Michiganders were shocked to learn in 2020 that state law appeared to grant Gov. Gretchen Whitmer the power to issue unilateral and indefinite emergency orders. The scope of these powers was virtually limitless: they forced certain businesses to close, controlled who you could invite into your own home, prohibited the use of your own property, and restricted your right to exercise your religion freely, among many other dictates. While Gov. Whitmer’s use of emergency powers was unprecedented and eventually ruled unconstitutional by the Michigan Supreme Court, Michigan law contains many other grants of emergency power to the governor and other officials in the executive branch.

Michiganders were shocked to learn in 2020 that state law appeared to grant Gov. Gretchen Whitmer the power to issue unilateral and indefinite emergency orders. The scope of these powers was virtually limitless: they forced certain businesses to close, controlled who you could invite into your own home, prohibited the use of your own property, and restricted your right to exercise your religion freely, among many other dictates. While Gov. Whitmer’s use of emergency powers was unprecedented and eventually ruled unconstitutional by the Michigan Supreme Court, Michigan law contains many other grants of emergency power to the governor and other officials in the executive branch.

The Mackinac Center for Public Policy announces our 2022 Planning for Life Workshops around Michigan.

Join us for an evening of fellowship among friends of liberty.

Presidents who went to war with the federal Leviathan over the past 150 years have had varying degrees of success. Whether it’s just traditional lobbyists or the federal “Deep State,” these presidents have fought slave power, trusts, the CIA and more. Historian and author Larry Schweikart will explain why these swamps existed (or exist) and are so hard to defeat in this talk covering his new book Dragonslayers.

Join us at Northwood University, as Jason Hayes, director of environmental policy, discusses how seven bedrock principles related to free market environmentalism and energy policy can help policymakers recognize and craft sound public policies that ensure property rights are protected, the productive abilities of free markets are maximized and energy supplies are abundant, affordable and reliable.

Join us to hear from a panel of experts in technology, industry and lawmaking who will share their thoughts regarding the potential opportunities — and risks — of spending billions of taxpayer dollars to expand high-speed internet across the state.

Join the Northwood University community as they welcome best-selling author and free-market advocate Arthur C. Brooks. Dr. Brooks will speak on the topic "National Renewal and the Prescription for a Better Future," as well be available to sign his book Love Your Enemies: How Decent People Can Save America From the Culture of Contempt.

Have you ever wondered: Do some of the narratives continually purported by defenders of the status quo in education actually hold up? Are they fact or just plain fiction? Is the proverbial sky falling in education as opponents would have us believe? Join us for this virtual presentation with policy experts from EdChoice.

Finding credible sources of information and obtaining data can be a challenge, especially when it comes to understanding mandatory vaccination policies in the context of preserving individual liberties. At this hybrid event, three panelists will share and discuss a list of resources that you can use to become better informed on this topic. Sponsored by the Charles M. Bauervic Foundation and presented in conjunction with Northwood University, this is a must-attend event for students participating in the 2021-22 Bauervic Essay Competition.