Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder updated his near term goals in the annual State of the State speech last night. The centerpiece was the creation of what the Governor called a “River of Opportunity” that would improve state services, especially those coming Michigan’s Departments of Community Health and Human Services. Snyder plans to combine the two into one. He says their work represents a “failed model” that is too focused on programs than on people.The governor also called for voters to support the proposed hike in the state sales tax this May and the establishment of a commission on third grade reading standards.
To respond to the Governor’s 2015 State of the State address, Current State speaks with Democratic Senator Jim Ananich of Flint, the Senate’s new minority leader; Republican Senator Rick Jones of Grand Ledge, the Senate’s new majority caucus chair; and Phil Power, Founder and Chairman of The Center for Michigan, which describes itself as a “non-partisan think and do tank.” It operates Bridge Magazine.
