Sponsored by Northwood University’s Forum for Citizenship and Enterprise and the Mackinac Center for Public Policy.

Sponsored by Northwood University’s Forum for Citizenship and Enterprise and the Mackinac Center for Public Policy.

Occupational licensing is now the biggest issue in labor economics, with even more of an effect than unions.  On a national basis 25 percent of all Americans need the government’s permission and specific credentials before they can work.  That is more than twice as many people who are members of unions—11 percent and declining—and 25 times the number who earn the minimum wage.

Featuring Michigan Speaker of the House Kevin Cotter

There's little truly "progressive" about Progressivism. True progress happens when humans are free, yet the Progressive agenda substantially diminishes freedom while promising the unachievable. Based on his recent book—Lawrence Reed will tackle many of the most common economic, philosophic and historical errors of “progressive” ideology.

Under current Michigan law, Tesla Motors and other car companies may not open showrooms or service centers to work directly with consumers.  Instead, to operate in Michigan, car companies have to enter into franchise agreements with independent dealers.  Telsa and at least one other start-up car company, Elio Motors, have stated that working through dealers would impair their ability to get into the market.  A number of other states have recently moved to permit direct distribution by manufacturers.  Professor Crane will lay out the case for direct distribution, showing its importance to innovation, competition, and consumer choice.

The Mackinac Center for Public Policy invites you to join us for our 2015 Legacy Society Luncheon with special guest Jay Nordlinger of National Review.

The Mackinac Center for Public Policy announces our 2015 Planning for Life Workshops around Michigan.

Public workers in Michigan pay hundreds or thousands of dollars per year in dues to unions, but it’s very difficult for workers to find out how that money is being spent. The reason is that Michigan has weak reporting requirements for government unions, asking for only a few numbers on spending in broad categories. Under this system, union members cannot assess if their union is spending their dues money wisely or not.

The Mackinac Center for Public Policy and Northwood University Forum for Citizenship & Enterprise cordially invite you to join us in celebrating Milton Friedman Legacy Day 2015.