“How can you report every day on the negative effects of mismanaged government and not become depressed?” people often ask me. The answer lies with our engaged readers and allies. They provide valuable feedback and provide us tips that often turn into important stories.
The year 2023 saw Michigan lawmakers enact policies that will hurt us all. Green energy mandates will contribute to blackouts and excessive costs for electricity. Changes to education policies, including new laws that gut teacher accountability, will accelerate the decline of the public school system.
CapCon reports on significant challenges in our state — many of which are created by government. But reporters have the privilege of communicating with people who fight for a brighter future. We are grateful for them, and they give us reason to stay encouraged.
We hear from readers and supporters who understand that their future depends in part on their own activism and engagement.
Our readers attend their community or school board meetings and come to us with information from them, which they and others use to influence decision-makers.
Our stories have real-world impact, thanks to our allies who engage in public policy. This is one of the most rewarding aspects of the job. Our readers are willing to share our stories on social media and hold their legislators accountable. They are not content to depend on their elected officials for information, and they choose to do their part to influence public policy.
Homeowners in Ottawa County’s Park Township and New Buffalo in Berrien County contacted us as they sought to protect the right to rent out their homes on a short-
term basis. Local officials wanted to ban or severely limit rentals, and the property owners alerted us to this fact.
Others who contact us with tips include teachers and parents concerned with dumbed- down curricula and failing schools. They trust us to tell their stories, and we appreciate their confidence in our reporting.
As 2024 kicks off, Michigan Capitol Confidential wants to thank our readers and allies for your support. We look forward to continuing the quest to keep our readers informed.
