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James M. Hohman
Assistant Director of Fiscal Policy
James M. Hohman is assistant director of fiscal policy at the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. He holds a degree in economics from Northwood University in Midland, Mich.
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By James M. Hohman
EITC 'Improper Payments' Costing Taxpayers
One more reason Michigan should drop program. … more
Elkhart Continues its Economic Growth
Indiana border county outpaces national job growth. … more
The Common Ploy for More Funding
Universities want even more tax dollars. … more
Right-to-Work States Have Higher Incomes
When adjusted for cost-of-living. … more
Multiplier Analyses Often Abused
They don't justify taking the dollar in the first place. … more
A Matter of Perspective
National recovery data looks different depending on the chart. … more
The False Social Concerns About Right-to-Work
Poverty, lack of insurance not higher in right-to-work states. … more
Union Rates Not Dropping Faster In RTW States
Right-to-work not to blame for fewer union members. … more
The Michigan 'Truth Squad' Problem With Facts
Fact-checking group gives in to partisan bent. … more
Proposal 1 of 2012: The Referendum on Public Act 4
The Mackinac Center for Public Policy recently published “Proposal 1 of 2012: The Referendum on Public Act 4,” which addresses Proposal 1 on the Nov. 6, 2012 ballot, also referred to as the “emergency manager” referendum.
The study examines the claim that local control will diminish if Proposal 1 passes and Public Act 4 is nullified. Public Act 4 had provided expanded powers to state-appointed emergency managers of local governments and school districts that are in a state of serious “fiscal stress or “fiscal emergency.” The study determined that the question in Michigan has not been whether state-appointed managers or court-appointed receivers may replace local elected officials in running a local unit of government; they have been able to do so for decades. The only question is whether state government will participate in the effort to avoid local fiscal insolvency and how it will do so.
The Policy Brief was authored by James M. Hohman, assistant director of Fiscal Policy for the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. … more
The study examines the claim that local control will diminish if Proposal 1 passes and Public Act 4 is nullified. Public Act 4 had provided expanded powers to state-appointed emergency managers of local governments and school districts that are in a state of serious “fiscal stress or “fiscal emergency.” The study determined that the question in Michigan has not been whether state-appointed managers or court-appointed receivers may replace local elected officials in running a local unit of government; they have been able to do so for decades. The only question is whether state government will participate in the effort to avoid local fiscal insolvency and how it will do so.
The Policy Brief was authored by James M. Hohman, assistant director of Fiscal Policy for the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. … more
Proposal 2 of 2012: An Assessment
The Mackinac Center for Public Policy recently published “Proposal 2 of 2012: An Assessment,” which addresses Proposal 2 on the Nov. 6, 2012 ballot, also referred to as the “collective bargaining” amendment.
The study examines how the proposed constitutional amendment would enshrine collective bargaining in the state constitution, which would allow government union collective bargaining agreements to invalidate numerous state laws meant to improve the quality of public services and would likely negate a projected $1.6 billion in annual taxpayer savings.
The Policy Brief was co-authored by Vernuccio and other Mackinac Center analysts: Senior Legal Analyst Patrick J. Wright, Executive Vice President Michael J. Reitz and Assistant Fiscal Policy Director James M. Hohman. Also co-authoring was Paul Kersey, director of labor policy at the Illinois Policy Institute. … more
The study examines how the proposed constitutional amendment would enshrine collective bargaining in the state constitution, which would allow government union collective bargaining agreements to invalidate numerous state laws meant to improve the quality of public services and would likely negate a projected $1.6 billion in annual taxpayer savings.
The Policy Brief was co-authored by Vernuccio and other Mackinac Center analysts: Senior Legal Analyst Patrick J. Wright, Executive Vice President Michael J. Reitz and Assistant Fiscal Policy Director James M. Hohman. Also co-authoring was Paul Kersey, director of labor policy at the Illinois Policy Institute. … more
Proposal 1 Has Nothing to Do With Local Control
Opponents should focus on fiscal responsibility. … more
$1.6 Billion in Savings Lost Under Prop 2
The financial impact of enshrined collective bargaining. … more
Policymakers Still Tripped Up By Pension Transition Costs
"Transition costs" and "plunging credit ratings" are red herrings to pension reform. … more
Fix the Real Problem of the Pension System
Politicians to blame for unfunded liabilities. … more
House GOP Hides Behind Rigged 'Study'
Punting on pension reform keeps the burden on taxpayers. … more
Outsourcing Isn't the Problem
Special favors to bring jobs back not the answer. … more
Comparing Apples to Lemons in Pension Reform
Legislature needs to be transparent about costs. … more
House Pension Reform Savings are Phony
The Senate's plan is much more realistic. … more
Utah Incurred No Pension Reform ‘Transition Costs’
Michigan House Republicans should take note. … more
Michigan Already Diverges From GASB Rules
Full contributions in only two of last 10 years. … more
Teacher Pension Underfunding Hits $22B
Shows need to close fund immediately. … more
Michigan Pension Underfunding Gaps Widen
Another reason MPSERS should be closed now. … more
There Are Options to Address 'Transition Costs'
Plan would shift teachers to new pension system. … more
'Stranded Costs' Will Always Be Paid by Taxpayers
Keep charter school and contract employees out of MPSERS. … more
Five Options for Addressing ‘Transition Costs’ When Closing the MPSERS Pension Plan
Michigan Public School Employee Retirement Plans
in Need of Reform
This study considers the supposed ‘transition costs’ that would be effected by a state switch from a defined-benefit to defined-contribution retirement system. In it, the “transition costs” are found to be nonbinding and discretionary. In addition, the study offers the state a series of reforms that would diffuse such costs, as well as consideration for the long-term fiscal improvements that would arise from payment of the pension’s unfunded liabilities. … moreTax Foundation Rates Michigan
State climbs 42 spots after eliminating MBT. … more
Indiana Leads the Manufacturing Belt
Hoosier state has the most to gain from a right-to-work law. … more
Michigan School Privatization Survey 2011
Majority of Michigan school districts currently contract food, custodial or transportation services
Despite increased spending in Michigan public schools, districts regularly face tough choices allocating their resources. This study surveys the privatization of the three major noninstructional services: food, custodial and transportation services. The findings are that over half of public schools have privatized at least one of these services; what is more, about 93 percent report satisfaction with the private-sector services they receive, which spells progress towards improving services while spending less. … more
Despite increased spending in Michigan public schools, districts regularly face tough choices allocating their resources. This study surveys the privatization of the three major noninstructional services: food, custodial and transportation services. The findings are that over half of public schools have privatized at least one of these services; what is more, about 93 percent report satisfaction with the private-sector services they receive, which spells progress towards improving services while spending less. … more
Cost of Benefits Is Sinking Detroit
City could run out of money in early 2012. … more
Wasted Talent
More college grads doesn't mean economic success. … more
Film Incentive Bill Sows Its Own Expansion
Legislators want to give more of your money to Hollywood. … more
Michigan Pensions Good at Controlling Fraud
More work needs to be done on controlling costs, though. … more
School Privatization Survey Results Available
Outsourcing helps public schools save millions of dollars. … more
State Admits Compensation Problem
State employment down 21 percent, compensation up 52 percent. … more
No State Favors For Fastest Growing Companies
No state corporate welfare went to these fastest growers. … more
State Compensation Problem Bigger Than Advertised
The state’s negotiators should be on solid footing when asking for concessions. … more
