This article suggests that the UP might be the most endangered place on earth and is worth a read.

Northern Michigan Initiative Proposed
The Traverse City Record-Eagle reports that 3 northern Michigan Republicans are rolling out a plan, dubbed the Northern Michigan Initiative, to boost area's economy and promote regional tourism. It would create a Great Lakes Recreational Pass, allowing visitors to purchase one pass to gain entrance to Michigan and neighboring parks and recreation areas. Also proposed are a single business tax credit to maintain and invest in short-line railroad tracks and a plan to channel Community Development Block Grants to rural areas.

UP County Governments Pondering New Federal Forest Rules
The UP Mining Journal reports that county governments across the Upper Peninsula are weighing in on new federal forest rules put forth by President George Bush in December. The rules are designed to reduce the bureaucratic overhead but there has been some concern over the allowable cut.

Michigan's College Fund Gets High Marks
The Detroit Free Press reports that Michigan's college savings plan, the Michigan Education Savings Program, got another round of high marks from investment ratings firm Morningstar Inc, who named the Michigan plan one of the six best plans in the country.

Michigan Jobless Rate Declines in January
The Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth released a bit of good news regarding Michigan's economy last week that we missed. Over the month, total employment rose by 22,000 and unemployment fell by 25,000 as the state civilian labor force decreased slightly.

Granholm Proposes Medicaid Cuts
The Associated Press reports that Gov. Jennifer Granholm's proposal to remove coverage for caretakers of low-income children and 19 & 20-year-olds to help balance the budget would save Michigan $5 million. Advocates for low-income adults worry that cutting off health care will mean higher costs down the road.

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