Nonpublic schools serve tens of thousands of Michigan elementary and secondary students, yet a clear understanding of the state's diverse private education landscape has been lacking. While most states (including those on our borders) have enacted some kind of publicly funded choice program, Michigan private schools fight in the Legislature for a small share of funding to cover the state’s health and safety mandates. In order to expand choice, Michigan must overcome a stringent constitution, as well as some popular misconceptions about private schools.

The Affordable Care Act dramatically changed the healthcare market throughout the United States and expanded the control of the federal government over healthcare policies. Despite this fact, there are still reforms that states can make that could expand the access and reduce the cost of medical services. This event will feature several experts who will discuss reforms that Michigan policymakers should consider if they want to improve healthcare services in this state.

The Mackinac Center for Public Policy announces our 2016 Planning for Life Workshops around Michigan.

Ridesharing is a new service made popular by companies like Lyft and Uber. It relies on smartphones to connect those who need a ride to drivers willing to provide one — a riff on the traditional taxi system. Ridesharing has allowed thousands of Michiganders earn extra income as drivers and save money and time as riders. It currently operates in a legal gray area, because ridesharing drivers are not cabbies or chauffeurs. 

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.