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Study: Pure Michigan a Poor Investment

New study raises questions about Pure Michigan’s effectiveness

November 1, 2016

New study raises questions about Pure Michigan’s effectiveness

First Detroit Children’s Business Fair This Saturday

Free community event showcases young entrepreneurs

October 11, 2016

Free community event showcases young entrepreneurs

Mackinac Center Dismisses Tourism Tax Suit After Resort Owner Sells Property

Center wishes former client well in retirement; leaves door open to future challenge

October 6, 2016

Center wishes former client well in retirement; leaves door open to future challenge

Dental Therapists Would Improve Access to Care

Study recommends Michigan create new midlevel providers

September 29, 2016

Study recommends Michigan create new midlevel providers

Superintendent Pay, Contract Database Updated

109 school district heads paid $200,000+

September 21, 2016

109 school district heads paid $200,000+

Calling All Young Entrepreneurs to the First Detroit Children’s Business Fair

Finding the next Henry Ford or Hendrik Meijer

September 20, 2016

Finding the next Henry Ford or Hendrik Meijer

Study Recommends Ending Michigan’s 21st Century Jobs Fund

The program has failed even by its own measurements

September 15, 2016

The program has failed even by its own measurements

Worker’s Choice: Freeing Unions and Workers From Forced Representation

Event in Lansing discusses new legislation

September 13, 2016

Event in Lansing discusses new legislation

Michigan Lawmaker Introduces Worker’s Choice Bill

Legislation would increase worker rights and free unions from representing those who do not pay dues

September 7, 2016

Legislation would increase worker rights and free unions from representing those who do not pay dues

New Survey Finds Broad Support For School Choice In Michigan

School choice is a popular policy

August 30, 2016

Survey of likely voters shows broad support

Seventy Percent of School Districts Contract Out for Food, Custodial or Transportation Services

Statewide survey finds continued growth in school privatization

August 16, 2016

Statewide survey finds continued growth in school privatization

10th Annual Milton Friedman Legacy Day Celebration to Be Held in Midland

Mackinac Center to co-host event with Northwood University Forum for Citizenship and Enterprise

July 18, 2016

Mackinac Center to co-host event with Northwood University Forum for Citizenship and Enterprise

Mackinac Center Files Open Records Lawsuit Against State Government Over Flint Water Documents

Open government requires timely information

July 13, 2016

Open government requires timely information

Northern Michigan Resort Owner Files Lawsuit Against Tourism Board to Reclaim His First Amendment Rights

Mackinac Center files suit to protect property owner's free speech rights

June 29, 2016

Mackinac Center files suit to protect property owner's free speech rights

Mackinac Center Weighs In On State’s Education Adequacy Study

Spending more money won't help unless it is spent in effective ways

June 28, 2016

Spending more money won't help unless it is spent in effective ways

The State of Private Schools in Michigan

Survey provides new information about this unique education sector

May 26, 2016

Survey provides new information about this unique education sector

Mackinac Center Will Represent Teacher Suing MEA For Keeping Him In Union

Mackinac Center representing teacher suing MEA

May 18, 2016

Mackinac Center representing teacher suing MEA

New Study: No Correlation Between School Spending and Student Outcomes

Study finds spending more on Michigan schools doesn’t increase achievement

April 15, 2016

Study finds spending more on Michigan schools doesn’t increase achievement

Mackinac Center Names New Vice President of Marketing and Communications

Welcoming John Mozena

April 13, 2016

Welcoming John Mozena

Mackinac Center Director of Education Policy on Senate Passage of DPS Bills

Michigan Senate approves new commission, prevents new educational choices

March 22, 2016

Michigan Senate Approves New Commission, Prevents New Educational Choices

The Best Elementary and Middle Schools in Michigan

New Context and Performance Report Card released

February 16, 2016

New Context and Performance Report Card released

Majority of States in Country Are Now Right-to-Work

West Virginia Legislature overrides Governor’s veto

February 12, 2016

West Virginia Legislature overrides Governor’s veto

West Virginia House Vote Could Tip National Scale on Right-to-Work

State poised to become 26th right-to-work state

February 5, 2016

State poised to become 26th right-to-work state

Mackinac Center Subject of SEIU Protest

Friedrichs v. California Teachers Association at issue

January 7, 2016

Friedrichs v. California Teachers Association at issue

MEA Announces Violation of Right-to-Work Law, Says Members May Leave at Anytime

Notice published in official magazine

January 6, 2016

Notice published in official magazine

Mackinac Center Releases Report Highlighting Lawmakers’ Missed Votes

Number of votes missed trending downward

December 29, 2015

Number of votes missed trending downward

Mackinac Center Praises Michigan Legislature’s Passage of Criminal Intent Bill

Reforms make it harder to prosecute people for unknowingly committing crimes

December 17, 2015

Reforms make it harder to prosecute people for unknowingly committing crimes

Survey Reveals How Schools in Different States Compare in Privatizing Services

Pennsylvania leads the way among five states surveyed

December 15, 2015

Pennsylvania leads the way among five states surveyed

ChoosingCharters.com Highlights Power of School Choice in Michigan

Students, families attribute freedom in education to success in school

November 24, 2015

Students, families attribute freedom in education to success in school

What's Stopping Tesla from Selling Cars in Michigan?

Forum to discuss protectionist laws that keep innovators out

November 17, 2015

Forum to discuss protectionist laws that keep innovators out

Court of Appeals Denies MEA’s Request to Keep ‘August Window’

Decision will force MEA to “accept membership resignations submitted at any time” during the appeal

November 13, 2015

Decision will force MEA to “accept membership resignations submitted at any time” during the appeal

Video Revealing Electoral Success of Legislators Who Support Labor Reforms Released

Mackinac Center video timeline analyzes political outcomes in Midwestern states

October 27, 2015

Mackinac Center video timeline analyzes political outcomes in Midwestern states

Unanimous Forfeiture Vote Brings Greater Transparency and Accountability

'These bills are a great first step…'

October 7, 2015

'These bills are a great first step…'

ACLU, Mackinac Center Report Calls on State to End Civil Forfeiture

Study shows abuses of government power on innocent citizens

September 29, 2015

Study shows abuses of government power on innocent citizens

MEA’s ‘August Window’ ruled Illegal; union must change bylaws and accept resignations

‘Other government unions should take heed...’

September 16, 2015

‘Other government unions should take heed...’

Michigan Taxpayers Spend Over $3 Million a Year on Union Release Time

Mackinac Center releases new data for union time on the taxpayer dime

September 16, 2015

Mackinac Center releases new data for union time on the taxpayer dime

MEA Changes Opt-out Address, Keeps Members in the Dark

Michigan Education Association’s Latest Trick to Lock Workers in a Dues Cage

August 20, 2015

Michigan Education Association’s Latest Trick to Lock Workers in a Dues Cage

Mackinac Center Director of Research to Debate Lansing Mayor on Economic Development

Panelists Will Discuss the Current Political Realities and Ideology of Corporate Welfare

August 19, 2015

Panelists Will Discuss the Current Political Realities and Ideology of Corporate Welfare

School Support Service Contracting Reaches 70.8 percent

Growth in Food Service, Custodial and Transportation Services Returns After Slow 2014

August 18, 2015

Growth in Food Service, Custodial and Transportation Services Returns After Slow 2014

Michigan Supreme Court Upholds Right-to-Work for State Employees

Accepting Mackinac Center Legal Foundation argument, justices decide 4 to 3 that Michigan Constitution prohibits agency fees for state workers

July 29, 2015

Accepting Mackinac Center Legal Foundation argument, justices decide 4 to 3 that Michigan Constitution prohibits agency fees for state workers

Mackinac Center Reveals Interactive Webpage Detailing Labor Reforms and Political Outcomes

Five states’ labor reforms analyzed

July 16, 2015

Five states’ labor reforms analyzed

Gov. Rick Snyder Signs Bill Ending Film Subsidies

State has granted over $450 million in corporate welfare for the movie industry since 2008

July 10, 2015

State has granted over $450 million in corporate welfare for the movie industry since 2008

United States Supreme Court to Hear Case That Could Declare Agency Fees for Public Employees Unconstitutional

Mackinac Center Legal Foundation Filed Amicus Brief Asking Court to Hear Case

June 30, 2015

Mackinac Center Legal Foundation Filed Amicus Brief Asking Court to Hear Case

Arthur N. Rupe Foundation Debate on Money in Politics: How Much Should Be Disclosed?

Mackinac Center partners with League of Women Voters of Michigan and The Federalist Society to host event

June 18, 2015

Mackinac Center partners with League of Women Voters of Michigan and The Federalist Society to host event

Two-thirds of Respondents Want Tax Dollars To Go To Roads Rather Than Corporate Welfare

Over 60 percent of Democratic, Republican voters say yes to Michigan roads, no to MEDC

June 16, 2015

Over 60 percent of Democratic, Republican voters say yest to Michigan roads, no to MEDC

MERC Outlines Future Decision Outlawing ‘August Window’ and Stopping Collections

The MEA should stop harassing teachers

June 9, 2015

The MEA should stop harassing teachers

Worker’s Choice Gives Unions and Employees More Freedom

New study solves the issue of “forced-riders” and so-called “free riders”

June 2, 2015

New study solves the issue of “forced-riders” and so-called “free riders”

Study: State Tourism Promotion Ineffective

Every $1.00 Spent Generates 1 Cent Extra Spending at Motels and Hotels

May 29, 2015

Every $1.00 Spent Generates 1 Cent Extra Spending at Motels and Hotels

Mackinac Center Legal Foundation Appeals Right-To-Work Case Involving Novi Special Education Teacher

‘The MEA has a duty of fair representation, yet it intentionally did not inform teachers of their rights.’

May 27, 2015

‘The MEA has a duty of fair representation, yet it intentionally did not inform teachers of their rights.’

Poll Shows Overwhelming Support for Redirecting Film Subsidies to Roads

66 Percent Surveyed Support Reprioritizing $50 Million Film Subsidy for Road Improvements

May 20, 2015

66 Percent Surveyed Support Reprioritizing $50 Million Film Subsidy for Road Improvements

Poll Suggests Strong Turnout for May 5 Ballot Proposal

79 percent of respondents say they know how they’ll vote

April 10, 2015

Court of Appeals Orders Wayne County Circuit Court to Hear Claim Related to Union’s End Run of Right-to-Work

‘The merits are clear. The union and school district violated the law and thumbed their noses at the legislature.’

April 9, 2015

Mackinac Center Gets FOIA Charges Reduced from $1,550 to $50

Michigan Liquor Control Commission waives fees for virtual copies

March 16, 2015

Michigan Appeals Court Denies Stay in Taylor Teacher Case

Teachers could exercise right-to-work starting on March 6, 2015

March 5, 2015

High Court Should Strike Agency Fees

U.S. Supreme Court decision could bring right-to-work to public sector

March 2, 2015

School District Carries MEA President on its Books, Boosting His Pension

Steve Cook appears to be earning taxpayer-funded pension benefits while not actually working at Lansing School District

February 26, 2015

Labor Board Says Teacher Union Committed an Unfair Labor Practice and Acted “arbitrarily, indifferent and reckless”

Michigan Employment Relations Commission orders Taylor School District and Taylor Federation of Teachers to stop coercing teachers to financially support union

February 17, 2015

Mackinac Center Sues Michigan Liquor Control Commission Over FOIA Fees

State agency attempts to charge $1,550 for copying spreadsheet data that already exists onto a flash drive

January 22, 2015

Gov. Snyder’s 2015 State of the State Address Included Six Proposed Government Expansions, One Limitation

January 20, 2015

Analysis: High Cigarette Taxes Contributing to Increased Smuggling Rates in Michigan, Elsewhere

One-quarter of Michigan’s total cigarette consumption in 2013 was smuggled into the state, according to Center analysts

January 14, 2015

Legislators Miss 1,626 Votes in 2014

Down from 21,000 when MichiganVotes.org started in 2001

December 30, 2014

Mackinac Center Receives Two-Year, $1 Million Research Grant from The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation

Research aimed to help schools become more ‘responsive, measurable and efficient’

December 3, 2014

Second Edition of Michigan High School Report Card Gives ‘Apples-to-Apples’ Comparison of School Performance by Adjusting for Students’ Family Poverty Levels

Dearborn Heights charter public school retains top rank statewide

November 20, 2014

New Study Details How Unions Can Adapt for the 21st Century, Stem Membership Decline

‘The way for unions to grow again is to compete for the voluntary support of new members, providing added value to each worker, and focusing on their individual needs’ After Election Day defeat, recommendations for labor’s renaissance

November 11, 2014

Michigan’s Criminal Code Most Expansive in Region

Residents face punishment for helping children board school buses, disposing of spare tires, and raising livestock; state is adding 45 new crimes to the books each year

October 28, 2014

Brighton Teachers Union, School Board Acquiesce to Center Lawsuit, Strike Illegal Language from Contract

‘Legislature still needs to look at impropriety of release time’ ‘Similar illegal contract language found in Okemos’

October 24, 2014

Two-Thirds of School Districts Contract for at Least One Major Support Service, According to Center’s 2014 School Privatization Survey

Federal school lunch regulations could be driving increase in food service contracting

October 23, 2014

Brighton Teacher Who Served in Afghanistan Sues Union, School District Over Right-to-Work Violation

‘What part of opting out does the union not understand?’

October 15, 2014

SEIU Allowed to Keep Millions in ‘Dues’ Money it Siphoned Away from Medicaid in Stealth Unionization, Court of Appeals Rules

‘Union has refused every opportunity to defend Granholm administration and itself in concocting this scheme’

September 22, 2014

Labor Law Judge Rules MEA’s So-Called ‘August Window’ Is Illegal

Holding recommends MEA must publish in its own magazine admission that it committed unfair labor practices

September 4, 2014

Survey Finds Issues With One-Quarter of Teacher Contracts Regarding Michigan’s Right-to-Work Law

‘Thousands of teachers could be misled’

September 3, 2014

Mackinac Center Joins Nationwide Effort to Celebrate Employee Freedom Week

Many unions, like the MEA, only allow members to resign during specified ‘windows’ that curb members’ rights

August 11, 2014

Policy Brief: Proposal 1 Would Result in Net $500 Million Tax Break Annually

‘Taxing machinery and equipment discourages growth’

July 2, 2014

U.S. Supreme Court Rules Home-Based Caregivers in Nine States Free from Union Dues Skim

Mackinac Center Legal Foundation filed two briefs at the High Court regarding the case

June 30, 2014

Michigan Employment Relations Commission Rules Again that Graduate Student Research Assistants Cannot be Unionized

‘Recognized that our clients are students and not employees’

June 20, 2014

Mackinac Center Requests Michigan Liquor Control Commission Rescind Rule Requiring ‘Post and Hold’ for Beer and Wine Prices

‘It effectively imposes a form of government-facilitated price collusion’

June 19, 2014

Mackinac Center Unveils New Website to Help MEA Members Opt Out During ‘August Window’

‘We’re making sure that every eligible member who wants out of the union has the ability to do so’

June 9, 2014

Mackinac Center Requests Michigan Employment Relations Commission Create New Rule Requiring Public-Sector Unions to Notify Members of Opt-Out Windows

‘Streamlined process will help unions keep members informed’

June 5, 2014

Mackinac Center Experts Available to Discuss Gov. Snyder’s Detroit Bailout Plan

New VoteSpotter app will be used to track every vote of every legislator on multi-bill package

May 6, 2014

Teamsters Local 214 Drops Legal Claims Against Dearborn Employees Who Exercised Worker Freedom Rights

Union earlier agreed to change discriminatory policy

May 5, 2014

Seventy-Five Percent of Michigan Voters Think Local, Family-Owned Businesses Will Have More Difficulty Adjusting to Higher Minimum Wage

By 3 to 1 margin, voters also say they will tip less if businesses are forced to pay higher costs

April 28, 2014

Mackinac Center Executive Vice President Michael J. Reitz Joins Board of Michigan Coalition for Open Government

April 21, 2014

Large Majority of Republican, Independent Voters Object to Gov. Snyder’s Detroit Bailout Plan, According to New Polling Numbers

April 14, 2014

Michigan Education Association Gives Up Fight Against Two Teachers Who Exercised Worker Freedom Rights

Union still threatening to ruin the credit ratings of thousands of other teachers who did the same

March 6, 2014

Majority of State’s Largest School Districts Have Language Prohibited by State Law in Their Contracts; Includes Teacher Evaluations, Layoffs, Seniority

‘School leaders may not fully be aware of the latitude they have to improve the quality of teaching in their schools’

March 5, 2014

Mackinac Center Legal Foundation Files Suit in Oakland County on Behalf of 39-Year Teaching Veteran to Prevent MEA Harassment

Union threatens to turn up to 8,000 educators over to collections agency

February 28, 2014

Mackinac Center Experts Available to Discuss Detroit Bankruptcy Plan

February 21, 2014

Mackinac Center’s VoteSpotter App Allows Constituents to Give Legislators Immediate Feedback on How They Voted

iPhone version now available; Android-compatible version forthcoming

February 18, 2014

Analysis: Michigan’s Cigarette Smuggling Rate Falls Slightly; State Still in Top 10 Nationally

More than 27 percent of Michigan’s total cigarette consumption in 2012 was smuggled into the state, according to Center study

February 17, 2014

Scholarship Endowment Created in Honor of Teri Olson

Wife of founding board member; Endowment will fund one Mackinac Center intern annually from Hillsdale College

February 5, 2014

Mackinac Center Expert Available to Discuss Detroit Bail Out

January 22, 2014

Two-Thirds of School Districts Contract for at Least One Major Support Service, According to Center’s 2013 School Privatization Survey

Satisfaction at all-time high 93 percent

January 21, 2014

Gov. Snyder’s 2014 State of the State Address Included Six Proposed Government Expansions, Two Limitations

January 16, 2014

City of Westland Restructures FOIA Fees in Response to Mackinac Center Legal Foundation Lawsuit

‘FOIA meant to encourage participation in the democratic process’

January 13, 2014

Administrative Law Judge Recommends Dismissal of Taylor Teachers’ Challenge to Decade-Long Forced Dues Extension

Ruling could allow lengthy collective bargaining agreements to sidestep state law

January 6, 2014

Legislators Miss 1,093 Votes in 2013

Down from 21,000 when MichiganVotes.org started in 2001

December 20, 2013

New Study Examines Michigan’s Public School Market

Schools of Choice up 144 percent in the last decade; policy changes could provide more students with better public school options

December 19, 2013

New Policy Brief and Documentary Highlight Changes in Highland Park Schools

District was converted to a charter system in 2012; test scores show improvement

December 16, 2013

Teamsters Local 214 Capitulates on Discriminatory Policy Against Dearborn Employees Who Exercised Worker Freedom Rights

Union agrees to follow ‘the laws of the State of Michigan and the United States’ in modified policy

December 11, 2013

New Policy Brief Recommends Reforms to Protect Individual Rights and Improve Clarity of Criminal Statutes

‘People can be charged, convicted and imprisoned for committing crimes without having any criminal intent’

December 10, 2013

Results 201 to 300 of 707

109 school district heads paid $200,000+

The MEA should stop harassing teachers

New study solves the issue of “forced-riders” and so-called “free riders”

Every $1.00 Spent Generates 1 Cent Extra Spending at Motels and Hotels

‘The MEA has a duty of fair representation, yet it intentionally did not inform teachers of their rights.’

66 Percent Surveyed Support Reprioritizing $50 Million Film Subsidy for Road Improvements