The Mackinac Center for Public Policy is pleased to host monthly Issues & Ideas Luncheons in Lansing. These luncheons, which feature experts on a diverse array of subjects, offer a forum that enhances and broadens the policy debate to include theoretical and philosophical ideals-and suggestions for achieving them. These luncheons, designed to reinforce policy-makers' understanding of the principles of sound economics and the free society, offer a unique opportunity that is open to all legislative staff, policy specialists, and other interested friends.

APRIL ISSUES & IDEAS LUNCHEON

Redistricting 2001: The Rules of the Game

DATE:   Tuesday, April 17, 2001
TIME:   12:00 - 1:15 p.m.
PLACE: The Parthenon Restaurant
           227 S. Washington Square, Lansing
COST:   $5.00

With the release of the 2000 census data, big changes are ahead for Michigan. The state will lose one of its 16 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives, while continued migration from Detroit means the Motor City will likely lose state legislative seats. Meanwhile, population has grown in the suburban Detroit and Grand Rapids areas as well as in northern Michigan. How will these population shifts affect Michigan's political landscape in the years to come? What process will legislators use to redraw congressional and state legislative districts? And how will these changes affect the way Michigan citizens are governed?

Join us as Bob LaBrant of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce reviews Michigan population trends, explains the laws that will guide the legislative redistricting process, and describes how the resulting legislation will be open to review by the courts. Mr. LaBrant is senior vice president, political affairs, and general counsel for the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, where he oversees the political affairs division and is responsible for the Chamber's Political Action Committee and ballot proposal activity. He also coordinates the Chamber's litigation and serves as its chief lobbyist on campaign finance, election law, redistricting, and lobby law legislation.

The luncheon begins promptly at 12:00 noon. Please make reservations for yourself and any guests by noon on April 12, 2001, by calling the Mackinac Center at (989) 631-0900.