Studies

Replacing Michigan’s New Taxes With Budget Reductions: Curing $1.358 Billion in Overspending With 55 Specific Recommendations

By Jack McHugh, published on Oct. 18, 2007
The Mackinac Center for Public Policy has regularly recommended specific state spending reductions to balance the state’s budget and improve Michigan’s public policy. The following list shows how the state could reduce spending immediately to help balance the state budget if policymakers chose to forgo the projected $1.358 billion in fiscal 2008 revenue from the recent state income tax hike and the new sales tax on certain services. … more
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The Edmonton Public Schools Story

Internationally Renowned Superintendent Angus McBeath Chronicles His District’s Successes and Failures

By Angus McBeath, published on Oct. 10, 2007
Faced with budget battles, declining enrollments and tense contract negotiations, Michigan school leaders could seize upon the advice of a superintendent and educator who has faced the very same issues for 30 years and who now consults with school districts. … more
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A Model Right-to-Work Amendment to the Michigan Constitution

By Patrick J. Wright, published on Aug. 29, 2007
This policy brief discusses several foundational legal concepts and sets forth model language for a legally sound right-to-work amendment to the Michigan Constitution. … more
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The Economic Effects of Right-to-Work Laws: 2007

By Paul Kersey, published on Aug. 28, 2007
Many states have given workers complete discretion to decline membership in, and financial support of, a union that they individually oppose. Enacting a right-to-work law abolishes agency fees and allows workers themselves to decide if a union deserves their financial support. … more
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The Effects of Michigan’s Prevailing Wage Law

By Paul Kersey, published on Aug. 27, 2007
Michigan’s prevailing wage law adds unnecessary costs to construction projects at taxpayers’ expense. … more
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Survey 2007: More Growth in School Support Service Privatization

By Daniel J. Smith and Michael D. LaFaive, published on Aug. 16, 2007
Privatization is a time-tested management tool used by governments around the world. It can take many forms, but competitive contracting is the most prevalent in the United States whether in municipalities or within the realm of public education. In some regards, Michigan is a national leader in competitive contracting in education; in other areas it is a laggard. … more
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A School Privatization Primer

For Michigan School Officials, Media and Residents

By Michael D. LaFaive, published on June 26, 2007

Michigan Higher Education: Facts and Fiction

By Dr. Richard Vedder and Matthew Denhart, published on June 20, 2007
The observed shrinkage in state appropriations over the first half of the decade was actually a positive development: one that dampened, albeit modestly, the real relative economic decline of the state. Moreover, it calls into question a growth strategy based on expansion of higher education. Indeed, other results included in the econometric estimation suggest that a better growth strategy would be to put the entire Michigan state government on a diet in order to finance a reduction in the overall tax burden. While higher education expenditures are not growth-inducing, the evidence shows that tax reductions are.
NOT AVAILABLE IN PRINT … more
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A Michigan School Money Primer

For Policymakers, School Officials, Media and Residents

By Dr. Ryan S. Olson and Michael D. LaFaive, published on May 30, 2007
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School District Consolidation, Size and Spending: an Evaluation

By Andrew J. Coulson, published on May 22, 2007

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