Posts published in “Guest Column”

The first week of October is National Newspaper Week. While this isn’t the typical holiday that most families celebrate, it does provide a good opportunity to take a moment and recognize all the ways that…

As Lansing prepares itself for yet another turnover in legislators to run state government, allow me to offer some unsolicited advice. Above all, new legislators should break out of their party paradigms and focus on…

As Michigan’s state budget director, I am proud to see that the 2022-23 fiscal year state budget, passed by the Legislature and recently signed into law by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, benefits all Michiganders. Working together,…

Skyrocketing rents, out-of-control prices for purchasing homes and increasing utility bills are threatening Michiganders’ ability to keep a roof over our heads. We are paying more to rent, buy and live in our homes than…

Back-to-school season is a time of new beginnings. A restart. A fresh chance at a better year with better outcomes. And I would venture to say those are all things that would be especially welcomed…

The $237 million set aside in the new state budget for school district consolidations has revived a discussion as old as Michigan’s schools. If Michigan’s state and local leaders are intent on yet another foray…

Our community — employers, educators, parents, politicians and students — really needs to have a tough love conversation about education after high school. Here at the Capital Area College Access Network, one young person we…

When plying for more money to hand out to a favored few businesses, supporters say that Michigan needs to catch up with the profligacy of other states. “We know that Michigan is in competition with…

When the COVID-19 vaccine for children under age 5 was finally authorized, I let out a sigh of relief that I am confident I have been holding in for more than two years. I excitedly…