Will Southfield Privatize the Arts?
The Detroit suburb is considering selling its poorly managed and underused performing arts center. … more
Sinking Proposal A
A bill that would allow school districts to use "sinking funds" for the same purposes as regular school bonds would effectively circumvent Proposal A's property tax limits. … more
Pushing the Right Buttons
A bill introduced in Congress by U.S. Rep. Charlie Norwood would address "push-button unionism" and other defects of federal labor law. … more
Privatize the "Porkies"
Does the state really belong in the ski resort business? … more
An Open Letter to Legislators
A nationally recognized economist explains what sound economic development policy is, and what it is not. … more
Enron, Worldcom, and Congress
Are more laws really the answer to corporate financial scandals? … more
Privatizing Prisoners
It's time to reform a state program that uses cheap prison labor to provide goods and services at the expense of private-sector businesses. … more
Hunting for Pork
With the help of lavish government subsidies, an out-of-state sporting goods company unfairly competes with a Michigan institution. … more
Privatization and the Blues
Why privatizing Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is a good idea. … more
Government's Bad "Investments"
A government "economic development" program is boldly going where three have failed before. … more
Michigan: A Renaissance State?
The tax relief bestowed upon certain government-selected "Renaissance Zones" should be applied throughout the entire state of Michigan. … more
The Feds vs. "Big Food"
The federal government has found a new crisis to valiantly battle: America's alleged "obesity epidemic." … more
Teaching Our Teachers
Should education courses be a primary focus of a teacher education program? … more
Cigarette Taxes Financing Terrorism?
Terrorists may be profiting from the resale of cigarettes smuggled from low-tax states such as North Carolina into high-tax states such as Michigan. … more
Drug Price Controls the Wrong Prescription
Political proposals to control drug prices don't take into account how "expensive" drugs help prevent even costlier treatments such as surgery. … more
The Crystal Gazer of Crystal Falls
Michigan's Emil Hurja helped transform American politics by pioneering the use of polling data. … more
Remembering Jefferson
Inspiring words from the author of the Declaration of Independence. Happy Independence Day from the Mackinac Center! … more
Repeal the Item Pricing Act
An outdated law prohibits Michigan retailers from taking advantage of cost-saving electronic price labeling.
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Summer Reading
Why not improve your mind while you work on your tan? See this list of classic free-market books to take to the beach. … more
Gold and Unemployment
A student Asks the Economist about how a gold standard would affect the unemployment rate. … more
Former Mackinac Center Scholar on C-SPAN
C-SPAN's "American Writers" series explores the life and work of Russell Kirk this weekend. … more
Michigan Wants School Choice; Not Necessarily Vouchers
New poll shows 67% support a Mackinac Center-style plan.
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No Autonomy for Special Ed
New special education rules make few changes for districts, students. … more
Dioxin Fear Makes Bad Policy
Unsubstantiated allegations of risk tarnish the reputation of a healthy community.
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Assaulting Free Speech by Suing
Washington Post columnist George F. Will predicts the Mackinac Center will easily defeat the MEA's "frivolous" lawsuit in court.
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Ingham County Commissioners Trample Employee Rights
County Commissioners improperly send letter approving unionization.
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Emergency Financial Manager Needs More Power
The Legislature needs to expand the authority of Emergency Financial Managers. … more
"Statesmanship: A Most Worthy Cause"
The best politician knows how to deftly manipulate the levers of power for personal advantage, but the statesman's allegiance is to loftier objectives. … more
Sinking Fund Debt - Another Proposal A End Run
A bill before the Legislature would allow school districts to do an "end run" around Proposal A. … more
Redford District Must Prove Sound Financial Management
Voters reject tax increase for Redford Union schools. … more
New Data Bolster Finding of Right-to-Work Report
A new study by two Ohio University economists bolsters the argument for a Michigan right-to-work law. … more
Election Consolidation?
Combining school and other elections would improve turnout and accountability. … more
Minority Students Achieve
A privately managed charter school in Flint is helping disadvantaged kids learn. … more
More Charter Schools?
A bill to raise the number of charter schools Michigan public universities can authorize failed in May, but may be revisited this month. … more
"Merit Pay" for Teachers
Should outstanding teachers be able to earn more than their peers with average or mediocre ability? … more
"Strict Discipline Academies"
Dealing with students whose conduct threatens the safety of school staff and other students. … more
The Next Energy Boondoggle?
Gov. Engler's attempt to involve the state in development of alternative energy sources is sure to be a fiasco. … more
Administrative Costs Soar
A growing percentage of Michigan public school funds are spent on administration rather than on teaching. … more
Schools to Get Grades
The State Board of Education has adopted a plan to give schools a letter grade according to their performance. … more
Got Taxes?
The federally mandated fees used to fund agricultural ad campaigns are disproportionately drawn from small-time farmers. … more
Time to Dispatch the 9-1-1 Mandate
An unfunded federal mandate regarding 9-1-1 services is causing a mess and costing a fortune. … more
Cut Taxes on Jobs
Congress should abolish the federal unemployment tax and allow states to run their own unemployment programs. … more
The Lottery and Schools
Michigan's state lottery, sold to voters as a way to provide additional funds for education, has turned out to be no great windfall for schools. … more
MEA Attacks Mackinac Center
Watch the Mackinac Center/Institute for Justice press conference on the MEA's lawsuit.
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Where in the World Is School Choice?
A Michigan home schooler's victory in the National Geography Bee provides the latest example of why more parents want alternatives to mediocre public schools. … more
It's the Spending, Stupid
Repealing Michigan's costly prevailing wage law would help balance the state budget.
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The MEA vs. Free Speech
Why is the Michigan Education Association suing the Mackinac Center? … more
Terms of Service
Gov. Engler has re-appointed Director of Labor Policy Robert Hunter for another term on the Michigan Civil Service Commission. … more
Currency Exchange Rates
A student Asks the Economist about exchange rates among world currencies. … more
