Commentary: Film incentives make a big difference for workers
We've seen this scripted act of fiction before. Every year at this time, so-called "experts" from biased, politically motivated think tanks release a report concluding it is time to call "cut" on film, TV, and streaming program tax credits nationwide, as a columnist did in the July 26 issue of…
Commentary: The reviews are in, and film incentives are still wrong for Michigan
Some legislators want to resuscitate Michigan's defunct tax subsidies for film and television production — a program that once spent half a billion taxpayer dollars. That would be a colossal mistake.I should know. I've analyzed those incentives more than most. My first nationwide study…
Analysis: Michigan gives out first vaccine lottery prizes, but it hasn't increased vaccination rates
Michigan won't get 70 percent of residents vaccinated against COVID-19 by the Aug. 3 end of the state's "vaccine lottery" program.The realization presents an expensive reality as the state on Wednesday announced the first four winners of the MI Shot to Win lottery program designed to boost…
Commentary: Vaccination lotteries don't move the needle on inoculations
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's MI Shot to Win vaccination lottery program isn't doing much to convince vaccine-hesitant residents to get inoculated. As of July 13, about 62.4 percent of Michigan residents 16 or older have received at least one dose of the vaccine. That's an increase of less than 1…
As an added enticement for Ohioans to get vaccinated, Gov. Mike DeWine said, the state will hold a weekly drawing to give $1 million to an adult who has received at least one dose of the vaccine. Drawings will begin May 26 and run for five consecutive weeks.
'Vacc to Normal': Whitmer ties easing of restrictions to Michigan's COVID-19 vaccination rate
LANSING — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Thursday announced a plan to tie the lifting of coronavirus pandemic restrictions to Michigan's vaccination rate, meaning in-office work restrictions are likely to ease before the end of May.
Whitmer outlined four specific benchmarks that must be reached to…
Michigan House: Give unemployed $1,000 if they find job
LANSING — Unemployed people who find a job would get $1,000 as part of $12.7 billion in proposed COVID-19 relief spending that began advancing in the Michigan Legislature on Wednesday.The "return to work" grants would cover up to 400,000 residents. They are included in supplemental budget…
Detroit to give $50 debit cards to 'Good Neighbors' to help boost lagging COVID-19 vaccination rate
Detroit, with a still-lagging COVID-19 vaccination rate, is taking its "Good Neighbor" strategy up a notch.The city, starting Monday, is offering $50 MasterCard debit gift cards to anyone who drives a Detroiter to their vaccination appointment at TCF Center's drive-through site. The Good Neighbor…
The Best Coupon In Your Wallet? Your Vaccination Card
Krispy Kreme, cheesecake, fries, arcade tokens—proof of a shot means freebies and discounts. Vaccinated people are jumping on the deals. ‘What would really rock my boat is free golf.’
As Israel Reopens, ‘Whoever Does Not Get Vaccinated Will Be Left Behind’
New government and business initiatives are moving in the direction of a two-tier system for the vaccinated and unvaccinated, raising legal, moral and ethical questions.
Kroger to pay $100 to workers who get COVID-19 vaccination | Reuters
Supermarket chain Kroger Co said on Friday it would give $100 to workers who get a COVID-19 vaccination, joining a growing list of U.S. retailers incentivizing employees to get inoculated against the novel coronavirus as soon as possible.