SW Michigan

Saugatuck-Douglas consolidation vote set for November

Gordon Evans — Thu, 23 May 2013 11:24:01 +0000

Voters in Saugatuck and Douglas will decide in November if the two cities will merge.

Pensions erode Michigan school funding

Andrew Robins — Wed, 22 May 2013 18:10:46 +0000

A new report says Michigan's public schools have less to spend educating students because of rising teacher retirement costs. The Citizens Research Council says retirement now eats up nearly 15 percent of the money districts get per-student. That's up from only about nine percent in 2004.

Governor, GOP reach budget "framework"

Andrew Robins — Tue, 21 May 2013 19:12:12 +0000

Governor Rick Snyder and Republican legislative leaders have agreed on a plan to complete the new state budget. But the Gongwer News Service says that does not include two contentious issues: more money for roads and expansion of Medicaid. House Speaker Jase Bolger of Marshall says a “broader discussion” of those areas will continue.

Battle Creek Enquirer: Albion, Marshall hope for state aid to help transition

Gordon Evans — Mon, 20 May 2013 15:00:21 +0000

The decision to close Albion High School last week means big changes for that district and neighboring Marshall schools where most of the high school students will likely end up.

Schauer says frustration with Snyder, GOP has him considering run for governor

Gordon Evans — Fri, 17 May 2013 11:53:26 +0000

Former Congressman Mark Schauer says frustration with the agenda pursued by Governor Snyder and the Republican-controlled Legislature has led him to strongly consider running for governor next year.