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Editorials and columns from prominent newspapers (Hundreds of items)

Updated: Aug. 19, 2005

Note: Links were good at the time they were posted, but those of certain news outlets may have gone bad.

The Detroit News, Sept. 14, 2005
New state budget deal locks in spending hike

The Detroit Free Press, Sept. 11, 2005
Balance Quest: Lansing sets budget, with much to debate

  • The Grand Rapids Press, Sept. 4, 2005


    • First, the budget

  • The Detroit News, August 19, 2005


    • Group ups school funds fight: Coalition petition drive asks lawmakers to match spending to inflation, or put matter to state vote.

  • The Flint Journal, August 18, 2005


    • Peter Luke: State's revenue outlook brighter, but budget far from fixed

  • The Lansing State Journal, August 18, 2005


    • State revenue: Lawmakers must be cautious with increase in funds

  • The Detroit Free Press, August 16, 2005


    • JEFF GERRITT: Inmates may have it right -- prisons all about jobs

  • The Detroit Free Press, August 15, 2005


    • Chris Christoff: EYE ON POLITICS: School funding petition is a real test

  • The Ann Arbor News, August 11, 2005


    • Diversion of money slows smoking fight Big portions of states' settlement funding isn't going to programs for tobacco prevention

  • The Detroit News, August 9, 2005


    • Reform teacher pensions to avoid future budget woes: Change in benefit plans for new teachers is good idea

  • The Detroit News, August 4, 2005


    • Lawmakers should save windfall revenue: Unexpected money should restore state's empty 'rainy day fund'

  • The Lansing Bureau, July 31, 2005


    • Peter Luke: University funding a matter of priorities

  • The Grand Rapid Press, July 31, 2005


    • Medicine for schools

  • The Ann Arbor News, July 29, 2005


    • K-16 to start petition drive

  • The Muskegon Chronicle, July 27, 2005


    • Don't waste it

  • The Grand Rapid Press, July 25, 2005


    • Remedial budgeting

  • The Detroit News, July 20, 2005


    • It's time for Michigan to cut school health insurance costs: New education dollars must get to the classrooms

  • The Detroit Free Press, July 20, 2005


    • Tuition Hikes: Big dreams hit harsh realities in schools, Lansing

  • The Jackson Citizen Patriot, July 14, 2005


    • Securitization: Big word and big risks

  • The Detroit News, July 13, 2005


    • Thomas Bray: Don't give state government a big credit card

  • The Detroit News, July 7, 2005


    • No deal on the drive to lock in education spending hikes: Lawmakers shouldn't bargain away budget control

  • The Lansing State Journal, July 3, 2005


    • It's in the mail: Bigger bills for summer taxes

  • The Saginaw News, July 3, 2005


    • Peter Luke: Both sides benefit in finding budget fix

  • The Lansing Bureau , July 3, 2005


    • Budget circumstances make for unlikely allies

  • The Detroit News , June 23, 2005


    • Saving $90,000 on pencils is a smart move: Every dollar counts in balancing the state's deficit-plagued budget

  • The Detroit News , June 29, 2005


    • GOP House budget hurts the poor

  • The Saginaw News, June 28, 2005


    • In Lansing - voodoo redux

  • The Flint Journal, June 28, 2005


    • GOP tax plan

  • The Lansing State Journal, June 26, 2005


    • On bonds: Quit squabbling on jobs plan; pick smaller figure and run with it

  • The Detroit Free Press, June 26, 2005


    • House budget plan would cut deeper into already minimal aid and services

  • The Detroit Free Press, June 26, 2005


    • More Funds For Schools

  • The Saginaw News, June 26, 2005


    • GOP budget hits the state's neediest

  • The Flint Journal, June 26, 2005


    • Fixing health care Politicians unready to solve Medicaid, other problems

  • The Detroit Free Press, June 25, 2005


    • Prison Debate: Closing youth facility would be best choice

  • The Detroit Free Press, June 24, 2005


    • State Representative Jack Brandenburg, Letter to the Editor: State prison GED program deserves cuts

  • The Detroit News, June 23, 2005


    • Selling off tobacco award postpones tough decisions: Lawmakers mortgage future by seeking cash now

  • The Saginaw News, June 21, 2005


    • Finding common budget ground

  • The Detroit Free Press, June 20, 2005


    • Chris Christoff: Talk of prison closings stings

  • The Saginaw News, June 19, 2005


    • GOP budget hits state's neediest

  • Lansing State Journal, June 16, 2005


    • Thomas E. White: State is engaged in a battle over budgetary bones

  • Lansing State Journal, June 16, 2005


    • State Rep. Gretchen Whitmer: Majority's proposal hurts state families

  • AP, June 16, 2005


    • State senators may reconsider closing of U.P. prison, camp

  • The Detroit News, June 15, 2005


    • GOP House leaders exhibit budget boldness

  • The Detroit Free Press, June 13, 2005


    • Chris Christoff: Conservatives step up on spending; your move, Granholm

  • The Lansing State Journal, June 12, 2005


    • House plan: Massive Republican budget bill relies too much on cuts to needy

  • The Oakland Press, June 12, 2005


    • State leaders don't need to raise taxes to balance budget

  • The Detroit News, June 12, 2005


    • Michigan House sets model with balanced budget plan

  • Booth Newspapers, June 12, 2005


    • Peter Luke: Despite budget cutting, neither party thinking of upping revenues

  • The Lansing State Journal, June 11, 2005


    • Hummel: House GOP budget plan is best way to go

  • The Detroit Free Press, June 10, 2005


    • WELFARE: GOP cuts too harsh on most vulnerable

  • The Detroit Free Press, June 10, 2005


    • Saving the State HIGHER ED: Needs don't match proposed formulas

  • The Detroit Free Press, June 10, 2005


    • PRISONS: Education cuts will cost in the long run

  • The Detroit Free Press, June 9, 2005


    • Cruel Budgeting: State House Republicans ask too much of state's poorest

  • Booth Newspapers, April 3, 2005


    • Peter Luke: Granholm, lawmakers go for win-win on budget deals

  • The Detroit Free Press, March 14, 2005


    • BUSINESS TAX: Don't let special interests undermine fair reform

  • The Detroit Free Press, March 13, 2005


    • RON DZWONKOWSKI: Budget Peacemaker

  • Booth Newspapers, March 13, 2005


    • Peter Luke: Tax on high-wage jobs puts Michigan at crossroads

  • The Lansing State Journal, March 7, 2005


    • Chris Andrews: GOP faces choice over Granholm tax plan

  • The Detroit News, March 7, 2005


    • State Sends Wrong Message with Health Benefits Tax

  • The Detroit News, March 7, 2005


    • John Cherry: Granholm creates new college scholarship

  • The Detroit News, March 6, 2005


    • Craig DeRoche: Cutting $500 scholarships for students breaks promise, kills incentive
    Jim Agee: Scholarships shouldn't have been promised; governor has better plan

  • The Detroit News, Feb. 24, 2005


    • State Must Take Steps to Drive Down Health Costs

  • The Detroit News, Feb. 24, 2005


    • Don't Break Merit Award Pledge for Deserving Students

  • The Detroit News, Feb. 23, 2005


    • Tom Bray: State universities require deeper cuts

  • The Oakland Press, Feb. 22, 2005


    • Lansing should look past book for real solutions to fiscal crisis

  • The Lansing State Journal, Feb. 21, 2005


    • Budget mess: State leadership trio flunks first fiscal test of '05

  • The Grand Rapids Press, Feb. 20, 2005


    • Solid gains for school equity
    A local option for school finance

  • The Detroit News, Feb. 20, 2005


    • Daniel Howes: State's New Economy fights to emerge

  • The Detroit News, Feb. 20, 2005


    • Budget battle proves big test for Granholm with GOP leaders

  • The Detroit News, Feb. 20, 2005


    • Consolidation generates more money for students in tight financial times
    Consolidation creates more red tape, less involvement and loss of community

  • Booth Newspapers, Feb. 20, 2005


    • Peter Luke: Keep in mind that those roads are paved with tax dollars

  • Livingston County Daily Press & Argus, Feb. 18, 2005


    • State of the State: Granholm's R&D plan would incur more debt

  • Livingston County Daily Press & Argus, Feb. 18, 2005


    • State of the State: Granholm's R&D plan would incur more debt

  • The Detroit Free Press, Feb. 14, 2005


    • Chris Christoff: Senate GOP leader looks to heal the rift with Granholm

  • The Detroit News, Feb. 13, 2005


    • Students Would Benefit If Schools Spend Wisely

  • Booth Newspapers, Feb. 13, 2005


    • Peter Luke: It's no time to be playing politics

  • The Lansing State Journal, Feb. 13, 2005


    • $2 billion: Granholm's bond plan should focus on what state does best

  • The Detroit News, Feb. 13, 2005


    • Tom Bray: Granholm's jobs plan puts old wine in new bottles

  • The Detroit News, Feb. 13, 2005


    • Proposal promises to spark innovation, create good-paying employment for future
    Issuing bonds will eventually increase taxes while failing to attack the root of the problem

  • Lansing State Journal, Feb. 11, 2005


    • Skubick: GOP's top job is to unseat the guv

  • The Grand Rapids Press, Feb. 11, 2005


    • HAS PARTISAN BECOME PERSONAL? Chilly night in Lansing

  • The Detroit News, Feb. 11, 2005


    • State Budget Challenges Schools to Get Efficient

  • The Detroit News, Feb. 10, 2005


    • Jobs Bond Plan Gets Credit for Boldness

  • Lansing State Journal, Feb. 10, 2005


    • Scholarships: Granholm gets general drift: Focus aid on the needy

  • The Detroit News, Feb. 9, 2005


    • Tom Bray: Mich. needs to get its economic house in order

  • The Detroit News, Feb. 9, 2005


    • Daniel Howes: Granholm, GOP need to give all businesses more ways to grow

  • The Detroit News, Feb. 9, 2005


    • New Merit Program Leaves Students Hanging

  • The Detroit News, Feb. 7, 2005


    • Keep Doors Open During State Budget Talks

  • The Detroit News, Feb. 6, 2005

    • 3 Ways State Could Give Communities a Break
    1. Loosen teacher union's grip on health insurance
    2. Repeal binding arbitration law for police and firefighters
    3. Let school districts seek best deals on construction projects

  • The Detroit News, Feb. 6, 2005


    • Citizens: State must focus on jobs, improving schools

  • The Detroit News, Feb. 6, 2005


    • State Treasurer: Governor's proposal cuts rate 37 percent, fairly distributes tax burden on companies
    Michigan Chamber of Commerce: While tax shift helps some manufacturers, it raises taxes for too many businesses

  • Lansing State Journal, Feb. 4, 2005


    • Skubick: Danger mounts for the governor

  • Lansing State Journal, Feb. 2, 2005


    • Andrews: Granholm taking lead, seeing talk pay off

  • The Detroit Free Press, Feb. 1, 2005


    • TOM WALSH: There's hope in Lansing's odd behavior

  • The Detroit Free Press, Jan. 31, 2005


    • EYE ON POLITICS: More auto sales can't fix slump

  • Lansing State Journal, Jan 31, 2005


    • Medicaid: Start reform by separating elderly spending from family funds

  • The Detroit Free Press, Jan. 30, 2005


    • PRISON ECON 101: On prison issues, Brandenburg must learn quickly

  • The Detroit News, Jan. 30, 2005


    • Daniel Howes: Michigan is last in too many of the categories that really count

  • Booth Newspapers, Jan. 30, 2005


    • Peter Luke: Granholm has some convincing to do

  • The Detroit News, Jan. 28, 2005


    • Business Tax Plan Has Merits, But Falls Short of Boldness

  • The Detroit News, Jan. 28, 2005


    • Daniel Howes: Jobs Act deserves debate; is it enough?

  • The Detroit News, Jan. 28, 2005


    • Wall Street Sends a Message on the State's Economy

  • The Detroit News, Jan. 28, 2005


    • Business Tax Plan Has Merits, But Falls Short of Boldness

  • Lansing State Journal, Jan 28, 2005


    • Job on jobs: Granholm's tax plan might help, but governor must do more

  • The Detroit News, Jan. 26, 2005


    • State spin can't disguise grim job picture

  • Booth Newspapers, Jan. 23, 2005


    • Peter Luke: It will take crisis to break political logjam on school funding

  • The Detroit Free Press, Jan. 23, 2005


    • Medicaid Showdown

  • The Detroit Free Press, Jan. 22, 2005


    • Jobs, Economy: State can begin with health care costs, education

  • The Detroit News, Jan. 19, 2005


    • New Ideas for City, State Finances Will Take Courage

  • The Detroit News, Jan. 13, 2005


    • State: No new taxes

  • Lansing State Journal, Jan 12, 2005


    • State $$: Ongoing deficits require tax talk or big cuts, bigger explanations

  • The Detroit Free Press, Jan. 12, 2005


    • BRIAN DICKERSON: 2 governors, same deficit dilemma

  • The Detroit Free Press, Jan. 10, 2005


    • TAXES FOR TRANSPORTATION: For roads, state can’t avoid a realistic gas tax hike

  • The Detroit News, Jan. 5, 2005


    • Bump in State Finances Shouldn't Deter Restructuring

  • The Detroit News, Jan. 4, 2005


    • George Weeks: Higher user fees help balance budgets

  • The Detroit Free Press, Jan. 3, 2005


    • State must deliver solid school-finance solution

  • The Detroit News, Jan. 2, 2005


    • Nolan Finley: Taxpayers beware - 2005 may be the year of the tax hike

  • The Detroit News, Jan. 1, 2005


    • This Should Be The Year of Tough Choices

  • The Detroit News, Dec. 29, 2004


    • Tom Bray: School spending needs close, hard look

  • The Detroit Free Press, Dec. 27, 2004


    • Stephen Dresch: To fix budget, ax State Police; it was meant to be temporary other voices

  • The Detroit Free Press, Dec. 26, 2004


    • Ann Marston: Don't blame Medicaid for problems caused by job losses and company cuts in benefits.
    Ken Sikkema: Medical program's rising costs must be controlled so other services aren't cut.

  • The Detroit Free Press, Dec. 20, 2004


    • DAVID N. PLANK: Statewide, schools are caught in a funding death spiral

  • Lansing State Journal, Dec. 19, 2004


    • Medicaid: Michigan must resist obvious urge to slap lid on services

  • The Detroit Free Press, Dec. 19, 2004


    • RON DZWONKOWSKI: Taxing and Spending

  • The Detroit Free Press, Dec. 7, 2004


    • STATE BUDGET: Let prisons take a cut in funding

  • The Detroit News, Dec. 7, 2004


    • Lawmakers Must Control Education Budget

  • Lansing State Journal, Dec. 7, 2004


    • State budget: Politics already overheating

  • The Detroit News, Dec. 5, 2004


    • Time to ask: How does Granholm plan to fix Michigan?

  • The Detroit News, Dec. 5, 2004


    • State Officials Must Fight Tax Hike Impulse

  • The Detroit Free Press, Nov. 22, 2004


    • PRISON POPULATION: Sensible sentencing changes can save state millions

  • The Detroit Free Press, Nov. 16, 2004


    • REVENUE REVIEW: A smart state step to help avoid a red ink crisis

  • The Detroit Free Press, Nov. 14, 2004


    • Tax Choices: With little left to cut, Michigan must soon update the way it raises revenue

  • The Detroit Free Press, Nov. 16, 2004


    • Tricia Kinley: Sales tax on services is wrong route for Michigan

  • The Detroit News, Nov. 15, 2004


    • Change the Funding Process for State Universities

  • The Detroit News, Nov. 15, 2004


    • David Fink: State worker contract creates long-term savings

  • The Detroit Free Press, Nov. 12, 2004


    • TOM WALSH: Book shows politicians a thing or two

  • The Detroit News, Nov. 11, 2004


    • Ken Sikkema: Lansing must deliver more value for tax dollar

  • The Detroit News, Nov. 7, 2004


    • Unwise State Wage Hike Will Strain Future Budgets

  • Lansing State Journal, Nov. 7, 2004


    • State budget: Politics already overheating

  • The Detroit Free Press, Nov. 8, 2004


    • School Burdens: Rising pension, health costs need timely solutions

  • The Detroit News, Oct. 13, 2004


    • Tom Bray: Avoid lame tax increase in lame-duck session

  • The Detroit News, Oct. 13, 2004


    • Rising Pension Costs Take Big Bite from School Funds

  • The Detroit News, Oct. 7, 2004


    • Don't Rush Tax Revision Through Lame Duck Session

  • The Detroit Free Press, Oct. 1, 2004


    • BRIAN DICKERSON: As we pay, legislators make hay

  • The Detroit Free Press, Sept. 29, 2004


    • Budget Meddling: State Senate Republicans create transportation mess

  • Booth Newspapers, Sept. 26, 2004


    • Peter Luke: Hysteria over tax shift is misplaced

  • The Detroit Free Press, Sept. 27, 2004


    • Dawson Bell: Venom is genuine as state residents fume over taxes

  • The Detroit News, Sept. 23, 2004


    • Michigan Leaders Flinch by Deferring Hard Choices

  • The Flint Journal, Sept. 23, 2004


    • State tax vote: Thanks to House members who spared local services

  • The Detroit Free Press, Sept. 22, 2004


    • Tax Timing: Legislators need to put good of entire state first

  • The Saginaw News, Sept. 22, 2004


    • Tax shift isn't a tax increase

  • The Detroit News, Sept. 21, 2004


    • Alex R. Allie: Michigan needs stable, fair tax structure

  • The Detroit News, Sept. 20, 2004


    • Letters: County tax shift plan highlights budget priorities

  • The Detroit Free Press, Sept. 20, 2004


    • Chris Christoff: Granholm's bid to collect taxes earlier could get messy

  • The Detroit Free Press, Sept. 20, 2004


    • STATE BUDGET: Early tax collection may be only option

  • The Grand Rapids Press, Sept. 19, 2004


    • State's tax shift -- necessary: The move wouldn't be painless but better than cutting local aid

  • The Ann Arbor News, Sept. 19, 2004


    • Tax hike, shift? No matter, state in crisis

  • The Kalamazoo Gazette, Sept. 17, 2004


    • Tax shift is a gimmick, but it's necessary

  • The Detroit News, Sept. 15, 2004


    • Collection shift results in a tax increase, costing taxpayers lost interest
    Early tax collection helps state balance budget, localities save vital services

  • The Detroit News, Sept. 15, 2004


    • Budget Scheme Shifts State Deficit Burden to Taxpayers

  • The Detroit News, Sept. 12, 2004


    • Equal cuts protect schools from competing for money
    Michigan should favor equity, not privilege, for students

  • The Detroit Free Press, Sept. 10, 2004


    • BRIAN DICKERSON: Improving cash flow is no mean feat

  • The Detroit Free Press, Sept. 8, 2004


    • State Budget: Short-term fixes don't foster successful services

  • The Detroit Free Press, Sept. 8, 2004


    • BRIAN DICKERSON: Cast as the villain, GOP leader punts

  • The Detroit Free Press, Sept. 8, 2004


    • State Budget: Short-term fixes don't foster successful services

  • The Detroit Free Press, Sept. 8, 2004


    • BRIAN DICKERSON: Cast as the villain, GOP leader punts

  • The Detroit Free Press, Sept. 8, 2004


    • Joan Richardson: Budget cuts punish children

  • The Detroit News, Sept. 5, 2004


    • Rethink Plans to Freeze State Aid to Thriving Schools

  • Lansing State Journal, Sept. 5, 2004


    • A budget: State plan for 2005 has good points, but defers real issues

  • The Grand Rapids Press, Sept. 5, 2004


    • Chewing gum, bailing wire: A reasonable deal in Lansing on another deficit-closing budget

  • The Detroit Free Press, Sept. 3, 2004


    • Wealthy Schools: Last-minute cuts leave districts no time to prepare

  • The Detroit Free Press, Aug. 30, 2004


    • CLASSROOMS IN CRISIS: As schools slash resources, lawmakers must act

  • The Detroit News, Aug. 18, 2004


    • Tom Bray: Casino tax raises question: Who's next?

  • The Detroit Free Press, Aug. 6, 2004


    • Casino Tax: A winning change? It won't be clear for some time

  • The Detroit News, Aug. 6, 2004


    • Tax Hike on Casinos Sends a Dangerous Message

  • The Detroit Free Press, July 30, 2004


    • Call to Action: After primary vote, legislators must solve budget

  • The Detroit Free Press, July 30, 2004


    • Call to Action: After primary vote, legislators must solve budget

  • The Detroit News, July 17, 2004


    • Lawmakers Must Clear Up Tuition Confusion

  • The Detroit Free Press, July 17, 2004


    • Tough Times: States like Michigan need bolder budget vision
    Michigan Colleges: Fiscal uncertainty puts universities on spot

  • The Detroit News, July 11, 2004


    • Roger Martin: Raising special tax will kill jobs in Detroit and warn other businesses not to invest in state
    Ken Sikkema: Casinos can absorb small levy increase to share in helping to solve state budget problem

  • The Detroit News, July 7, 2004


    • Senate Opts for Higher Taxes Over Jobs and Development

  • Lansing State Journal, July 7, 2004


    • Crunch time: Even with cigarette tax, state leaders have big budget task

  • The Detroit Free Press, July 3, 2004


    • Legislature must be careful with imposing new terms

  • Booth Newspapers/AP, June 29, 2004


    • Peter Luke: For budget fixes, smoke and mirrors won't work forever

  • The Detroit Free Press, June 26, 2004


    • Cigarette Tax: Budget to benefit, but smokers are better off quitting

  • Lansing State Journal, June 24, 2004


    • Tobacco tax: Senate's compromise vote an important budget-balancing step

  • The Detroit Free Press, June 17, 2004


    • BEVERLY MCDONALD: Looming Medicaid cuts hurt people, economy

  • Lansing State Journal, June 17, 2004


    • Budget grind: School hole plugged; others loom

  • Lansing State Journal, June 17, 2004


    • Budget grind: School hole plugged; others loom

  • The Detroit News, June 17, 2004


    • Michael R. Szudarek: Tobacco tax hike won't cure Michigan's ailing budget

  • The Detroit Free Press, June 17, 2004


    • BEVERLY MCDONALD: Looming Medicaid cuts hurt people, economy

  • The Detroit News, June 9, 2004


    • Trade Long-Term Tax Reform for Short-Term Cigarette Tax

  • Lansing State Journal, June 9, 2004


    • Budget game: Senate's school fund 'solution' is delaying action

  • The Detroit Free Press, June 5, 2004


    • Cigarette Tax: Lawmakers must OK bill, an investment in schools

  • Lansing State Journal, June 4, 2004

    • Budget Forum
    School aid: Sin tax increase fills gap, but cuts in politicians' staffs are option, too

  • Lansing State Journal, June 4, 2004

    • Budget Forum
    Tim Skubick: Schools threat is no big worry

  • Lansing State Journal, May 28, 2004

    • Budget Forum
    Smoke tax: Cigarette tax bill isn't perfect, but deserves passage

  • The Detroit Free Press, May 29, 2004


    • Cigarette Tax: Passage is just one of many tough budget decisions

  • The Detroit Free Press, May 24, 2004


    • BUDGET GAPS: Especially for schools, solutions need to come soon

  • The Detroit News, May 19, 2004


    • John C. Ruckdeschel, M.D.: Cigarette tax increase saves Michigan

  • Lansing State Journal, April 5, 2004

    • Budget Forum
    Budget bite

  • The Detroit Free Press, April 5, 2004


    • CHRIS CHRISTOFF: Battle to close $1-billion state deficit only half over

  • The Detroit Free Press, March 30, 2004


    • PRISON BUDGET: Cuts to education, health treatment would be foolish

  • The Detroit Free Press, March 7, 2004


    • Tuition grants prove unnecessarily divisive; students should tap loans and private aid first

  • The Oakland Press, March 5, 2004


    • Tim Skubick: State teachers union seeks phantom funds

  • The Oakland Press, March 1, 2004


    • Granholm's flimflam budget scheme would hurt counties

  • The Detroit News, Feb. 23, 2004


    • State Death Tax Would Encourage Well-Off to Flee

  • The Detroit Free Press, Feb. 22, 2004


    • In tight times, it's fair to ask state's richest districts to sacrifice a little

  • Booth Newspapers, Feb. 22, 2004


    • Peter Luke: The Good, the Bad and the Taxed

  • Ann Arbor News, Feb. 22, 2004


    • Parties must cooperate to keep the state afloat

  • The Detroit News, Feb. 22, 2004


    • Higher tax raises revenue to save key services, motivates more smokers to quit unhealthy habit
    Higher tax unfairly targets unpopular minority, who won't provide much revenue if they do quit

  • The Detroit Free Press, Feb. 20, 2004


    • State plan for county taxes has big benefits, risks

  • The Bay City Times, Feb. 18, 2004

    • Budget Forum
    Governor makes healthy choice

  • Lansing State Journal, Feb. 17, 2004

    • Budget Forum
    Derek Melot: Budget suits the yuppie crowd

  • The Oakland Press, Feb. 17, 2004


    • Wealthy school districts should stop whining about state funds

  • The Oakland Press, Feb. 16, 2004


    • Cigarette tax increase would aid state, prod smokers to quit

  • The Detroit Free Press, Feb. 16, 2004


    • DAWSON BELL: Smokers are an easy target, but are they a fair one?

  • The Flint Journal, Feb. 15, 2004


    • Granholm budget serves Michigan's vital interests

  • The Bay City Times, Feb. 15, 2004


    • Tuition deal ought to end budget showdown

  • The Grand Rapids Press, Feb. 15, 2004


    • An unfair count for the schools: Governor's proposed funding shift would hurt growing districts

  • The Detroit News, Feb. 15, 2004


    • George Weeks: Tax reform group drops Granholm from among best to worst nationally on tax issues

  • Lansing State Journal, Feb. 15, 2004

    • Budget Forum
    Budget '05: Granholm's plan is another stopgap measure, but it does work

  • The Detroit News, Feb. 13, 2004


    • Granholm's Budget Proposal Keeps Michigan Competitive

  • The Detroit Free Press, Feb. 13, 2004


    • Cut or Fund? Granholm lays down tough choices for legislators

  • The Detroit News, Feb. 12, 2004


    • Raising taxes on booze won't solve Michigan's budget deficit woes

  • The Detroit News, Feb. 12, 2004


    • Smokers shouldn't get stuck with state budget deficit

  • The Detroit News, Feb. 12, 2004


    • George Weeks: Granholm makes healthy choice on tax hike

  • The Detroit Free Press, Feb. 11, 2004


    • Tobacco Tax: Healthy push to quit is only part of budget pain

  • The Kalamzoo Gazette, Feb. 10, 2004/li>
    If the state is strapped, increase sin taxes

  • Booth Newspapers, Feb. 8, 2004


    • Higher Ed: Peter Luke: Spending is easy; paying for it is something else

  • The Detroit Free Press, Feb. 8, 2004


    • Service Tax: As manufacturing jobs disappear, state should consider a more stable tax approach

  • The Detroit Free Press, Jan. 25, 2004

    •
    Tax Lock: Limiting income tax rate to 3.9 percent would rob state of flexibility in tough times

  • The Detroit News, Jan. 25, 2004


    • Sharon Parks: Spare cuts and search for more tax revenue
    Patrick Anderson: Don't hurt taxpayers; make cuts in spending

  • Lansing State Journal, Jan. 16, 2004

    • Budget Forum
    Michael LaFaive: Savings, bigand little, are ripe for taking
    Patrick Anderson: State must hold to account our public schools
    Tom Clay: Trends point to significant cuts in service

  • The Flint Journal, Jan. 18, 2003


    • House GOP plays politics with income tax cap talk

  • Lansing State Journal, Jan. 16, 2004


    • Tax vote: To help state, junk 'cap' vote, let public see bracket plan

  • The Detroit Free Press, Jan. 16, 2004


    • Diesel Tax: A 4-cent raise would be road-smart and rate-fair

  • The Detroit News, Jan. 14, 2004


    • Sen. Ken Sikkema: State economy doesn't need higher taxes

  • The Detroit News, Jan. 10, 2004


    • Michigan shouldn't apply sales tax to services

  • The Saginaw News, Jan. 13, 2004


    • The politics of casting stones

  • The Detroit News, Jan. 7, 2004


    • Tom Bray: Look who injected religion into debate

  • The Jackson Citizen-Patriot, Jan, 6, 2004


    • Can universities learn to tighten their belts?

  • Lansing State Journal, Jan. 4, 2004


    • Proposal A: In 2004, lawmakers must tackle ongoing gap in School Aid Fund

  • The Detroit News, Jan. 4, 2004


    • Pete Waldmeir: Granholm's Bible-thumping sure to rile GOP

  • The Detroit News, Jan. 4, 2004


    • George Weeks: Freshman governors fight tough economy

  • The Detroit News, Jan. 4, 2004


    • State Must Revise Tax Code with Care

  • Lansing State Journal, Jan. 1, 2004


    • On parole: State won't sustain current course

  • The Detroit Free Press, Dec. 29, 2003


    • Dawson Bell: Debate, tax cut should get out from under a rug

  • The Detroit Free Press, Dec. 28, 2003


    • Lawrence W. Reed: Granholm succeeds in 1st year, but has room for improvement

  • Booth Newspapers, Dec. 28, 2003


    • Higher Ed: Peter Luke: Universities fall out of favor in budget deal

  • The Detroit News, Dec. 27, 2003


    • Reader Debate: Delaying income tax cut hurts Michiganians

  • Lansing State Journal, Dec. 26, 2003


    • Tim Skubick: GOP's DeVos loses togovernor

  • The Detroit News, Dec. 23, 2003


    • George Weeks: Budget deal shows benefits of bipartisanship

  • The Saginaw News, Dec. 23, 2003


    • Divided House falls into line

  • The Detroit News, Dec. 21, 2003


    • Civil Negotiating Gave Michigan Sound Budget Deal

  • The Grand Rapids Press, Dec. 21, 2003


    • Good finish to an ugly fight: GOP leadership, Democratic votes win tax-pause battle

  • Lansing State Journal, Dec. 21, 2003


    • Higher Ed: One down: Budget deal is first step in long, grim process for Michigan

  • The Detroit Free Press, Dec. 19, 2003


    • Band-Aids won't solve structural fiscal problem

  • The Saginaw News, Dec. 18, 2003


    • 45 for sanity -- and 61 others

  • The Jackson Citizen Patriot, Dec. 18, 2003


    • Budget deal eludes governor, legislators

  • The Detroit Free Press, Dec. 16, 2003


    • TAX AND AX: Tax cut delay should be part of balanced strategy

  • Lansing State Journal, Dec. 16, 2003


    • Derek Melot: Hmm ... didn't Engler retire?

  • Lansing State Journal, Dec. 14, 2003


    • Higher Ed: As cost/spending crisis builds, seek fresh ideas for consensus

  • Booth Newspapers, Dec. 14, 2003


    • Higher Ed: Peter Luke: Hard line on tax cuts may come back to haunt GOP

  • The Detroit News, Dec. 14, 2003


    • Daniel Howes: Granholm needs to take bigger steps to bolster economic growth

  • The Grand Rapids Press, Dec. 14, 2003


    • TAX CUT DELAY: Granholm-Sikkema compromise helps state budget

  • The Saginaw News, Dec. 14, 2003


    • In Harvard yard

  • Lansing State Journal, Dec. 14, 2003


    • Higher ed: Revenue cuts: Lansing, East Lansing still have a case on fire protection funds

  • The Macomb Daily, Dec. 12, 2003


    • State budget compromise

  • The Detroit Free Press, Dec. 12, 2003


    • BRIAN DICKERSON: Leaderless GOP may kill budget deal

  • The Detroit Free Press, Dec. 12, 2003


    • LOCAL COMMENT: A governmental ecosystem

  • The Kalamzoo Gazette, Dec. 11, 2003


    • A tax rollback pause better late than never

  • The Grand Rapids Press, Dec. 9, 2003


    • Steve Harmon: Critics accuse Sikkema of budget sellout Critics accuse Sikkema of budget sellout

  • Lansing State Journal, Dec. 11, 2003


    • Higher ed: Compromise: Credit Granholm, Sikkema for budget; lawmakers should OK it

  • The Flint Journal, Dec. 11, 2003


    • Wise heads prevail with delay of tax cut

  • The Detroit Free Press, Dec. 10, 2003


    • TAX CUT DELAY: Granholm-Sikkema compromise helps state budget

  • The Detroit News, Dec. 10, 2003


    • State Budget Compromise Is a Fair Deal

  • Lansing State Journal, Dec. 10, 2003


    • Chris Andrews: Sikkema risks neck to end budget impasse

  • The Detroit Free Press, Dec. 10, 2003


    • TAX CUT DELAY: Granholm-Sikkema compromise helps state budget

  • The Detroit News, Dec. 10, 2003


    • State Budget Compromise Is a Fair Deal

  • The Detroit Free Press, Dec. 9, 2003


    • Tax hikes won't cut it, when it comes to fixing state budget
    by Besty Devos, Chairman, Michigan Republican Party

  • The Oakland Press, Dec. 9, 2003


    • Accommodating cutbacks might be best option for local school districts

  • The Grand Rapids Press, Dec. 9, 2003


    • Steve Harmon: Sikkema shift on tax cut surprises GOP

  • The Kalamazoo Gazette, Dec. 8, 2003


    • GOP is wrong on tax-cut delay issue

  • Lansing State Journal, Dec. 8, 2003


    • Choosing: Budget gap presents pick of less service, or some taxes

  • The Saginaw News, Dec. 7, 2003


    • Not an increase

  • The Flint Journal, Dec. 7, 2003


    • Extension service friends hope to keep it around

  • Booth Newspapers, Dec. 7, 2003


    • Peter Luke: GOP sticks to guns on taxes

  • The Oakland Press, Dec. 4, 2003


    • It's no wonder that taxpayers have little sympathy for officials

  • The Grand Rapids Press, Dec. 4, 2003


    • A tax pause, for one year: Income tax cut can wait until state gets past the present squeeze

  • The Detroit News, Dec. 4, 2003


    • Blame tax cuts for state's budget woes
    by Mark T. Gaffney, President of the Michigan State AFL-CIO

  • Lansing State Journal, Dec. 4, 2003


    • Budget deal: Goal here is best budget plan, not feel-good political consensus

  • The Detroit Free Press, Dec. 3, 2003


    • HIGHER ED CUTS: Ever increasing cutbacks put state's future at risk

  • The Jackson Citizen Patriot, Dec. 2, 2003


    • MSU extension cuts: It's time for a review

  • Booth Newspapers, Dec. 2, 2003


    • Rick Haglund: Growing the economy gets lost in budget debate

  • Lansing State Journal, Dec. 2, 2003


    • Derek Melot: Closet liberals spend us to brink

  • The Oakland Press, Dec. 1, 2003


    • Michigan should scrap Headlee, adopt Colorado-style budgeting

  • The Detroit Free Press, Dec. 1, 2003


    • LOCAL COMMENT: Choose tax reforms over lethal cuts to save millions

  • The Detroit Free Press, Dec. 1, 2003


    • LOCAL COMMENT: If laptops program is deleted, students can still thrive

  • The Macomb Daily, Nov. 30, 2003


    • Granholm Courageous on Income Tax Rollback Pause

  • The Detroit Free Press, Nov. 28, 2003


    • BRIAN DICKERSON: Cyber-buyers are online tax-dodgers

  • The Oakland Press, Nov. 28, 2003


    • BRIAN DICKERSON: Cyber-buyers are online tax-dodgers

  • The Saginaw News, Nov. 28, 2003


    • Delayed tax cut isn't an increase

  • Lansing State Journal, Nov. 26, 2003


    • Tim Skubick: Beware business group's tax poll

  • The Flint Journal, Nov. 26, 2003


    • Why penalize frugality of local governments?

  • Lansing State Journal, Nov. 26, 2003


    • Budget politics: GOP leaders leave Legislature, citizens to handle details

  • Lansing State Journal, Nov. 26, 2003


    • Chris Andrews: Granholm faces tough sell with tax cut delay

  • Lansing State Journal, Nov. 25, 2003


    • Gone huntin': How do lawmakers rate a break during this crisis?

  • Lansing State Journal, Nov. 25, 2003


    • Derek Melot: Voters give pols pass on salaries

  • The Detroit Free Press, Nov. 24, 2003


    • Pete Waldmeir: Lock, stock, barrel: Take aim at state budget

  • The Detroit Free Press, Nov. 24, 2003


    • CHRIS CHRISTOFF: Proposed delay in small tax cut brings on big bluster

  • The Detroit News, Nov. 23, 2003


    • Daniel Howes: Schools' cash, better economy test credibility of the governor

  • The Flint Journal, Nov. 23, 2003


    • Sensible GOP lawmakers will back state tax freeze

  • The Flint Journal, Nov. 23, 2003


    • A state school tax boost should focus on buildings

  • The Detroit News, Nov. 23, 2003


    • Dearborn Anticipates Budget Crunch

  • Booth Newspapers, Nov. 23, 2003


    • Peter Luke: State balancing the budget on the backs of college students

  • Booth Newspapers, Nov. 23, 2003


    • Peter Luke: Schools, local government no longer sacred cows

  • Ann Arbor News, Nov. 23, 2003


    • Granholm doing well to keep Michigan afloat

  • The Detroit News, Nov. 23, 2003


    • Anti-tax group faults Granholm for sensible pause in income tax cut

  • Lansing State Journal, Nov. 23, 2003


    • Budget cuts: Granholm sets good pace on tax rate, spending rollbacks

  • The Detroit News, Nov. 21, 2003


    • Savings Are Possible in State, Local Government

  • Lansing State Journal, Nov. 21, 2003


    • Tim Skubick: Kids to lead us on budget

  • The Detroit Free Press, Nov. 18, 2003


    • STATE BUDGET: Crisis requires fast action from leaders

  • Lansing State Journal, Nov. 18, 2003


    • Deficit: It's roll-up-the-sleeves time for Granholm, legislators

  • The Saginaw News, Nov. 19, 2003


    • Keep hands off school reserves

  • The Detroit Free Press , Nov. 17, 2003


    • DAWSON BELL: Granholm's grand tour didn't have a grand audience

  • The Oakland Press , Nov. 16, 2003


    • Trading in 19-cent tax for 1-cent increase a bad deal

  • Lansing State Journal, Nov. 14, 2003


    • Tim Skubick: Tax on services could happen

  • Lansing State Journal, Nov. 13, 2003


    • Hypocri$y: Lawmaker cries foul over tour; what about the 38% pay raise?

  • The Detroit News, Nov. 11, 2003


    • Careful Release of Prison Inmates Would Help Budget

  • The Detroit News, Nov. 10, 2003


    • Demand That Schools Drain Cash Reserves Is Unfair

  • Lansing State Journal, Nov. 10, 2003


    • School aid: Halting tax rollback can ease squeeze on schools

  • The Flint State Journal, Nov. 10, 2003


    • MEA's Robin Hood plan bad policy for schools

  • The Macomb Daily, Nov. 9, 2003


    • Governor finds tight-fisted Macomb with hand extended

  • The Detroit News, Nov. 9, 2003


    • Mark Reinstein: Michigan's budget blues require balanced approach

  • The Detroit Free Press , Nov. 7, 2003


    • School Funds: Equal cuts can hit unequally; consider MEA plan

  • The Detroit News, Nov. 6, 2003


    • Metro Voters Cautious About Raising Taxes

  • The Detroit News, Nov. 6, 2003


    • Laptops, merit scholarships top cuts list

  • Lansing State Journal, Nov. 5, 2003


    • Chris Andrews: Granholm seeks citizens' priorities for cuts

  • The Detroit News, Nov. 5, 2003


    • Livonia Christmas Cutbacks a Sign of Good Government

  • Lansing State Journal, Nov. 3, 2003


    • Leading: Lawmakers must absorb lesson of three C's to help state

  • The Detroit News, Nov. 2, 2003


    • George Weeks: Peters, Granholm push different budget fixes

  • Lansing State Journal, Nov. 1, 2003


    • Stacey Range: Granholm seeks input - GOP gives it

  • Lansing State Journal, Oct. 31, 2003


    • Tax plan: Don't rush through tax cuts; much not known on job losses

  • The Detroit Free Press , Oct. 31, 2003


    • BRIAN DICKERSON: GOP wants in on governor's listening gig

  • Lansing State Journal, Oct. 29, 2003


    • Chris Andrews: Budget crisis leaves governor few options

  • The Detroit News, Oct. 28, 2003


    • Speaker Should Give Up His Laptop Fight

  • The Detroit News, Oct. 28, 2003


    • Structural deficit hurts state's schools

  • The Detroit Free Press , Oct. 27, 2003


    • CHRIS CHRISTOFF: Touring Granholm must try to beat sophomore curse

  • The Detroit News, Oct. 27, 2003


    • Pete Waldmeir: Governor's lapse on laptops should put GOP on high alert

  • The Detroit Free Press , Oct. 27, 2003


    • RON DZWONKOWSKI: Crisis Tour II

  • The Detroit News, Oct. 26, 2003


    • David Sowerby : If Michigan resists urge to increase taxes, studies show more jobs, higher incomes will follow

  • The Detroit News, Oct. 26, 2003


    • Sharon Parks: Spending cuts would eviscerate critical services; tax reduction delay, sales tax expansion hurt less

  • The Grand Rapids Press, Oct. 24, 2003


    • Rick Haglund: Creating jobs takes more than tax-cut hocus-pocus

  • The Detroit Free Press , Oct. 23, 2003


    • In light of budget crisis, state should delay plan

  • Lansing State Journal, Oct. 22, 2003


    • Chris Andrews: Granholm faced with $115 million decision

  • Lansing State Journal, Oct. 22, 2003


    • Dan Pero: Use crisis to reform education spending

  • Macomb Daily, Oct. 22, 2003


    • State faces shortfall

  • Lansing State Journal, Oct. 21, 2003


    • Fork ahead: '05 budget warning issued; more cuts or more taxes coming

  • Lansing State Journal, Oct. 21, 2003


    • Derek Melot: Middle can get lonely for gov

  • The Detroit News , Oct. 20, 2003


    • Budget Focus Should Be on Attracting, Saving Jobs

  • Lansing State Journal, Oct. 17, 2003


    • Parole $$: In budget squeeze, lawmakers must review prison population

  • Lansing State Journal, Oct. 15, 2003


    • Leadership: Granholm, legislators must make tough calls on taxes, spending

  • Lansing State Journal, Oct. 15, 2003


    • The hired help: Legislators cling to salaries

  • The Detroit Free Press , Oct. 14, 2003


    • BUDGET GAP: State should avoid further mistakes, such as 'racinos'

  • The Detroit News , Oct. 14, 2003


    • Avoid Legal Face-Off Between Cox, Granholm

  • Lansing State Journal, Oct. 10, 2003


    • Tim Skubick: Little courage on tax rollback

  • The Detroit News , Oct. 9, 2003


    • New State Deficit Demands New Resolve, Cooperation

  • The Detroit Free Press , Oct. 9, 2003


    • For state, more cuts, less income, harder choices

  • Booth Newspapers, Peter Luke, Oct. 5, 2003


    • Somebody has to pay for higher ed

  • The Detroit News , Oct. 2, 2003


    • State Workers Should Accept Offer to Bank Unpaid Hours

  • Lansing State Journal, Oct. 1, 2003


    • State jobs: Banked time plan gains favor, but budget problems remain

  • Lansing State Journal, Oct. 1, 2003


    • Chris Andrews: All state workers will share in sacrifice

  • Lansing State Journal, Sept. 15, 2003


    • State cuts: Budget demands on state unions don't reflect circumstances

  • Detroit Free Press, Sept. 1


    • CHRIS CHRISTOFF: Granholm escapes blame from state employee unions

  • The Detroit News , Aug. 26, 2003


    • Hard Budget Calls Get New School Year Up and Running

  • The Detroit News , Aug. 24, 2003


    • State Workers Should Take Pay Cut Instead of Layoffs

  • Lansing State Journal, Aug. 21, 2003


    • Budget: Granholm, lawmakers can't expect unions alone to save the day

  • The Oakland Press, July 27, 2003


    • Jack Lessenberry: Granholm, legislators shouldn't be celebrating budget yet

  • The Detroit News , July 23, 2003


    • Top Bond Ratings Show Wisdom of Cash Reserves

  • Detroit Free Press, July 20, 2003


    • Budget deal: Lawmakers get '04 work done; but state's problems aren't over

  • Detroit Free Press, July 17, 2003


    • Budget Pain And Relief

  • Detroit Free Press, July 17, 2003


    • CHRIS CHRISTOFF: Budget boosts Granholm's status

  • The Detroit News , July 16, 2003


    • State Budget Compromise Prudent and Fair

  • The Detroit News , July 2, 2003


    • Cash Reserves and Spending Control Still Needed in State Budget

  • Detroit Free Press, July 2, 2003


    • Revenue Sharing: Lawmakers should not foist budget woes onto cities

  • Lansing State Journal, June 30, 2003

    • >
    Hard work: Tempers flare, but budget talks must go on - and do

  • Detroit Free Press, June 20, 2003


    • Save Now: State can't afford to spend away federal funds

  • The Detroit News , June 20, 2003


    • Long-term Changes Needed to Wipe Out Michigan's Deficit

  • Lansing State Journal, June 20, 2003


    • Reserve fund: Don't tinker with rainy day fund to gain tax reduction

  • Detroit News, June 15, 2003


    • Michigan should rethink reliance on tobacco money

  • Lansing State Journal, June 15, 2003


    • Rebound: State budget skies brighten; Capitol folks deserve kudos

  • Detroit Free Press, June 9, 2003


    • CHRIS CHRISTOFF: Granholm fishing, and not fretting, because she can

  • Lansing State Journal, June 11, 2003


    • Derek Melot: Found money carries problem

  • Booth Newspapers, Peter Luke, June 1, 2003


    • Column: State budget needs more than triage

  • The Grand Rapids Press , May 22, 2003


    • Merit Award too pricey

  • The Detroit News , May 18, 2003


    • Long-term Changes Needed to Wipe Out Michigan's Deficit

  • Lansing State Journal, May 13, 2003


    • It's their job: If GOP lawmakers have a budget plan, they're not telling

  • The Detroit News, May 15, 2003


    • State Should Consider Shifting Police Patrols to Sheriffs

  • The Detroit News, May 11, 2003


    • New Casino Tax Would Drive Away Michigan's Gambling Tourists

  • The Detroit News, May 8, 2003


    • Don't Squander Federal Funds On New Spending

  • The Detroit News, May 11, 2003


    • Lawmakers Should Reject Loophole Tax Hikes

  • Detroit Free Press, April 21, 2003


    • Uncut merit scholarships would be long-term drain

  • The Detroit News, May 11, 2003


    • Lawmakers Should Reject Loophole Tax Hikes

  • Detroit Free Press, April 21, 2003


    • Tobacco Cash: States need to break their budget addictions

  • The Detroit News, April 7, 2003


    • Pete Waldmeir: Governor must rethink drastic cut in MEAP merit awards

  • The Detroit Free Press, April 5, 2003


    • TOM WALSH: Don't whack MEDC to save scholarships

  • Lansing State Journal, April 4, 2003


    • Budget game: On health spending, House panel shows sad lack of discipline

  • The Detroit Free Press, April 4, 2003


    • BRIAN DICKERSON: Voters have spoken -- but not about this

  • The Oakland Press, March 14, 2003


    • Cuts leave no reason to complain

    by Tim Skubick

  • The Oakland Press, March 14, 2003


    • For budget relief, State Police could be a good place to start

  • The Detroit News, March 9, 2003


    • State debates higher ed cuts

    by Lynn Waldsmith

  • The Detroit Free Press, March 11, 2003


    • BRIAN DICKERSON: GOP wants to have budget sliced its way

  • Lansing State Journal, March 10, 2003


    • - The arts: Funding cuts will test communities' priorities
    - 'De-Merit': Scholarship money must be redirected to health care

  • The Detroit News, March 9, 2003


    • Local Communities Face Hard Budget Decisions

  • Lansing State Journal, March 9, 2003


    • Her budget: Granholm did a bully job in addressing big state deficit

  • The Detroit News, March 5, 2003


    • Granholm Keeps Her Word in Tackling State Budget

  • The Detroit Free Press, March 7, 2003


    • - Balanced Cuts: Granholm offers calculated approach to get by

    - BRIAN DICKERSON: Budget cuts seem sensible as explained

  • The Detroit News, March 5, 2003


    • Track School Spending During Economic Downturn

  • Lansing State Journal, March 2, 2003


    • State Rep. Leon Drolet: Tax hikes only hurt; spending must drop.

  • Lansing State Journal, March 2, 2003


    • Al Short, Michigan Education Association: Budget plan begins with what's lost with cuts.

  • The Grand Rapids Press, March 2, 2003


    • Tough year, but no disaster

  • The Grand Rapids Press, March 2, 2003


    • Michigan needs long-term answer for expense of university system

  • The Detroit News, March 1, 2003


    • Reader Debate: Should state cut higher ed more than K-12?

  • The Detroit News, Feb. 28, 2003


    • Congress Can't Afford to Rescue State Budgets

  • The Detroit News, Feb. 27, 2003


    • Harsh college budget cuts risk state's future
    Letter from Michael A. Boulus, Executive Director, Presidents Council of State Universities of Michigan

  • The Lansing State Journal, Feb. 26, 2003


    • Budget math: As readers show, taxes must be in play for 2004 budget

    The Detroit News, Feb. 23, 2003

    The Lansing State Journal, Feb. 23, 2003

    • Will our legislators share in sacrifice?
      Legislative pay reductions won't fix 2004 budget, but show some leadership
      Granholm gains support

    The Oakland Press, Feb. 21, 2003

    • Could Michigan's financial mess be a result of ignoring Headlee?
      Granholm signals tuition hikes are unacceptable as a response to budget cuts
      Ignoring Headlee

    The Lansing State Journal Feb. 21, 2003

    The Detroit News, Feb. 20, 2003

    • Memo to State Universities: Face Economic Reality
      Granholm signals tuition hikes are unacceptable as a response to budget cuts
      Memo to Universities

    The Lansing State Journal Feb. 19, 2003

    • Tethers
      Lead way: Granholm, lawmakers need to make personal sacrifices
      Lead way

    The Detroit News, Feb. 18, 2003

    • State Employee Layoffs Are Fair Way to Fight Deficit
      Granholm is correctly following a business model in eliminating jobs as state revenues decline
      State Employee Layoffs Fair

    The Detroit News, Feb. 18, 2003

    The Lansing State Journal Feb. 17, 2003

    • Tethers
      State will save money by monitoring nonviolent prisoners
      Tethers

    The Lansing State Journal Feb. 16, 2003

    • Discipline
      Granholm ready to take budget boos; is the GOP?
      Discipline

    The Detroit News Feb. 14, 2003

    • Killing Prevailing Wage Law Would Help with Budget Crisis
      Artifical wage levels on government construction projects cost taxpayers up to $275 million a year
      Kill Prevailing Wage

    The Detroit Free Press Feb. 12, 2003

    • Blanket cuts are cover for cowardice
      by Brian Dickerson
      Blanket cuts

    The Detroit News Feb. 7, 2003

    • Gov. Granholm is right to restrain spending
      by Michael LaFaive, Mackinac Center for Public Policy
      Granholm is right

    Note: Gov. Granholm's Feb. 5 State of the State Address contained tough talk on the need to cut state spending. Several editorials about the speech are posted below. For a link to the text of the speech go to 'Other'

    in "Michigan's Budget Challege."

    The Detroit News Feb. 6, 2003

    • Granholm Balances Hope, Resolve in State of State Address
      Governor promises 'deep cuts' to confront Michigan's budget crisis
      Granholm Balances Hope

    The Detroit News Feb. 6, 2003

    The Lansing State Journal Feb. 6, 2003

    The Macomb Daily Feb. 3, 2003

    The Lansing State Journal Feb. 2, 2003

    • Budget cuts: Across-the-board proposal shirks key responsibility
      Cuts shirk

    The Grand Rapids Press Feb. 2, 2003

    The Detroit Free Press Feb. 2, 2003

    • Prison Spending
      With political courage and sound ideas, state can save without sacrificing safety
      Prison Spending

    The Detroit News Jan. 29, 2003

    The Detroit Free Press Jan. 27, 2003

    The Detroit Free Press Jan. 24, 2003

    • Tax Choices
      Give Granholm time to develop own budget strategy
      Tax choices

    The Macomb Daily Jan. 21, 2003

    The Macomb Daily Jan. 21, 2003

    • In Our Opinion: Trimming the state budget
      Trimming

    The Detroit News Jan. 19, 2003, Point/Counterpoint: Can cuts along balance the state budget?

    The Lansing State Journal Jan. 17, 2003

    The Detroit Free Press Jan. 16, 2003

    The Detroit News Jan. 16, 2003

    The Detroit Free Press Jan. 15, 2003

    The Detroit News Jan. 15, 2003

    The Lansing State Journal Jan. 12, 2003

    • Editorial and Opinion "Roundtable"
      Michigan's money squeeze
      Editorial

      LaFaive: State must tighten its belt
      by Michael LaFaive, Director of Fiscal Policy, Mackinac Center for Public Policy

      Anderson: Wrong move for state is to increase taxes
      by Patrick Anderson , Principal of the Anderson Economic Group LLC

      Clay: Bill for policies of '90s finally comes due
      by Tom Clay , Senior Research Associate, Citizens Research Council of Michigan

      Olson: Budget woes worst in memory
      by Gary Olson , Director, Senate Fiscal Agency