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  Nick Bridges - Tuesday, November 24, 2009
 
Make Our Growing Prisons Self-Sustaining

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Our prisons are full and we need more room. They operate at a loss and are a tax burden on the state. With the large population of able-bodied prisoners, why can't they operate at break-even or at a profit? Its time to move beyond license plates and combine teaching these prisoners a real usable skill or skills they can enjoy and use when they are released. While incarcerated, they can use them to earn their way and make the prison system self-sustaining. This won't happen overnight, but if a committee of business-oriented individuals was put in charge and given that mission, I believe it is achievable. Strangely, this might be another way in which we can keep some industries here rather than having them move to China or India. Sounds crazy? The reality is that it is being done in some other areas, a few of them are located in the United States. Our prison population keeps growing, so why don't we find a way to put them to good use rather than continue to have them drain our tax coffers? The money saved would be significant and could be invested in other, more useful economic pursuits to rebuild our state's economy.
 

  RGM - Tuesday, November 24, 2009
 
Linking Communities

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As gas prices continue to increase, many in rural areas are finding it difficult to travel outside of their limited area. How about implementing a train system that runs throughout the state and provides access for people who commute to different parts of the state for work or shopping? The trains should run on cleaner fuel sources and should have the goal of connecting communities. For example, many people in Isabella County commute to work in Lansing or Detroit, and people from smaller surrounding communities drive an average of 30 minutes to 2 hours one way to work each day. Help save fuel and get people moving so that they spend their saved money in different areas.
 

  bob johnson - Tuesday, November 24, 2009
 
rest stops

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Change the rest stops over to a stale like the other states more of a mart with full service with fuel and food. Put in fast food, fuel stations. large seating area. change to weight law on trucks. we are way over what the other states are. Wonder way our road are all broke up? We would save money right there. If we want people to visit we have to make Michigan roadways save to drive on.

 

  Mr. B. L. Schaaf - Tuesday, November 24, 2009
 
Indoor Parks

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Michigan has a number of "large Empty factory Buildings"; Why can't we make them enviromentally friendly to a "year round indoor park setting including "vendors" to meet (Thirst & food needs). We also, Import the bigger majority of our coffee; Why can't we use these "Large Empty Buildings" to creat a atmosphere where we grow our own (Michigan Coffee); Money we save on "Shipping in should reduce prices & put people to work"; I also, think we need a "Economic Revolution"; Paychecks are community investments & employers should be rewarded--not financially punished---"How that's what we have "CPA & Corporate accountants; Associations for"; Every community that builds & producers---creats paychecks that go into a community, City, & they grow, creat a "lifestyle"---Paychecks are part of the profits!

 

  Anupender Sidhu - Tuesday, November 24, 2009
 
Compete with adversity

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Michigan is a manufacturing state. Say what if 20 people form a group and start manufacturing stuff which is sold in US, and the proceeds are divided equally, they can hire a manager and some other staff to look over financial stuff. Even if they dont have healthcare or minimal wage initially I m sure as the sales increase that will be adressed too. Next question will be " what will they make?" Well..........what does China make? I don't think their workforce is better than ours,the blueprints are provided by us, its just that they dont have minimal wages and benefits so they can afford the costs, and today their workers have better lifestyles than us. I think we need to study their model and bring all Made in china stuff BACK to MI. To deal with a problem we have to strike the root of it. I m sure there are lot of people out there who wud love to work and put food on their tables than worry about benefits. If you want to compete with them you have to surpass all these regulations that differentiate us. I know my Idea needs revisions but I m sure we can brain storm it specifics. Why I think we can do it.....because we have a good background with manufacturing, and its time for change.