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
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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
The Oakland Press, Feb. 21, 2003
The Lansing State Journal Feb. 21, 2003
The Detroit News, Feb. 20, 2003
The Lansing State Journal Feb. 19, 2003
The Detroit News, Feb. 18, 2003
The Detroit News, Feb. 18, 2003
The Lansing State Journal Feb. 17, 2003
The Lansing State Journal Feb. 16, 2003
The Detroit News Feb. 14, 2003
The Detroit Free Press Feb. 12, 2003
The Detroit News Feb. 7, 2003
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
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
The Grand Rapids Press Feb. 2, 2003
The Detroit Free Press Feb. 2, 2003
The Detroit News Jan. 29, 2003
The Detroit Free Press Jan. 27, 2003
The Detroit Free Press Jan. 24, 2003
The Macomb Daily Jan. 21, 2003
The Macomb Daily Jan. 21, 2003
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