The group also proposes:

*  Cutting the state government workforce 5 percent to 10 percent and lowering compensation, including benefits, to reflect the national average. - I agree to a point, but I think we need to take a longer look at government in general, not just salaries and workforce.

*  Eliminating the state tax on business equipment once the economy starts growing again.- Agreed.

*  Scuttling the 22 percent surcharge on the Michigan Business Tax and reducing the corporate levy by 60 percent overall. - Agreed.

*  Enacting prison management and sentencing reforms to save $400 million. - Agreed if the plan is what I think it is. Good luck selling it.

*  Eliminating binding arbitration for local police and firefighters. - Undecided. Will the alternative cost more or less?

*  Ending optional state services, such as programs for Medicaid recipients not required by the federal government. - Agreed.

* Consolidating administration of the state's 500-plus school districts by cutting per-student funding to districts that don't share services. - Agreed to an extent, but this will be real tough to sell.

*  Reducing the number of colleges and universities "to a number the state can afford."- Is this state schools only?

*  Adopting a funding formula for roads and bridges and supporting mass transit services in urban areas.- Agreed with the first, the latter only if it pays for itself. No more people movers or Wally trains with government money that does not get used.