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Bills Introduced To Limit Governor’s Emergency Lockdown Powers

Two laws authorize this power; one has no limit on how long governor can keep it

Tom Gantert | April 16, 2020

Is Erecting Wind Turbines ‘Essential’ During Epidemic Lockdown?

Union suggests company at work now with out-of-state workers

Michigan Capitol Confidential Staff Reports | April 16, 2020

What’s Wrong With Gov. Whitmer’s Stay-at-Home Order

Latest orders should be reevaluated and give special consideration to effectiveness

Michael J. Reitz | April 15, 2020

Latest orders should be reevaluated and give special consideration to effectiveness

Federal Cash is Coming for Michigan Schools - We Need to Use It Fairly and Smartly

Officials should prioritize student needs with CARES Act education funds

Ben DeGrow | April 15, 2020

Officials should prioritize student needs with CARES Act education funds

Lansing Protest: ‘I Think We Are Making History’

Signs: ‘I want to work’; ‘Reopen Michigan Now’; ‘Let MI people mow!’

Tom Gantert | April 15, 2020

Lockdown Has Third-Generation Family Landscape Firm Closer To The Brink

Nurseries hurting; six nearby states open for business, Michigan is not

Dawson Bell | April 15, 2020

Mackinac Center Signs Letter Calling to Loosen Restriction on Federal Aid to States

The state needs temporary relief as its residents struggle to work

James M. Hohman | April 14, 2020

The state needs temporary relief as its residents struggle to work

Political Pushback On Whitmer's Lockdown Expansion

‘Better to treat Americans as responsible citizens’

Tom Gantert | April 14, 2020

Restaurant, Bar Shutdown Closes His Trivia Night Business - ‘Dire To The Utmost’

Lost livelihoods percolating through the economy

Sandy Malone | April 13, 2020

Michigan’s Personal Income Tax During Pandemic

Pressure on tax revenues and the services the taxes pay for

James M. Hohman | April 10, 2020

Pressure on tax revenues and the services the taxes pay for

The Shutdown’s Cost: ‘All My Life’s Work’ Savings, Jobs Created, Everything ... Will Be Gone

Frustrated that car dealer and repair shop can avoid person-to-person contact

Tom Gantert | April 10, 2020

Lawn Mowing Double Jeopardy In Roseville? City’s Order Versus State’s

Residents of Macomb community face potential Catch-22 in getting grass cut

Dawson Bell | April 10, 2020

Owner Of Jackson’s Irish Pub Struggling, Says ‘We’ve Been Silenced’

‘No customers, no sales, no revenue; I’ve never seen anything like this’

Madeline Peltzer | April 10, 2020

Village Clerk Warns: Golf Course Lockdown Scofflaws Could Face Jail

In off-season residents take walks on 9-hole course; playing golf during virus emergency risks penalties

Tom Gantert | April 9, 2020

For Some Small Business Owners, Shut Down May Mean Forever

‘It's just up in the air,’ says owner of gardening store

Tom Gantert | April 8, 2020

A Michigan Law Rations The Number Of Hospital Beds

Hospital execs love it, but it doesn't help patients and probably conflicts with anti-trust law

Sandy Malone | April 7, 2020

Legislature Has a Role in Emergencies

Governor Whitmer and the Legislature should embrace collaboration

Michael J. Reitz | April 6, 2020

Governor Whitmer and the Legislature should embrace collaboration

Parents, Teachers Must Collaborate to Help Special-Needs Learners

Distance learning brings both challenges and opportunities

Ben DeGrow | April 6, 2020

Distance learning brings both challenges and opportunities

Bill Would Let Townships Impose Property Tax Hikes For Broadband Projects

Use it or not, property owners would pay

Dawson Bell | April 6, 2020

Ban on Fossil Fuel Drilling in Michigan Could Be on the Ballot in 2020

Anti-oil and gas group missed two deadlines but wins in court

Michigan Capitol Confidential Staff Reports | April 4, 2020

Some Greens Rejoice Over Environmental Effects of COVID-19 Restrictions

There is no “silver lining” to impaired human well-being

Jason Hayes | April 3, 2020

There is no “silver lining” to impaired human well-being

Some Perspective: Michigan is Stronger Now, Part 2

Our economy recovered and grew with less corporate welfare

Michael D. LaFaive | April 3, 2020

Our economy recovered and grew with less corporate welfare

Michigan Unemployment Claims Almost Triple Previous High

From 5,338 per week to 311k; restaurants that once employed 292k mostly shut down

Tom Gantert | April 2, 2020

Nessel: Offering Unavailable Masks At $2.39 Legal; Offering Them At $9.95 A Crime

‘Price gouging’ a politician’s word; going from shortages to no product at any price

Tom Gantert | April 2, 2020

State of Michigan Bans Day Care Providers From Giving Young Children Timeouts

‘This is not about children; it’s about increasing government control’

Dawson Bell | April 1, 2020

Feds Permit Malaria Drugs For Coronavirus Patients, State Has Not Rescinded Threat Of Sanctions

FDA’s chief scientist: ‘Based on the totality of scientific evidence … may be effective’

Tom Gantert | March 31, 2020

Never Mind Lockdown, Dentists Shut Down By Demand For Masks

If suppliers could raise prices surgical masks might not disappear so fast

Tom Gantert | March 30, 2020

Businesses are Stepping up to Help During the Pandemic

A roundup of stories about Michigan businesses making a difference

Holly Wetzel | March 27, 2020

A roundup of stories about Michigan businesses making a difference

Veteran Economist: Extended Downturn Also Risks Lives, Social Unrest, Despondency

David Littmann praises virus response to date; says fiscal challenges require we save more

David L. Littmann | March 27, 2020

The ultimate trend rate of economic growth correlates very highly with the trend rate of saving

Michigan Licensing Bureau Vs. Dr. Fauci On Off-Label Coronavirus Treatment

Fauci tells MDs, 'Yeah, of course' - prescribe it; state agency threatens their license if they do

Tom Gantert | March 27, 2020

What Is An 'Essential Business' Under Government Lockdown?

The Safety Net Already There: Unemployment Insurance

Funded in good times and there in the bad

James M. Hohman | March 26, 2020

Funded in good times and there in the bad

Educators Step Up to Fill Distance Learning Gap

District, charter, private schools adapt while state officials wait

Ben DeGrow | March 26, 2020

District, charter, private schools adapt while state officials wait

Higher Education and the COVID-19 Pandemic

Colleges will continue to face some major challenges

Dr. Richard Vedder | March 26, 2020

Colleges will continue to face some major challenges

Economist: No Sanitizer Because ‘Selfish People Demanding Price Be Held at $1’ Bought It All

Under ‘price gouging’ bans, after the lucky first few, ‘everyone else gets nothing’

Tom Gantert | March 26, 2020

Union Handout in the Coronavirus Stimulus Act

Congress should be focused on the health and economic safety of the country

F. Vincent Vernuccio | March 25, 2020

Congress should be focused on the health and economic safety of the country

Some Perspective: Michigan is Stronger Today

The state is in a more resilient position to weather an economic storm than at any time before

Michael D. LaFaive | March 25, 2020

The state is in a more resilient position to weather an economic storm than at any time before

Stimulus Amendments Push More Renewable Subsidies

Solar and wind set to profit handsomely from COVID-19 response

Jason Hayes | March 25, 2020

Solar and wind set to profit handsomely from COVID-19 response

If Only Other Stores Could Have Raised Toilet Paper Prices

Buyer happy with $1.75 per roll from convenience store versus 32 cents and no rolls at big stores

Tom Gantert | March 25, 2020

Reporting or Promoting?

Why transparency of business subsidy programs shouldn’t be controlled by administrators

James M. Hohman | March 24, 2020

Why transparency of business subsidy programs shouldn’t be controlled by administrators

Detroit School Problems Weren’t Caused By Coronavirus Or Funding ‘Disparity’

The ‘poor districts get less’ claim goes against years of data collected and posted by state officials

Tom Gantert | March 24, 2020

Can Virus Orders Shut Down Church? Yes And No

State can’t single out churches, but can ban all assemblies — including religious ones

Tom Gantert | March 22, 2020

Price Gouging? ‘Right Now, We Are Out Of Any Hand Sanitizer’

Michigan Attorney General appears ready to find business bad guys

Tom Gantert | March 21, 2020

MDE Memo Sends Wrong Message

Families need more flexibility

Ben DeGrow | March 20, 2020

Families need more flexibility

Emergency Powers Under Michigan Law

A quick overview of how these rarely used laws work

Michael Van Beek | March 19, 2020

A quick overview of how these rarely used laws work

Amid Pandemic, Michigan Consumers Return Germ-Soaked Bottles To Food Stores

‘Cans and bottles are very dirty’; just 10 states have ‘bottle bills’

Tom Gantert | March 19, 2020

Schools Feeling Short-Term Pension Pain For Long-Term Gain

One catch: Some benefits of a 2017 reform will take years to pay off a lot

Tom Gantert | March 19, 2020

Classical Charter Schools on the Rise in Michigan

Ivywood’s unique partnership may break ground

Ben DeGrow | March 18, 2020

Ivywood’s unique partnership may break ground

Yes, A Michigan Law Rations Number Of Hospital Beds Here

Now public health experts concerned about hospitals surge capacity

Dawson Bell | March 18, 2020

How To Think About Government Emergency Powers

Officials have the authority and the public’s support – for now

Jack McHugh | March 17, 2020

Officials have the authority and the public’s support – for now

State Government's Obstacles To Virus Recovery

Removing them could help us get through this better

Jarrett Skorup | March 17, 2020

State’s Coronavirus Spending Bill Infected with Irony

Lawmakers shouldn't be giving taxpayer resources to special interests

Michael D. LaFaive | March 16, 2020

Lawmakers shouldn't be giving taxpayer resources to special interests

Take Your Pick: ‘Price Gouging’ Or Toilet Paper Shortages

Scarcity pricing in emergencies is reasonable and humane; there’s no repealing law of supply and demand

Tom Gantert | March 15, 2020

Michigan School District Helps Bankroll Private Wi-Fi Provider

Grosse Pointe also looking at closing schools; ‘Taxpayers were not asked’

Dawson Bell | March 14, 2020

On the Bright Side - Return of the ‘We?’

A ray of sunshine amidst virus peril

Jack McHugh | March 13, 2020

A ray of sunshine amidst virus peril

Michigan Considering Excessive Hunting and Fishing Regulations

Lawmakers might make it more expensive to help others enjoy Michigan’s great outdoors

Jarrett Skorup | March 13, 2020

Lawmakers might make it more expensive to help others enjoy Michigan’s great outdoors

Headlines From An Earlier Outbreak: 1968 Hong Kong Flu

Pandemic 52 years ago killed 100,000 in US

Tom Gantert | March 13, 2020

House Passes On Chance To ‘Fix The Roads’ With New Spending Bill

But money for Capitol security cameras, Michigan Speedway traffic control, tourism marketing and much more

Tom Gantert | March 12, 2020

Michigan Per-Pupil Funding Reaches All-Time High

New state data shows clear upward financial trend

Ben DeGrow | March 11, 2020

New state data shows clear upward financial trend

Alcohol Safety and State Control Regimes

State regulations may not be as effective as some believe

Michael D. LaFaive and Antony Davies | March 11, 2020

State regulations may not be as effective as some believe

‘Vital’ Great Lakes Program Funds Playground Rehab In Milwaukee

Many Great Lakes Restoration Initiative projects only loosely tied to 'critical' protection

Tom Gantert | March 11, 2020

Disputed Union Wages Could Cost Taxpayers In County Construction Projects

Now Saginaw faces lawsuit over policy board approved by slim margin

Dawson Bell | March 10, 2020

Michigan House Bill Package Increases Road Funding Without Raising Taxes

The state’s current budget debate is not about cuts

James M. Hohman | March 9, 2020

The state’s current budget debate is not about cuts

Nine Years After Promising, Detroit City Officials May Get Rational Payroll System

City now says completion expected by end of 2020

Holly Matkin | March 9, 2020

Teachers Unions Gave $180,000+ To Misleading Macomb Tax Hike Campaign

Tuesday ballot proposal would cost property owners $55 million annually

Tom Gantert | March 7, 2020

Charter School Profiteering? Don’t Turn That Lens On Larger, Richer District Schools

The really big money is in conventional school districts and all their intermediaries

Tom Gantert | March 6, 2020

Proposal Would Tear Up Michigan Constitution’s Ban On Graduated Income Tax

Rates of 8.5% or more could cause higher-income residents to move to low- or no-tax states

Dawson Bell | March 5, 2020

Despite Collapse in Membership, SEIU Poised to Go All-In in Michigan

$150 million campaign blunted by right-to-work law

Jarrett Skorup | March 4, 2020

$150 million campaign blunted by right-to-work law

Film Incentives Don’t Generate Economic Development

Incentives are a poor use of resources

Michael D. LaFaive | March 4, 2020

Incentives are a poor use of resources

Giving Public Dollars To Private Interests Violates The Public Interest

So ruled Michigan’s most famous jurist back in 1871

James M. Hohman | March 4, 2020

So ruled Michigan’s most famous jurist back in 1871

US Oil Boom Happened Despite Obama, Not Because Of Him

AP 'fact check' lacks context

Tom Gantert | March 4, 2020

Prevailing Wage Repeal Critiques: Cookie Cutter Criticism

New reviews should be treated with caution

Michael D. LaFaive and Ronald Klingler | March 3, 2020

New reviews should be treated with caution

MEDC Testimony a Reminder That More Transparency is Needed

New legislation would make the MEDC more transparent and accountable

Michael D. LaFaive | March 3, 2020

A package of bills would make the MEDC more transparent and accountable

Giving A Friend A Manicure Or Haircut Is Illegal in Michigan

And getting the license takes more training than homebuilders or EMTs

Sandy Malone | March 3, 2020

Higher Education Subsidies Do Not Produce Better Educational or Economic Results

Nevertheless, some lawmakers are pushing for more

Jarrett Skorup | March 2, 2020

Nevertheless, some lawmakers are pushing for more

Lawmakers, Education Officials Looking To Inject Gender Politics Into Michigan Schools

Yet no cultural consensus in sight on introducing this to schoolchildren

Tom Gantert | March 2, 2020

Michigan’s Former Top Cop Given $639k In 'Deferred' Pension Benefits While Still On Payroll

Government solution to officer attrition from early pension eligibility was legalized double-dipping

Dawson Bell | February 29, 2020

Pay Hikes Fewer But Still Happening At Fiscally Stressed Michigan School District

Falling enrollment and rising pension expenses mean cramped raises at Wayne-Westland

Tom Gantert | February 28, 2020

Fiat Chrysler And Ford To Get $131M From Michigan Taxpayers; Earned $26.4 Billion Last Three Years

That subsidy program expired in 2019, but GOP lawmaker trying to bring it back

Tom Gantert | February 27, 2020

Federal Government Adopts Mackinac Center Recommendation on Worker Rights

Federal employees may now opt out of their union at anytime

Michael J. Reitz | February 26, 2020

Federal employees may now opt out of their union at anytime

Union Tribunal's $10,000 Hit On Electrician Brings Federal Labor Lawsuit

Former union contractor now working for wife's nonunion shop — and she was also threatened

Marc Kilmer | February 26, 2020

Michigan Should Move Forward With Medicaid Work Requirements

Work requirements empower people to become financially independent

Lindsay B. Killen | February 25, 2020

Work requirements empower people to become financially independent

Highest-Pay School District’s Union Compares Teacher Pay To A Minnow

Average teacher pay is $82,065 at this Macomb district

Tom Gantert | February 25, 2020

Strengthen State Spending Limits

Government assistance allows more government spending under state limits

James M. Hohman | February 24, 2020

Government assistance allows more government spending under state limits

US House Would Overturn Michigan's Right-to-Work Law

Michigan voters rejected similar union overreach in 2012

Dawson Bell | February 24, 2020

Newspapers, Experts Agree: Climate Causes Plummeting, Record High Water Levels

Looks like a Great Lakes consensus

Tom Gantert | February 22, 2020

Michigan Wins by Attracting Everyone

College graduates and young people aren’t special

James M. Hohman | February 21, 2020

College graduates and young people aren’t special

Public Sector Pay Transparency All About Accountability

House-passed bill only goes half-way

Tom Gantert | February 21, 2020

Bill Would Tax Residences For Local Business Improvements

Municipal governments, corporate welfare agencies, special interests all on board

Holly Matkin | February 20, 2020

Use Better Assumptions to Pay for Pensions

Lawmakers should pay close attention to state pension systems

James M. Hohman | February 19, 2020

Lawmakers should pay close attention to state pension systems

Michigan Teacher Pay Complicated Enough To Spin Many Narratives

Taxpayers ask a lot, pay a lot putting a teacher in front of a classroom

Tom Gantert | February 19, 2020

Bad Arguments for Government Broadband in Metro Detroit

Government-provided internet puts taxpayers on the hook

Jarrett Skorup | February 18, 2020

Government-provided internet puts taxpayers on the hook

Michigan Officials Skeptical of Controversial Drug Rationing Program

Who decides what another year of life is worth to a person?

Dawson Bell | February 18, 2020

More Talk, Less Action for Troubled School Districts?

Whitmer’s budget encourages creation of more committees

Ben DeGrow | February 17, 2020

Whitmer’s budget encourages creation of more committees

Do Teachers Buy Classroom Supplies? Districts Say ‘We Do’ And Have Receipts

Grand Rapids Schools Issues Over 170 Cards Employees May Use for Purchases

Tom Gantert | February 17, 2020

How Independent Will Michigan’s New Redistricting Commission Be?

California’s experience provides cause for concern

Jarrett Skorup | February 15, 2020

Michigan Law Clear: Taxpayers, Not Teachers, Buy Classroom Supplies

Union spin notwithstanding, districts give teachers purchase cards or other compensation

Tom Gantert | February 14, 2020

Analyses Critical Of Michigan School Funding Ignore Almost 20% Of Detroit Operations Money

Reports disregard the revenue source that boosts funding for poor communities over wealthy ones

Tom Gantert | February 13, 2020

How Tax Policy Gets Poked Full of Holes

States should lower rates across the board instead of giving targeted exceptions

James M. Hohman | February 12, 2020

States should lower rates across the board instead of giving targeted exceptions

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