Search in publication News Release [Mackinac Center]

News Release: MichiganVotes.org Offers 2009 "Missed Votes Report"

How Many Votes Did Your State Representative and Senator Miss in 2009?

Published on Dec. 31, 2009

News Release: Michigan Department of State Police Misses Two FOIA Deadlines, Including One Related to $6.9 Million Fee for Earlier Request

Pattern violates law and sends message that "freedom of information is not all that free"

Published on Dec. 17, 2009

News Release: Huron Valley Schools Posts Check Register

Spending transparency in Oakland County continues to lead the way

Published on Nov. 25, 2009

News Release: Almost Half of Michigan's Largest School Districts Embrace Spending Transparency

State legislator first to disclose personal salary, benefits details

Published on Nov. 19, 2009

News Release: House Testimony Claiming Mackinac Center Support for Michigan Film Subsidy 'False,' Says Senior Economist

'Incentives' must be ubiquitous and market-driven

Published on Nov. 18, 2009

Lawsuit to End DHS Practice of Diverting Funds From Child Care Subsidies Should Move Forward on Merits, Argues Mackinac Center Legal Foundation Director

Home-based day care owners from Brighton and Flint seek to join the case

Published on Oct. 29, 2009

News Release: Nationally Known Speaker and Author on Health Care to Discuss 'Obamacare'

Students for a Free Economy co-hosting East Lansing event

Published on Oct. 28, 2009

News Release: Nationally Known Speaker and Author on Health Care to Discuss 'Obamacare'

Students for a Free Economy co-hosting Northwood event

Published on Oct. 27, 2009

Media Advisory: Mackinac Center Hosting Forum on Canadian Health Care, Impact of "Universal Care"

Stars of Mackinac Center Videos warn against nationalized health care

Published on Oct. 21, 2009

News Release: Four Mid-Michigan Public School Districts Open Books

Gladwin acknowledges 'responsibility' to embrace transparency; resident's effort gets Clare on board

Published on Oct. 20, 2009

News Release: DHS Declines to Defend Merits in Mackinac Center Lawsuit

Motion to dismiss is procedural, technical; fails to address how state can force independent contractors into a union, Center legal analyst explains

Published on Oct. 12, 2009

News Release: Mackinac Center Releases Critique of Recent Paper ‘The Retrenchment of the State Employee Workforce in Michigan’

Ballard-Funari conclusions ‘are not substantiated by the data presented’ and ‘the use of data is in some cases misleading,’ says Center scholar

Published on Oct. 1, 2009

News Release: Three Michigan Public School Districts, Two Charter Schools and the City of Portage Open Checkbooks for Public Inspection

Resistance remains in West Michigan

Published on Sept. 23, 2009

News Release: Mackinac Center Launches Public-Interest Law Firm

Published on Sept. 16, 2009

News Release: Public School Support Service Privatization Increases 5.4 Percent in Michigan

Troy Community Schools projects $310 per-pupil savings from contracting out for food, custodial and transportation services

Published on Sept. 8, 2009

News Release: Michigan's Public Employee Relations Act Undermines Democratic Principles and Adds to Cost of Government, According to New Mackinac Center Study

PERA gives union officials "an effective veto over elected officials"

Published on Sept. 3, 2009

News Release: Carman-Ainsworth, Lakeview, Birch Run School Districts Post Checkbooks Online

But spending transparency lacking for residents in West Michigan

Published on Aug. 25, 2009

News Release: Mackinac Center Economist: Film Incentive Possible Job Killer

Overall costs of the subsidy, including taxes on existing businesses, must be considered

Published on Aug. 18, 2009

News Release: Mackinac Center Posts Hundreds of New School Employee Union Contracts Online

Center's 'Michigan School Databases' updated with current collective bargaining agreements and available to the public

Published on Aug. 17, 2009

News Release: MEGA and MEDC Growing “Aggressively Less Transparent,” Says Center Analyst

Center database will fill gap by providing information about each MEGA deal

Published on July 29, 2009

News Release: Norwood Township and Two More School Districts Show Michigan the Money

But 21st century spending transparency still unrealized for taxpayers in Grand Rapids and West Michigan

Published on July 23, 2009

State Committee to Consider Mandatory Fire Sprinklers in New-Construction Michigan Homes

Mackinac Center video examines impact on affordable housing for low-income families

Published on July 21, 2009

Unemployment, Migration Statistics Underscore Failure of MEDC, Says Mackinac Center Economist

State unemployment increases to 15.2 percent; 70 percent of United Van Lines Michigan traffic is outbound

Published on July 20, 2009

News Release: Check Registers Now Online for Plymouth-Canton Schools and Six Other Districts

“More to come,” predicts director of “Show Michigan the Money” project

Published on July 6, 2009

News Release: Mackinac Center Unveils "Right-to-Work Dashboard"

A quick guide to how much Michigan could gain by protecting worker rights

Published on June 23, 2009

News Release: The Mackinac Center and Novi Schools Inspire City of Novi to Take Lead on Local Government Transparency

Published on June 22, 2009

News Release: Mackinac Center Study Defends Eight Budget Reforms Proposed by Gov. Granholm

Center's McHugh expresses concern that Legislature is failing to act on budget challenge

By Jack McHugh, published on June 8, 2009

News Release: Michigan Goes Full Decade Without GDP Growth

State “economic development” programs a failure, analyst says

Published on June 3, 2009

News Release: Elite School Districts Join Growing Transparency Trend

Berkley, Grand Blanc and Freeland post check registers

Published on June 2, 2009

For Immediate Release: May 20, 2009

By Robert Daddow, published on May 20, 2009

Mackinac Center Releases Labor Law Guide for Charter Schools

By Paul Kersey, published on May 14, 2009

Senate Bill Would Rein In State Regulatory Agencies’ Powers, Says Center Analyst

Bill would make legislators more accountable; improve Michigan’s job environment

By Russ Harding, published on May 14, 2009

Littmann: 'Unemployment in Michigan will be approaching somewhere between 17 and 20 percent by the end of this year'

Auto industry’s contribution to state’s tax base could drop by more than half, economist says

Published on May 12, 2009

School Districts Statewide Embrace Transparency; Roadblocks Remain in West Michigan

One of every seven Michigan public school students attends a district with an online check register

Published on May 5, 2009

News Release: State Attorney General Agrees That Michigan Film Office Violated State Law by Failing to Disclose Required Film Spending Information

AG’s letter is released during Michigan Senate hearing this afternoon; Film Office finally produces data legally required in earlier report

By Patrick J. Wright, published on April 30, 2009

Mackinac Center Analysts Express Concern Over Announcement of Chrysler’s 'Surgical Bankruptcy'

By David L. Littmann and Paul Kersey, published on April 30, 2009

Mackinac Center Analysts to Testify at State Senate Hearing Today on Michigan Film Incentive

Published on April 30, 2009

Stephenson Schools Show Michigan the Money

Small school district among first in Upper Peninsula to post online checkbook

Published on April 23, 2009

Mackinac Center President Emeritus Lawrence W. Reed Will Discuss “Lessons from the Great Depression” at CMU

Economist and author of “Great Myths of the Great Depression” to speak April 13

Published on April 1, 2009

House Effort to Reverse Coal Plant Moratorium Is Principled and Necessary for State’s Energy Demands, According to Mackinac Center Analyst

The DEQ should not be involved in energy policy or regulation

Published on March 26, 2009

News Release: David Littmann to Speak About State and National Economies at MSU

Top economist will discuss the current economic crisis and the road to recovery at March 31 event

Published on March 19, 2009

News Release: Film Office Report Violates Michigan Law and the Spirit of Sunshine Week

Office’s annual report fails to provide legally required film spending details and presents figures that appear to significantly overstate Michigan Film Incentive’s impact

By Kathy Hoekstra and Patrick J. Wright, published on March 19, 2009

News Release: House Minority Leader Sets the Transparency Standard

Rep. Elsenheimer reveals more payroll data than any elected official in state government, according to director of Mackinac Center’s “Show Michigan the Money” project

Published on March 18, 2009

News Release: Sunshine Week an Ideal Time to Make Public Payrolls Public

“Show Michigan the Money” director encourages media to hold politicians accountable

Published on March 12, 2009

News Release: Romeo Community Schools and Chippewa Valley School District Post Check Registers Online

Bond-seeking Utica Community Schools should follow example of pro-transparency neighbors, according to director of “Show Michigan the Money” Project

Published on March 9, 2009

News Release: State Government Paid $17.6 Million to Unions in 2008, According to Documents Secured by FOIA Request

“Agency fee” clause means state taxpayers contribute to unions, Mackinac Center analyst says

Published on March 3, 2009

News Release: New Legislators Show Up Veterans by Providing Office Spending Transparency

Rookie politicians reveal names, salaries of staff

Published on Feb. 11, 2009

News Release: Gov. Granholm Proposes Nine Expansions and Six Limitations of Government in 2009 Delivered State of the State Address, According to Center Analyst

Text posted online shows 16 expansions, six limitations

Published on Feb. 4, 2009

News Release: Unemployment Rates Lower in Right-to-Work State

Latest unemployment figures indicate value of voluntary unionism, says Center scholar

Published on Jan. 27, 2009

News Release: Property Rights Champion Susette Kelo and Author Jeff Benedict to Discuss New Book at Issues Ideas Forum

Media bus tour of “blighted” East Village available following forum

Published on Jan. 21, 2009

Mackinac Center Scholars Provide Policymakers and Voters With 101 Recommendations to Revitalize Michigan

“This is a how-to list for people serious about real change,” says Center analyst

Published on Jan. 15, 2009

News Release: “Beyond the Bailout”

A Mackinac Center for Public Policy Panel on Saving the American Automobile Industry

Published on Jan. 13, 2009

News Release: School Privatization Should not be Hampered by Today’s Federal Court Ruling on Grand Rapids Case

Center legal scholar contends case should have minimal impact on future privatization efforts

Published on Jan. 9, 2009

News Release: State Government Equivocates on Cost of Michigan Film Incentive Program to State Taxpayers

Mackinac Center video segment describes the incentive and the state’s wide-ranging estimates of the program’s costs

Published on Jan. 9, 2009

News Release: Transparency Project Director Asks Macomb County School Districts to Publish their Checkbook Registers

Nearby Rochester Community Schools held up as example to follow

Published on Jan. 6, 2009

More Schools 'Show Michigan the Money'

Additional Districts Putting Check Registers Online

Published on Dec. 9, 2008

Michigan Cigarette Excise Tax Inducing Widespread Cigarette Smuggling, Other Unintended Consequences

Smuggled imports an estimated 34.4 percent of total cigarette consumption in Great Lakes State in 2006, according to study

Published on Dec. 2, 2008

PEG Fees Unnecessary

State should not allow municipal governments to increase public, education and government channel fees when there is no evidence of additional demand

Published on Nov. 10, 2008

Hart Enterprises Verdicts Prove Need for New State Wetland Legislation

“It’s time the Legislature exercised some supervision over the DEQ,” says former DEQ director

Published on Sept. 25, 2008

Court Ruled Correctly in Preventing Use of Government Resources to Facilitate Political Contributions, According to Mackinac Center Senior Legal Analyst

Ruling keeps partisan matters out of state employment affairs

Published on Sept. 2, 2008

Study of Union Financial Reports Reveals Excessive Waste, Political Activism

Examination of union LM-2 reports reveals pattern of high overhead and administrative costs, limited attention paid to core mission of worker representation

Published on Aug. 27, 2008

Study: Market-Based Incentives for Teachers Key to Student Achievement

Primer assesses impact of teacher quality on student performance and examines strategies for improvement, including merit pay

Published on Aug. 19, 2008

School Services Privatization Rises for Fifth Consecutive Survey, According to Mackinac Center Research

Competitive contracting rate up 4.9 percent statewide

Published on Aug. 14, 2008

Mackinac Center Asks Oakland County School Districts to Publish Their Checkbook Registers

Oakland ISD and Clawson Public Schools applauded for their spending transparency

Published on Aug. 1, 2008

Governor’s Office Refuses to Post Expenditure Details of Overspending Departments

Office deems employee expense details of “little value” to taxpayers

Published on July 30, 2008

Landmark Michigan Supreme Court Decision Puts Bounds on the Growing Power of State Agencies

Ruling will “make every Michigan resident freer,” legal analyst says

Published on July 24, 2008

Reed to Become President Emeritus of Mackinac Center; Board Unanimously Names Lehman Successor

Published on July 21, 2008

Biomonitoring and Controversy Surrounding a Great Lakes Pollution Study are Featured in the Latest Issue of MichiganScience

Published on July 10, 2008

Proposals to Suppress Competition in Electricity and Mandate Renewable Energy Use Would Raise Prices Without Improving Service or Environment

The state’s experience with partial deregulation indicates “more competition and less regulation would better serve the public”

By Diane S. Katz and Dr. Theodore Bolema, published on May 16, 2008

Mackinac Center Files Friend of the Court Brief in Grand Rapids Case Involving Privatization of School Bus Services and Public-Sector Unions

Adverse ruling in federal court would impair Michigan workers’ right to choose representation when leaving public sector

By Patrick J. Wright, published on May 7, 2008

Mackinac Center’s “Show Michigan the Money” Project Prompts Michigan Department of State to Post Unprecedented Detail in Department Spending

Center’s transparency effort turns next to state departments that appeared to violate constitution in 2006

Published on April 23, 2008

Mackinac Center Provides School District Employee Union Contracts to Public

Unique interactive database reveals “important details about local education policy,” says Center analyst

Published on April 16, 2008

Author to Speak About Free-Market Health Care Alternatives

Racer: “Hope4Health Care: The Reform You Can Live With”

Published on April 9, 2008

“20/20” Investigative Reporter John Stossel to Address Health Care at Central Michigan University

Noted author, commentator: “Socialized Medicine Stinks”

Published on March 19, 2008

“20/20” Investigative Reporter John Stossel to Address Health Care at University of Michigan

Noted author, commentator: “Socialized Medicine Stinks”

Published on March 19, 2008

Celebrating Sunshine Week: Mackinac Center Launches School Checkbook Transparency Project

Districts should open check registers to taxpayers, analyst says

Published on March 13, 2008

Report: Biomonitoring an Important New Tool in Evaluating Health Risks

But there are limitations to what the data reveal, and misuse will sow confusion and fear, Mackinac Center analyst warns

Published on Feb. 26, 2008

Russ Harding to Discuss Property Rights

Macomb County a “hot bed” for problems

Published on Feb. 12, 2008

Climate Change Debate at MSU

Event hosted by Students for a Free Economy

Published on Feb. 6, 2008

Environmental Researchers to Discuss “When Green is Mean” at University of Michigan

Published on Jan. 30, 2008

Gov. Granholm Proposes Record 24 Expansions of Government and Four Limitations in 2008 State of the State Address

Published on Jan. 29, 2008

Tally of Proposed Government Expansions and Limitations in State of the State Address Will be Available After Speech

Mackinac Center experts can be reached for analysis of budget, tax and policy recommendations

Published on Jan. 29, 2008

Michigan Civil Service Commission Ruling Allowing State Agencies To Deduct PAC Contributions for Public-Sector Unions is in Conflict with State Law

“The Commission failed in its core mission by injecting politics into state employment matters,” says Center’s senior legal analyst

Published on Dec. 20, 2007

Lawmakers Must Make Transformational Policy Changes Their Top New Year’s Resolution, Mackinac Center Analyst Says

Latest migration figures, new competitiveness study confirm other states’ relative attractiveness; Indiana campaign targets high-tax Michigan

Published on Dec. 13, 2007

State of Michigan Should Not Become Collection Agency for PACs

The Michigan Civil Service Commission should reject the governor’s request to aid public-sector employee unions in political activity, says Center’s senior legal analyst

Published on Dec. 10, 2007

Mackinac Center Agrees With Governor That State Budget Cuts and Reforms Are Needed, Not Tax Hikes

“Transformational state budget savings are possible, but we should get started now,” says Center’s fiscal policy director

Published on Dec. 6, 2007

State Budget Deal Shows “Lawmakers’ Budget Priority Was ‘Business as Usual,’” says Center’s senior legislative analyst

Nods toward genuine reform are swamped by spending increases and a surrender to state employee unions

Published on Oct. 31, 2007

55 Specific Spending Reductions Would Allow Repeal of the $1.358 Billion in New State Taxes

These budget reductions are “immediately available,” says Center's senior legislative analyst

Published on Oct. 18, 2007

Expanding Lansing’s Prevailing Wage Would Reduce Jobs, Hike Cost to Taxpayers

Economic impact could be “severe,” says Mackinac Center labor policy director

Published on Oct. 15, 2007

More Than Seven in Ten Likely Michigan Voters Prefer Spending Reductions to Tax Increases, According to Survey

Spending reductions preferred across every major demographic group; in addition, 65 percent favor only reducing spending to only increasing taxes

Published on Sept. 28, 2007

Michigan Rankings on National Education Test Fall in 8th Grade, Stagnate in 4th; Proficiency Scores Flat

During budget debate, “More competition, not more spending,” analyst advises

Published on Sept. 26, 2007

Kent Herrick Joins Mackinac Center Board of Directors

Longtime ally continues “family tradition” of support

Published on Sept. 21, 2007

Mackinac Center Questions MEA Management for Apparently Hypocritical Negotiations With USO Union Workers

“The MEA is balking at expensive health plans for its employees while fighting school districts that resist similar health plans for MEA members,” says analyst

Published on Aug. 29, 2007

Model Language for Michigan Right-to-Work Amendment Released Today by Mackinac Center

Amendment would send “meaningful message about the state’s business climate and the importance of workers’ rights”

Published on Aug. 29, 2007

Right-to-Work States Continue to Enjoy Significant Economic Advantages Over Michigan and Other Non-Right-to-Work States, According to New Report

Right-to-work states are creating jobs faster than Michigan and will soon surpass the state in per-capita disposable incomes

Published on Aug. 28, 2007

Prevailing Wage Costs Taxpayers $250 Million Annually, Reduces Construction Jobs, Primarily Benefits High-Wage Construction Workers

“A trifecta of bad public policy,” says Mackinac Center senior labor analyst

Published on Aug. 27, 2007

Mackinac Center Launches University Campus Project

Students for a Free Economy “to go outside the box” to spread free-market ideas at Michigan colleges and universities

Published on Aug. 23, 2007

School Services Privatization on the Rise, According to Mackinac Center Survey

Competitive contracting for custodial work up more than 26 percent for the second consecutive year

Published on Aug. 16, 2007

Mackinac Center Analyst: Gov. Granholm’s Prison Proposal Puts Taxpayers First

The governor and GOP Senate should “agree to agree” on cutting costs with privatization and sentencing reform

Published on Aug. 2, 2007

Study: Mackinac Center Releases Comprehensive School Privatization Primer for Food, Bus and Custodial Services

107-page book discusses incidence of privatization, capacity of school service industries, contracting process and “rules of thumb”

Published on June 27, 2007

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