In the 250th year since the Declaration of Independence, the Mackinac Center will host a timely conversation about the importance of America in world history. Has the American experiment made the world better off?

How states run their elections shapes public confidence in democracy. But election law involves trade-offs, and the debate often produces more heat than light. Join us for a panel on practical approaches to voting regulations and a thoughtful, solutions-oriented conversation about what Michigan’s rules are designed to do, where they may fall short, and what kinds of changes might strengthen the system.

Health care is becoming more expensive, less competitive and less responsive to patients. Even as the costs of drugs, diagnostics, and technology-enabled services fall, patients and employers often don’t see the savings. This event will examine practical steps state governments can take now to lower costs, expand consumer choice, and strengthen the innovation ecosystem behind future cures.

Two hundred and fifty years ago, bold ideas changed the world. Shots heard round the world ignited the American Revolution, but the rebellion began years earlier in the minds of the people. Their ideas of liberty, representative and limited government, and democratic accountability dared them to declare independence from the most powerful nation on Earth.

Michigan’s 250 Summit is the premier one-day event for those who love liberty, the American Dream, and economic freedom. This event will feature panels with speakers from across the country, discussing key ideas and themes related to the Constitution, public policy, and economic liberty. The 250 Summit is led by a Steering Committee composed of organizations that share a deep appreciation for the American system, liberty, and the market economy.

Data centers are the backbone of modern industry and vital for many tools that are important to Michigan families and businesses. They power cloud computing, artificial intelligence, cryptocurrency, telecommunications and almost every other digital tool used by today's economy. Demand is growing rapidly — and Michigan is positioning itself to attract more of these facilities.

Why has Michigan's educational achievement – especially reading scores – declined in recent years while Mississippi has improved rapidly? The Mackinac Center for Public Policy invites policymakers, educators and members of the public to a lunchtime panel discussion to find out. This event will examine how state policy choices shape student outcomes and why Michigan’s current approach has fallen short.

On April 7th, make a stop at Northwood University for the Free Market Road Show, a prestigious international lecture series on free-market principles and policy reforms. A project of the Austrian Economics Center, the Free Market Road Show is a global traveling economic conference that is considered a prominent event within the sphere of free market advocacy. The event is free and open to students, faculty, staff, alumni, and members of the public.

Prescription drug costs continue to be a major concern for patients, employers and policymakers. But solving this problem is tricky, and many state policies have unintended consequences – price controls cause shortages and programs aimed at helping patient often end up simply benefiting institutions. This event will examine how federal and state drug pricing rules shape incentives across the health care system – and why some of the most prominent programs may be raising costs and reducing transparency rather than helping patients.

Michigan’s housing shortage has moved from a slow-burn concern to an urgent economic challenge. Over the past five years, average home prices in the state have climbed by more than $100,000, while rents have surged. State leaders have responded primarily with tax incentives and subsidized construction, but rising costs and severe limitations on what can be built are limiting Michigan’s growth.