While it's unfortunate that many college students had their Michigan Promise scholarship canceled, the unprecedented challenges facing our state require tough decisions that aren't always politically popular.

It's time for Lansing to pull in the reins on education – especially at the state's 15 universities.

The cost of an undergraduate education is ridiculously high due to out-of-control administrative costs, rising faculty salaries and lavish on-campus amenities, including state-of-the-art dormitories with private hot tubs, that rival five-star resorts.

Unfortunately, the Michigan Constitution doesn't allow for the kind of oversight and accountability that should be taking place. In fact, the Legislature is required to appropriate money, but is prohibited from telling schools how to spend the money.

This is absurd and must change.

Taxpayers shouldn't be writing a blank cheque worth millions upon millions of dollars each year with little safeguards against wasteful spending that plagues government at all levels.

Lansing should also consolidate the universities by putting the schools under the control of the elected state Board of Education instead of having 15 separate boards – one for each institution – operate behind the scenes and away from the scrutiny and accountability of taxpayers.

Nothing should be off-limits or considered untouchable in these unprecedented times.

Cross-posted at RightMichigan.com

A proposal by freshman legislators to extend the length of Michigan's term limitations is nothing new and won't do much to reform and restructure the broken state government.

While term limits need to be addressed, this won't be enough to fix Lansing

A total restructuring of government at all levels is needed, and everything must be considered to ensure a brighter future for our great state.