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STEP 1: Reform our state finances and budget Today’s arguments on how to fix our state seem to often be centered around a ‘more or less’ philosophy. More or less taxes, more or less services, more or less regulation. I’d like to change the focus to a new word: smart. We need to move beyond the brick and mortar philosophies of partisan politics and spotlight common sense solutions with the best interest of our constituents in mind. A common sense solution recognizes that in the past decade, our state spending has outspent inflation in every budget category but two (higher education and revenue sharing); it recognizes that our state’s workforce has become bloated as it has stayed the same despite a declining community base; and it recognizes that we cannot continue to solve a growing deficit with one-time budget fixes and rainy day funds. A common sense approach is long term, comprehensive, and prioritized to meet the best needs of Michigan’s citizens. STEP 2: Cultivate an attractive tax structure Nearly half of U.S. job losses since 2000 have been in Michigan. This adds up to a grand total of 728,000 jobs lost in Michigan alone. ‘Job losses’ is a tricky phrase; easily quantifiable but seldom considered for the impact it has on families except those who are unfortunately enduring through its challenges. Michigan’s families are struggling, and our legislature is sitting on the sidelines. Michigan has every natural advantage when it comes to starting or expanding a company in the United States. We have ample resources, a vibrant and educated workforce, and a diverse and expansive marketplace, creating a ripe environment for the development of the Michigan brand company. STEP 3: Create an accommodating regulatory environment We need to ensure that the regulations we have in Michigan are protecting our citizens and our environment, without stifling innovation and economic growth. This can be easily accomplished by creating a mentality of service in our various state departments. It is the government’s job to serve the people and businesses who decide to make Michigan their home and make doing business a pleasurable experience, as opposed to the current process of forcing them to prove themselves and requiring they run through a regulatory maze. STEP 4: Prioritize education and infrastructure Education has to be the highest priority for a state trying to emerge as a leader in the 21st century, knowledge based economy. Michigan, however, has yet to embrace this reality, and has done a dismal job supporting our schools and universities this past decade. Due partially to these funding inadequacies, we are losing both students and graduates to competing states. STEP 5: Promote tourism, agriculture and other regional markets We can not continue to tackle a 21st century job market with a 20th century business strategy. Manufacturing is not gone from Michigan, and I believe that there is still plenty of opportunity for manufacturing growth. It will, however, never be the dominant job creator that it was in the previous century, and must become part a more diverse, vibrant business culture in our state. We must promote markets that have proven their viability in our state, such as tourism and agriculture. We also need to encourage regional growth in other potential growth markets, such as energy, medicine, and various service industries. Regional growth strategies such as private-public partnerships, tax-incentive zones, and utilization of our university system will help us capitalize on the amazing potential that Michigan and Michigan's workers present.
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