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Parting Shots

By Wm. R. Lowry
Editor & Publisher, MiBiz
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note-able quote

“Michigan has to do something to tell the rest of the country, ‘We are open for business again.’ Something bold.”
— Jonathan Williams, American Legislative Exchange Council

no mo’ po’

“Rich States and Poor States,” a study of how states are handling the economic crisis, has Michigan as the worst in the country in economic performance for the third year in a row, but does offer some hope of improvement in the future.

The study evaluated states based on their economic policies and looked at economic trends to come up with its rankings. The study, in its third year, was done by the American Legislative Exchange Council, a Washington, D.C. nonprofit.

Michigan ranked 50th in “economic performance” which was based on personal income per capita (50th), domestic migration (47th), and employment (50th).

Despite being last in economic performance, Michigan’s economic outlook was 26th, an improvement from the 2009 ranking of 34th.
The economic outlook was based on 15 variables that measured things such as a state’s tax burden, the number of public employees, minimum wage and workers’ compensation costs.

The report’s authors were Arthur Laffler, an economist, Stephen Moore, senior economics writer at The Wall Street Journal, and Williams.
You can find the complete report under Publications at www.alec.org.

northern exposure

One sharp MiBiz reader caught an error on my part last time out and sent me this quick correction. Thank you, Russ, for your military service then ... and your fact check service now.

“South Vietnam did NOT fall to the invading Viet Cong forces but rather to the invading forces of the North Vietnamese Army.  The VC were all but decimated after the Tet offensive of 1968. I am sure you know that though many consider both of those forces one in the same, they certainly were not.

Thank you!”

Russ  (USCG Squadron 3 Vietnam 1971)
Russ Weeks
Star Truck Rentals, Inc.
Holland, MI

home at last

Let’s not forget to honor Vietnam vets like Russ. One means is to attend LZ Michigan (Landing Zone Michigan) on July 3 at Fifth Third Ball Park in Grand Rapids.

Check out the details of this great event at www.wgvu.org/lzmichigan.

note-able quote

“The comprehensive plan will transform this state government for a state government for the 21st Century. We need to borrow a phrase from the recent ‘Cash for Clunkers’ program and trade our 1960s-model state government for a new sleeker, smaller state government designed in the 21st Century.”

— Gov. Jennifer Granholm,  Jan. 2010

clunk, clunk

Just wanted to note two looming deadlines from our sleeker, smaller State of Michigan. You know, the one reduced to bare minimum budgets and staffing levels.

First up, be advised that you have until July 16 to nominate your favorite 65-foot spruce or fir for the honor of being chosen the 2010 Christmas tree to adorn the State Capitol lawn. Thankfully, staffers at the Department of Technology, Management and Budget (DTMB) can spare the time during their busy budget negotiation season to conduct this vital state business.

BTW, to enter, send your name, telephone number, a photograph of the tree and information about its size and location by e-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Not to be outdone, The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) Division of Environmental Health is creating a cookbook, “Hooked on Fish: Recipes from the Great Lakes State,” of favorite fish recipes from Michigan residents.

Visit www.michigan.gov/eatsafefish or call the MDCH to learn more.

These activities, not to be confused with the highly acclaimed ‘Pure Michigan’ tourism campaign, are just ‘Pure Clunkers.’

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