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DHS Won't Tell Legislator Where They Got Funding — One state legislator isn't happy with the "non-answer."

Who Won't They Unionize? — You may be next.

State of the State Tally — Governor's final State of the State address included eight proposed government expansions, three limitations.

I am not entirely sure if there has ever been a person in the last century who was as real as the "actor president."  Certainly, the very family values, coupled with family troubles, love of god and country, and most notably, enduring love for his wife Nancy. His loyalty second to none.

In my estimation, Reagan was the last president we have had that truly believed in liberty, and how the economic slavery that government imposes on its people limits that liberty.  He was the first president who advised against a socialized health scheme, recognizing the danger of giving so much of what should be individual choice to bureaucrats and politicians.

He is as relevant today as when he spoke on such things when he was alive.  He may be gone now, but his lessons are not.

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Michigan Capitol Confidential Daily Launches — Michigan Capitol Confidential strives to be the daily news source for Michigan residents who want a second opinion when presented with only "bigger government" remedies during public policy debates.

Diversifying Michigan for Trial Lawyers — Even when government picks winners and losers, the winners get knifed in the back.

Cap Con Daily Has the Latest on Michael Moore — Controversy continues to swirl around the application for tax subsidies associated with a film by Michael Moore that attacks banks for taking bailout money.

Michigan School Funding Problems Solved! — Additional evidence that our schools very well funded: Some districts shelled out $25,000 to be named "top districts."

Respect My Authoritah!!! — School districts are getting mixed messages.

Campaign to Increase Michigan Taxes Emboldened by Success in Oregon — What might an Oregon ballot initiative mean for Michiganders?

Michigan Capitol Confidential strives to be the daily news source for Michigan residents who want a second opinion when presented with only "bigger government" remedies during public policy debates.

From the AP

  The House on Thursday voted to allow the government to go $1.9 trillion deeper in debt -- or about $6,000 more for every U.S. resident. The measure, approved 217-212, would raise the cap on federal borrowing to $14.3 trillion. That's enough to keep Congress from having to vote again before the November elections on an issue that is feeding a sense among voters that the government is spending too much and putting future generations under a mountain of debt to do it.

    Already, the accumulated debt amounts to roughly $40,000 per person. And the debt is increasingly held by foreign nations such as China.

    Passage of the bill would send it to President Barack Obama, who will sign it to avoid a first-ever, market-rattling default on U.S. obligations.

    "I can't think of a more reckless or irresponsible act. Defaulting is not an option," said Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass. "If the United States defaults, investors will lose confidence that the U.S. will honor its debts in the future.

    Democrats barely passed it through the Senate last week over a unanimous "no" vote from GOP members present.

The goal of becoming recognized as one of the best school districts in Michigan is not as difficult to achieve as you might think.

Sure, that recognition can be realized the old fashioned way by working hard in the classroom and honestly getting the standardized test scores up, but a much easier way can be found.

I may be a Republican and Governor Granholm may be a Democrat, but I truly want her to succeed. She is my governor -- she is our governor.

I firmly believe it's time for our leaders in Lansing to end the partisan political charade that's crippled state government and resulted in massive skepticism amongst the citizenry.

We need a political atmosphere that puts Michigan ahead of partisan politics.

The tired, old ideas of Lansing politicians aren't working anymore.

We need to think outside the box with solutions that put our great state first and foremost.

It may be the second decade of the twenty-first century, but Lansing is still looking at our challenges in a twentieth century mindset.

That needs to change.

Just as Governors Romney and Milliken were the new leaders of their generation, Michigan desperately needs new leaders for these challenging times.

We need leaders that understand government isn't the solution.

When it comes to ensuring a brighter future, Lansing -- and government at all levels -- must get out of the way of innovation and job-creators.

This will require significant overhauls and reforms of government.

We need a government that reflects the realities of the twenty-first century.

Our structure of government simply doesn't make sense.

We must reduce the burden of government on the wallets of families and the cash registers of businesses.

And most importantly, we have to stop waving goodbye to our future.

Michigan has lost one family every 12 minutes and over 20,000 students at the K-12 levels will leave our great state before the school year ends.

That is unacceptable and must stop.

We can't continue waving goodbye to our future doctors, engineers, scientists, teachers, innovators, job-creators and civic leaders.

I have lost almost all of my friends -- your children and grandchildren -- in the last few years.

Michigan's great diaspora must end.

But it won't end unless we, the citizenry, send a new generation of leaders to Lansing that understands our challenges and are committed to ensuring a brighter future for the next generation.

Are you willing to send a message?

I am.

And that's why I'm running for the State House.

I want to stay in my our great state.

It was Michigan ingenuity, Michigan entrepreneurship and Michigan innovation that built this country.

Our challenges may be unprecedented, but they aren't insurmountable.

And with your help, we can do this.