- Stateline Story
Is It ‘Raining’ Hard Enough?
Faced with historic revenue drops, states have tapped their rainy day funds in fiscal 2009 and 2010 at levels not seen since the 2001 recession to help close budget gaps totaling some $290 billion. The decision to go to these funds has renewed the debate about how much states should be setting aside in reserves and when to use the money. A few states, meanwhile, have been able to leave their funds intact.more -
- Stateline Story
Worst Is Yet to Come, Governors Say
TODAY'S TAKE: The fiscal year that begins in July for most states will be "the most difficult to date," according to a survey of 45 states released at the winter meeting of the National Governors Association.more -
- Stateline Story
States Tackling Public Employee Retirement Benefits in 2010
Since legislatures convened last month, at least 16 states are weighing changes to their worker pension plans. Employees, retirees and unions say they will contest some of the proposals.more
