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Chris George - Wednesday, September 23, 2009   Streamline State government to its essential functions Rate this idea:   Current Rating: 2.9 (344 votes cast) Streamline government -- place function at appropriate, most efficient, level. To this end -- locals (ex. counties) to provide direct service; eliminate all the state bureaucracies that duplicate same (ex. DAg and DCH and DHS all have field inspectors and field offices). State to provide support -- (ex. laboratories, technical resource). Combine MDAG/MDNR/MDEQ/public health portions of MDCH into one department (including surveillance and laboratories); Combine primary care portions of DHS/DCH/Ed into one department -- that's six down to two!. Why is Lottery separate from Gaming and Liquor? They all inspect/license/ enforce. Place work at the appropriate levels where there is transparency and accountability. Do we need a Racing Commissioner? A Liquour Board? Why discrepancy between education and skill levels for the same civil service level, yet different departments?

Dennis Sanford - Wednesday, September 23, 2009   School Districts Rate this idea:   Current Rating: 3.1 (330 votes cast) We need to consolidate our school districts by county to streamline the adminstration cost. Michigan and Illinois are the only states that don't have county wide districts. We don't need educated professionals in a union it is a conflict of interests when compared to the Michigan constitution regarding being forced into a contract. I'm all for testing our students to keep them current with the rest of the world. If they fail identify the problem and work with them until they succeed. Please issue a voucher system so gifted under privilegded kids can go to a private school. They may return to their community and help improve other people's situation. Please return tax dollars to those who send kids to private schools or let them claim on their income taxes.

Brent - Wednesday, September 23, 2009   Rail connection Rate this idea:   Current Rating: 3.0 (269 votes cast) Michigan should offer an incentive to any rail company that can establish a route from Grand Rapids to Detroit, via Lansing. Perhaps the state could agree to not taxing any profits derived from passenger service.

Brent - Wednesday, September 23, 2009   Governor's Schools concept Rate this idea:   Current Rating: 3.0 (317 votes cast) I think the state should establish one or several "Governor's Schools" throughout the state. These would be high schools and each one could be focused on a them and would operate similar to charter schools. Students from anywhere in the state could compete for admission. The government money that would have gone to the local district would follow the student to the Governor School. Dorms would be available for students with either the parents, scholarships, or perhaps a tax credit to the parents covering the cost of room/board. Universities, community colleges, and businesses could all collaborate and partner with these schools. With competitive enrollment, these schools would attract the best and brightest students and teachers. In turn, our state would be providing the very best opportunity to those who have the greatest potential. Some possible locations for schools would include: -Interlochen for fine and performing arts (think "Fame", based on NYC's High School for the Performing Arts) -A school in Detroit focused on Engineering, which could partner with Wayne State, UM, and the auto industry. -A health sciences institute in Grand Rapids, partnering with the Medical Mile and MSU's medical school. -Those interested in public service could go to a school in Lansing that would provide direct experience with state government. -A school could be established in the UP, probably in Houghton, for environmental science/land use/natural resources.

Karen Jones - Wednesday, September 23, 2009   Michigan could offer its own tax incentive for purchasing a home Rate this idea:   Current Rating: 3.0 (301 votes cast) Why wait for the federal government to stimulate Michigan's housing market? Our state needs it NOW! The State could offer its own tax incentive for purchasing a new or existing home. To really make a difference the incentive could be a percentage of the sale price, maybe 5%, and be open to anyone purchasing an existing or new home. Michigan's housing market needs to be given a shot in the arm! This would help the state realize more property tax income, too! The Transfer Tax would help pay for this tax incentive, too.