Michigan is well managed - (MP3- 3MB)

Governor Granholm Says Efforts to Protect Michigan Citizens' Pocketbooks Moving Forward Granholm, Other Governors to Washington: Help Manufacturers Compete, Restore Manufacturing Funding Granholm Names Melvin Butch Hollowell Automobile and Home Insurance Consumer Advocate Granholm Applauds Senate Action on Bills to Combat Mortgage Foreclosure Granholm Says State is Creating Opportunity in a Changing World by Diversifying Economy, Educating People Governor Announces Funds Supporting Foreclosure Prevention Counseling Governor Granholm Says Education is Foundation for Prosperous Michigan in 21st Century Governor Granholm Announces Funding for Idlewild Demolition Projects Michigan Ranked One of Best-Managed States in Nation; Recognized for Being Well Managed During Crisis Governor Granholm Announces Funding for Blight Elimination Initiative

The Pew Center and Governing magazine recognized Michigan as an outstanding leader in the Government Performance Project (GPP) report entitled, “Grading the States 2008.” Michigan received the highest score of any Midwestern state and scored higher in three out of four categories judged by the nationwide report card in 2005. Michigan received high marks in the area of information, infrastructure, and people and fell only slightly in the money area, which evaluates states' budgets. Only Utah, Virginia, and Washington scored higher than Michigan; all received an A-. In addition to the state of Michigan, only Delaware, Georgia, Missouri, and Texas received a B+.

Year-in and year-out, we want to ensure that we are spending tax dollars efficiently and in a way that provides the service citizens need and depend upon. We appreciate the recognition from Pew and Governing magazine that shows that even in tight budget times, we have made improvements in the way we operate state government.

Pew and Governing found that Michigan demonstrated an improvement in its strategic workforce planning, project monitoring, performance auditing and evaluation, and its online service and information. In fact, the report credits Michigan's state website – www.michigan.gov – as a national model for the way it allows citizens and businesses to perform a variety of transactions that save the state money. We know that the key to being able to continue to serve, and serve better – even in these challenging times – is through leveraging technology.

The conclusions in the report are based on research released by the Pew Center on the States Government Performance Project, the nation's only comprehensive, independent analysis of how well each state government is managed and actually performs. The report, the result of a year of research by a team of management experts and journalists, is designed to allow us to identify our state's strengths and weaknesses, and to compare Michigan’s performance to others.