Enrollment has taken a big hit
Corporate welfare won’t cure lockdown damage
Do the COVID metrics matter anymore?
Ed Trust-Midwest analysis overlooks surging pots of money
This online event will give a general overview of how Michigan's tax system compares to other states, how the 2020 election affected taxes and what the tax policy conversation will look like in 2021. Join us at 11 am EST / 8 am PST. Opening remarks will be made by Joseph Lehman, president of the Mackinac Center. Featured speakers will be Janelle Cammenga, policy analyst with the Tax Foundation's Center for State Tax Policy, and James Hohman, the Mackinac Center’s director of fiscal policy.
It racks up too much debt, isn’t targeted and includes priorities unrelated to COVID
New brief outlines what to expect from Biden’s labor agenda
With Democrats controlling the House, Senate and presidency, there are new questions for those interested in labor policy: What should we expect for labor issues in the immediate future?
There are a number of ramifications that may come from these election results that are not directly related to labor. These include attempts to pack the Supreme Court, eliminate the filibuster and incorporate new states. Nevertheless, there are many initiatives that people interested in labor policy should be prepared to address. These include both legislative and administrative actions, each of which are significant, but not guaranteed.
Michigan residents should be skeptical of a program that lacks accountability
Large increases in state spending due to federal transfers
MichiganVotes January 15 Roll Call Report
Current model puts up unnecessary obstacles
Mixed messages and more confusion from the governor
If lawmakers were to cut the Michigan income tax rate, state revenues would still grow. A cut would make good on a 2007 pledge to phase out what was supposed to be a temporary tax increase.
Parents who need financial help in getting their children to a school of their choice should receive state- funded transportation scholarships
In 2020, Michigan lawmakers resisted the temptation to spend taxpayer money on corporate handouts. They should hold firm in 2021
New program would provide more opportunities
This report explains how Michigan could pursue a flexible funding program that would give learners greater agency, especially for middle-school and secondary students and their families. Charting a path to complete a diploma, every student would be allowed to use a portion of their per-pupil allotment to “purchase” courses from schools for both online and face-to-face instruction. This funding could also be used for dual-enrollment classes, apprenticeships, career and technical training and other learning opportunities from a broad menu of providers.
Most skeptical in 20 years
Extreme lockdowns have clear effects on the economy
A statement from President Joseph G. Lehman
A statement from the Mackinac Center
Pandemic leads to 3,791 missed roll call votes in 2020
Drones, other technologies give us reasons for optimism about the future
Michigan needs a fair field for all and favors for none
December 18 MichiganVotes Roll Call Report
As in-person learning returns, customized options could level field
University refuses to release records requested in June
Savings should be directed toward higher budget priorities in the new year
The Mackinac Center paid over $500 and waited over five months for a public records request sent to Michigan State University. The university estimated that the request would take approximately 17 hours to complete, but has yet to provide the public documents.
Let taxpayers keep more of what they earn
Resources should be saved for the state’s most vulnerable people
A past mistake should not automatically prevent people from honest work
State needs to rethink education funding priorities
