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Six charts to change your mind about Michigan

Our state’s competitiveness ranges from poor to middling

… lagging behind that of the typical state right now, but our challenges go back many … began. Each state is a dot. The further right a state is on the chart, the higher … around a line that goes up and to the right, meaning that the more economic freedom … are down. Corporate welfare doesn’t work and economic freedom does. All in six … more

Dearborn school contract appears to ignore Supreme Court ruling

Contract implies teachers must pay union dues or fees

… control, revoked Michigan’s right-to-work law in 2023, with the changes taking effect Feb. 13, 2024. Right-to-work’s repeal does not affect government … they have a First Amendment right not to join a union. But private … more

West Michigan security guards push back against forced union dues

Workers pursue deauthorization vote

… the effort by the National Right to Work Foundation.  As the foundation … majority of employees in a work unit can cast ballots to nullify … vote. The security guards work for a company called Triple … Since Michigan’s repeal of right-to-work took effect last month, … more

Michigan must untether itself from UAW

The state is hand-in-glove with a union that has a wandering eye

… Michigan to the UAW by repealing right-to-work protections for the private … wandering eyes. No sooner than right-to-work repeal took effect did the … members. Michigan’s repeal of right-to-work places workers in the … more

Right-to-work no longer rules in private sector

Agency fees still apply; public sector workers still have right-to-work

Right-to-work protections no longer apply to people who work in the private sector, meaning … Legislature repealed Michigan’s right-to-work law last fall, and the repeal … more

Michigan job, population numbers fall behind national trends

Recovery from pandemic has also lagged the national average

… Center released a study in 2023 on how to grow Michigan. Lower taxes and right-to-work have been successful tools other states used to grow population and jobs. … more

Union membership reaches a 40-year low

The last 15 years have seen the number of government union members drop by 900,000

… series of states began passing right-to-work laws, giving workers the right to opt out of union membership … sector workers nationwide had right-to-work status. Since 2011 the share … more

Hawaii offers a case study on the inadequacies of wind and solar

Rolling blackouts could prove deadly in Michigan winters

… reasonable to expect that utilities can complete systemwide upgrades as they also work toward 100% renewable energy goals? Hawaii offers a case study on the feasibility … can stand on their own, or if they're just grid parasites with good PR. Right now, some states on the mainland can ditch fossil fuels because they’re … more

Public Service Commission ruling on the Line 5 Tunnel is a small pre-holiday win for Michiganders

One bit of good news to balance the glut of Grinch-like energy news coming out of Lansing

… Corridor Authority and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers before it can start work on the tunnel, which will improve the safety of a valuable pipeline. “The … warm our homes. A backup generator under the Christmas tree would be the right gift to protect Michigan families as the governor’s homespun version of … more

Selective subsidies are a losing strategy for Michigan

Corporate welfare does not fuel high-growth states and is not the answer for Michigan

… billions on selective business subsidies. It won’t work. The states that have been growing the most are … move, and we have an extraordinary opportunity right now to create thousands of good-paying manufacturing … move” because Whitmer hands out subsidies to the right companies. Businesses only ask for favors when … more

Ford pares back Marshall plant, and state incentives will follow

Automaker will hire 800 fewer people than planned; investment will shrink by $1.3 billion

… Alliance, and $120 million for other site prep work. The CIP grant, Renaissance Zone exemption and … two weeks after the UAW strike began, Ford paused work at the site. The very next day, however, the Michigan … Dearborn automaker announced. “However, we are right-sizing as we balance investment, growth, and profitability. … more

Detroit charter network up for $1 million award

Charter schools overcame resistance from Detroit’s school district

… education that is driven by leaders who “execute on what they know to be right, rather than waiting for a green light from a person or entity that has … mastery of knowledge and skills, character development, and high-quality work.” Detroit Achievement Academy serves K-8 students and was founded by Kyle … more

Ford halts work at Marshall site, but state keeps spending

No pause in Michigan Strategic Fund’s $65M giveaway to embattled BlueOval Battery Park

… the Marshall Area Economic Development Alliance for infrastructure improvements at the site. While the Ford project is called BlueOval Battery Park, right now it’s known as the “MAJOR” campus: Marshall Area Jobs, Opportunities and Recreation. Jim Durian, CEO of the Marshall alliance, told Michigan Capitol … more

Whitmer might sign fewer laws with Democratic majority

With a Republican legislature, Whitmer signed 278 laws last year. She’s below 200 in 2023.

… with it, after an initial checklist that included right-to-work repeal. There were too many mouths to be fed. Too … 56-vote threshold needed to pass a House bill. Right now Democrats control the House 56-54. An outright … more

State representative on energy committee owns solar company

Michigan Rep. Joey Andrews claims company is dormant, but records show it was never dissolved

… voted for bills that would give the Michigan Public Service Commission the right to permit solar and windmill projects statewide. This would remove local … recent annual statement is for 2021. Andrews, a first-term lawmaker, started work in January. Public records do not show that a certificate of dissolution … more

Nearly 1 million Michiganders are subject to occupational licensing laws

Mackinac Center forum considers occupational licensing and its discontents

… excluded from their chosen line of work. “When education requirements … Regulatory and legal barriers to work cost America two million jobs … new workers into a field of work, increasing costs to the consumer. … Constitution, people have the right “to pursue a lawful occupation … interference.” Michiganders seeking to work in more than 180 occupations … more

Why Michigan loses people to other states

Policies that attract populations to other states are opposed by Whitmer and unmentioned by growth council

… lawmakers have joined the suit. Right-to-work is also a factor that drives … signed a repeal of the 2012 right-to-work law earlier this year. “The … moved from states without right-to-work laws to states with … more

There are now 25,000 UAW members on strike

UAW President Shawn Fain expanded the strike by 7,000 workers Friday

… and GM’s Delta Township Assembly in the Lansing area. About 7,000 people work at the two facilities, bringing the total number of strikers to 25,000, … war isn’t against some foreign country,” Fain said. “The front lines are right here at home.” Early in the livestream, Fain referenced President Joe Biden’s … more

Michigan Education Association is down 37,000 members in a decade

Teachers union has dropped to under 80,000 members

… a decade ago, the state’s right-to-work law, which was enacted in 2012, … voted to repeal the state’s right-to-work law. But due to the U.S. Supreme … employees — still operate in a right-to-work environment. The U.S. … more

Auto workers can still resign from UAW and work during strike

Michigan’s right-to-work law, slated for repeal, is still in effect

… organization that supports right-to-work laws. Union members who report to work during a strike are subject … union fines, the National Right to Work Legal Foundation announced … more

32-hour work week would be the end of Detroit

If Detroit becomes a part-time town, it will stop being Detroit.

… UAW members is the 32-hour work week, with no reduction in … Michigan. Fain sees the 32-hour work week as an updated model of … can imagine that the 32-hour work week will be one of the first … for higher pay when you do work makes sense. Telling the company … representation. So the UAW is right to worry about a transition … more

Freeway floods, power outages show Michigan failing at what matters

Pride precedes fall as weather event shuts down boastful state

“We’re a state that’s on the right side of history,” read pro-Michigan billboards … states. Maybe Michigan is on the right side of history — that’s an arguable … unexpectedly, causing parents to call out of work with little notice. It’s true that … bad, and people are moving out. “The right side of history and the wrong side … more

Gotion is ‘wholly owned’ by a Chinese company, and 2 other takeaways from its foreign-agent filing

Gotion’s FARA declaration contradicts its articles of association

… CPC Central Committee and the State Council as well as relevant important work arrangements of the Party organization at the higher level... The question … environmental impact say they have received no answers. Gotion and The Right Place, the economic development firm that lured it to West Michigan, are … more

Michigan senator says Democrats copied and pasted his veterans legislation

​​​Four versions of the same bill sit in committee

… the last three years, I have worked closely with Michigan veteran … Treasury, hosting numerous work group meetings to get this legislation right,” Bumstead said in a July statement. … email to CapCon that he has worked with veterans groups on the … “I am ready and willing to work with Sen. Hertel and Sen. Singh … more

In southeast Michigan, a little rain, then 180,000 power outages

It took just 1.13 inches of rain to knock out power in the DTE imprint

… restore power. When that DTE white work truck rolls down your street, the linemen … automation technology, noting that it worked well in Chicago. Say a tree hits … to most customers — the status quo right now, as seen in this DTE tweet from … infrastructure, as built, does not work. All it takes is a little rain. So … more

‘Diatribe’ has no complaints with big government check

Lansing awards $3.5 million to art organization disrupting ‘historical system of oppression’

… Empowered,” “Deluxe Assemblies” (stage presentations), and “Writing to Right Wrongs.” , “Designed to give students a safe space to speak about issues that impact their lives, the content is unique and inspiring and features work by Black, Brown, and LGBTQ artists,” according to the ‘Our Identities’ content … more

DTE head: ‘Sometimes you can’t count on’ wind and solar

As energy giant moves away from coal, CEO emphasizes need for reliable nuclear and natural gas

… lawmakers. “We don't want to destabilize the grid, right? We’ve seen it happen in other jurisdictions, you … Helena Scott, D-Detroit, vowed to create an energy work group. That has not happened. DTE President Trevor … Norcia visited the House committee Wednesday. But no work group has been formed, and no current legislation … more

Michigan bill would conceal union political contributions

Under House Bill 4234, a union could double or triple its giving to preferred candidates

Following the recent repeal of right-to-work, the Michigan Legislature is reviewing a package of bills that grant unions robust political privileges. … more

5 years after Janus ruling, 22% of government employees opt out of unions

Union coffers down an estimated $733 million; Mackinac Center study offers latest information on ‘Janus Effect’

… employees have a First Amendment right to work at their jobs regardless of … nationwide, constitutional right-to-work for government employees, including … Michigan lawmakers repealed right-to-work this year, government … more

Gretchen Whitmer’s Michigan: Red tape and orange barrels

Michigan can’t fix every problem, but it can control the controllable, starting here

… Pure Michigan-like campaign will not work, if the past is any guide. Pure Michigan … such as Detroit and Flint. It did not work. A wise person who considers moving … entering a career field. Reinstate right-to-work, which provides better economic outcomes … more

Union-backed personal information bill passes Senate

Bill giving labor bosses access to nonmembers’ contact data is an ‘unwarranted invasion of privacy,’ says Michigan Association of School Boards

… gives government workers the right to opt out, the right-to-work repeal doesn’t apply. Government … around the country have the right to work without joining unions. The … more

Debt ceiling deal would terminate student loan pause

Tlaib the only member of Michigan delegation to vote no

… our residents deeper into poverty by implementing cruel and ineffective work requirements for our low-income neighbors who rely on SNAP and (Temporary … cheat on their taxes.  .... We cannot continue to capitulate to a far-right Republican Party and their extreme demands while they inflict policy violence … more

Frequently Asked Questions: The CapCon Guide to Lansing

Michigan sends 148 lawmakers to represent 10 million people. Here’s how to find out what they’re up to

… are on the left, senators are on the right. Scott has submitted 10 bills, three … to consider. The first is committee work. Chairing a committee carries power, … best way to learn about committee work, however, is to work in reverse, starting with the committees … more

Michigan House bill lets government schools deduct union dues from paychecks

House Bill 4233 would repeal prohibition on union financing through taxpayer-funded resources

… Michigan lawmakers repealed the right-to-work law, but due to a 2018 U.S. … ruling in Janus v. AFSCME, right-to-work still applies to government … they have a First Amendment right to opt out of labor unions. … more

Unions celebrate compulsory private sector dues as public sector membership wanes

Public employees can invoke their Janus rights, and opt out of paying unions

… represented by unions. Michigan’s unions rejoiced in March when Lansing repealed right-to-work. “After decades of anti-worker attacks,” Michigan AFL-CIO President Ron … more

Parents are responsible for their child’s education

Journalist uses tiny percentage of population to smear parents

… recent Arkansas law that loosens work restrictions on minors. Conservatives … an effort to put children to work in dangerous workplaces such … to note that when children work, it is usually out of economic … conservatives who send children to work. Whether and when minors work … with their property is their right.” Neglect, of course, is against … more

The CapCon Guide: What to know about right-to-work in Michigan, post-repeal

Government employees can’t be forced to pay unions, even after Michigan loses right-to-work status

… e the repeal of Michigan’s right-to-work laws, many people have been … important to be clear about what right-to-work does. In a right-to-work state, employees cannot … more

Senate bill would turn public workers’ personal info over to unions

Government employees are exempt from forced unionization, but Michigan bill would require the state to give their contact data to organized labor

… officials if they refused to support the union.” The repeal of Michigan’s right-to-work law makes it likely that workers in a union shop will again be forced to … more

Michigan legislature ducks action on energy reliability

Michigan lawmakers were shocked, shocked by mass power outages, but they have done nothing about the problem

… has checked off its favored agenda items at break-neck speed, including right-to-work repeal and corporate welfare giveaways. Leaders in the legislature have … more

Michigan teacher relieved to learn she won’t be pushed back into union

Know your Janus rights: Government employees are exempt from forced unionization

… after the end of Michigan’s right-to-work law. Hopper has taught in Michigan … Friday that she will retain her right to free association after the repeal of the right-to-work law. While hundreds of thousands … more

Michigan suffers from low income, high costs

State government policies have made things worse

… one account. Some people who work for a unionized company will … wallets, thanks the repeal the right-to-work law. Repealing that law was … increased 21.9%, since 2012 when right-to-work passed. That’s the 16th best … more

When workers in Michigan had a choice, they left unions

Union numbers and former members tell the story Democrats will not

… took away Michigan workers’ right to choose union membership … that repealing the state’s right-to-work law would protect workers’ … unions while they had the right. The state’s largest unions … Michigan members during the right-to-work era, the biggest percentage … more

The UAW lost members in Michigan last year

As right-to-work law is repealed, tens of thousands will be forced back into unions

… members. Michigan has been a right-to-work state for the past decade, … to workers exercising their right to get out of union membership under Michigan’s right-to-work law. The UAW has been dealing … more

EV batteries can’t survive a scratch — Reuters

If cost and range anxiety weren’t enough of a problem, EV collisions will be costly

… Royal Oak testified to Michigan lawmakers that she “would not accept an EV right now if you gave me one.” Russ lost two refrigerator loads of groceries … charge the vehicle, she would have been paying for Uber rides to and from work. A report in Reuters last week points toward another problem for the electric … more

Right-to-work repeal could make Michigan’s job slump worse

Whitmer orders more bloodletting to cure state’s anemic post-shutdown recovery

… recent repeal of the state’s right-to-work law is likely to make that … worsen with the repeal of right-to-work, according to a study published … University, measured the impact of right-to-work laws in various states. … more

Know your Janus rights: Government employees still can’t be forced to pay unions in Michigan

Across America, a 2018 U.S. Supreme Court ruling, Janus vs AFSCME, protects right-to-work for government employees

The repeal of right-to-work left some public sector workers … country have a First Amendment right to not pay a union thanks to … AFSCME decision. Repealing right-to-work does nothing for public sector … more

Whitmer signs referendum-proof right-to-work repeal

Whitmer violates own directive in signing bill with appropriation attached, to put it beyond the voice of voters

… 4004, a repeal of Michigan’s right-to-work law for public sector workers, … then-Gov. Rick Snyder signed right-to-work into law. For a decade, Democrats … them all the gavels in 2023. Right-to-work was one of their top … more

Government workers can’t be forced into unions even after right-to-work repeal

Know your Janus rights: For Michigan teachers, police, firefighters & others, worker freedom is guaranteed

… legislation repealing Michigan’s right-to-work law, which has passed the House … you stand with respect to right-to-work. The bad news is that many … resigned their memberships under right-to-work will have to pay dues … more

Michigan Democrat tests positive for COVID, then votes in Lansing

Third time’s the charm: A Democrat once again attends session while positive for coronavirus

… up to session Tuesday to vote for the repeal of right-to-work. This is the third time in two months that a Democrat … member of the Democratic caucus to show up for work. “We’ll pass on the constructive criticism from … more

Whitmer would violate her own directive by signing right-to-work repeal

An appropriation attached to the bill gives it immunity to a voter referendum, something Whitmer once opposed

… objects to in the legislature’s right-to-work repeal bills.  The governor … of the state’s decade-old right-to-work law despite her stated misgivings … legislation that circumvents the right to a referendum,” Whitmer wrote … more

Michigan lawmakers have not tried to solve union ‘free rider’ problem

One in three bills in Michigan in 2023 has been labor-related. None try to solve a long-claimed problem. Why?

… “free-rider” problem unions cite in right-to-work states. The union argument … themselves is to break the union’s right to exclusive representation. … pay dues and to get rid of right-to-work,” Delie told CapCon. While … more

Hohman: Michigan media asks the wrong questions, fosters bad policy

On roads, energy, schools and corporate welfare, bad questions lead to bad outcomes. These are four alternatives.

… they can ensure that the state is headed in the right direction, steadily fixing roads faster than they … people options, and they’ll select the ones that work best for themselves. If local school boards don’t … place to start and run a business. People on the right tend to think that low taxes and light regulatory … more

Michigan House energy work group aims to address power outages

And three other takeaways from the House Energy Committee’s hearing on mass outages in Michigan

… House Energy Committee, said a work group will be convened to discuss … companies. “We are planning a work group around this, because … Scott, D-Detroit. The form this work group will take, and who will … vehicles. I would not accept an EV right now if you gave me one,” Russ … had to call an Uber to get to work, adding to her expense. 3. … more

Michigan Senate passes public sector right-to-work repeal; Whitmer to sign

In consecutive weeks, Michigan House and Senate pass repeal efforts

… Michigan Senate on Tuesday approved a right-to-work repeal bill in a party-line vote. House Bill 4004, a repeal of Michigan’s right-to-work law in the public sector, will headed … more

Michigan Senate committee advances right-to-work repeal

Full Senate could take up bill as early as Tuesday afternoon

… advance legislation to repeal right-to-work. It will move to the full Senate … law. The House passed its right-to-work repeal last week, taking the … agenda, none of which are right-to-work repeal. But the final … more

Michigan Legislature still lacks energy reliability bills, but House hearing comes Wednesday

Lawmakers promised oversight for Michigan’s biggest utility companies, then rammed through right-to-work repeal instead

… advance energy reliability, the Michigan House spent its time approving two right-to-work repeal bills, including one version that is baldly unconstitutional. Last … more

The people we serve

You don’t agree with the Mackinac Center on everything. But you agree with us on something. Let’s talk about those things.

… Seven million taxpayers. You might not like us on right-to-work. But when you’re concerned about what your kid … their companies. The elderly husband and wife who worked and paid for their own home, but face ever-higher … more

Michigan can have workers’ rights or mandatory union dues, but not both

Right-to-work repeal in Michigan would diminish workers’ freedom and empower labor unions

… dues trample workers’ rights. Right-to-work is not about unions. It’s about … push through a repeal of the right-to-work law in Michigan, which Gov. … opted out of a union under right-to-work will be forced to pay … more

Why this Michigan paraprofessional left AFSCME

AFSCME has seen its Michigan membership fall by 49% since 2012, when right-to-work was signed into law

… special needs students. Sue has worked as a para-professional for … Learning Program. The program worked with students who have minor … the district and went on to work with Early Childhood Special … One-on-one paraprofessionals work with students individually. … The court ruled in favor of right-to-work protections for all … more

Michigan House passes right-to-work repeal in party-line vote

Repeal bills still need to pass the Michigan Senate and be signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to become law

… which would repeal the state right-to-work law. House Bill 4004 would repeal right-to-work protections for public sector … House Bill 4005 would repeal right-to-work protections in the … more

House labor committee approves right-to-work repeal; full House to consider bill

Spring break deadline leads to rushed hearing, says committee chair Haadsma

… Legislature’s repeal of Michigan’s right-to-work law is being hurried through … Michigan had dropped under right-to-work. “Many people have unfortunately … “people we talk to” support right-to-work repeal. “I can get … more

‘All options are on the table,’ including burying power lines, Michigan utility regulator says

MPSC chief Dan Scripps says Michigan’s grid is not performing at the level the public deserves

… reliability, “events in the last two weeks really underscore how much more work there is to do. Clearly the system isn’t performing at the level that people … options have to be on the table,” Scripps said. “We’re not in a position right now where we’re meeting the needs and expectations of customers and we’ve … more

Tucker Carlson joins the Overton Window podcast

Fox News host joins Mackinac Center podcast to talk life and political commentary

… show. That’s really the thing I work on. It’s an hour, so there … which is the conservative, right-wing world — was on the question … careful to keep focused on the work, rather than dwelling on his … you don’t want to do if you work in a business where people … self-love. That is the main kind of work-related injury talk show hosts … more

Part-time grocery worker says AG had to intervene in dues skim

Michigan attorney general’s office helped employee use his legal right to opt out of union membership

… two years after Michigan’s right-to-work law took effect. Right-to-work allows workers at union shops … paying the union, as was his right under the law. But the union … more

Why a Michigan paraprofessional left his union

Since 2012, membership ranks of support staff in the Michigan Education Association have shrank 56%

… only increased by 70 cents. He says he opted out of the union as soon as right-to-work took effect in 2013, because he didn’t feel supported by the union. He … more

Under Democratic rule, Lansing is headed back in time

New legislative majority wants to play policy ping pong, not build the future

… want to repeal Michigan’s right-to-work law, which just turned 10 years … only beneficiary of repealing right-to-work is unions, increasing their … consequences of repealing right-to-work, on the other hand, … more

Mackinac Center on TV: Skorup makes case for keeping Michigan a right-to-work state

Whitmer said repeal effort is “on the horizon”

… make the case for Michigan’s right-to-work law. Since March 2013, Michigan has had a right-to-work law, allowing people in union … even taking power, they named right-to-work repeal, which would … more

Michigan home health workers would be protected from dues skim if right-to-work is repealed

Home health care workers are one group of people who would not be affected by right-to-work’s repeal

… Legislature plan to repeal the state’s right-to-work law, she was concerned. But she was … the SEIU, even if lawmakers repeal right-to-work. That’s because she is protected by … more

U.S. Census report for 2022 shows migration from Michigan

Michigan is a state people leave; right-to-work repeal could drive Michigan’s jobs and people elsewhere

… Mackinac Center, says that if right-to-work is repealed in Michigan, the … people Over the long run, right-to-work laws are associated with stronger … moved from states without right-to-work laws to states that … more

Michigan bill would ban TikTok on government phones

Bill shows a growing acknowledgement of the U.S. rivalry with China

… Michigan would be banned from using TikTok on their work phones. SB 15 was introduced Jan. 17 by Sen. Lana … for Michigan Democrats is the repeal of the 2012 right-to-work law, which allows workers to keep their jobs even … more

Michigan bill would require public sector employees to join unions, which is unconstitutional

MichiganVotes Monday: Bill ignores U.S. Supreme Court ruling that extends right-to-work protections to public sector employees, such as teachers

… unconstitutional. The bill would remove right-to-work protections for public sector … represented by the National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation. … have said they will target right-to-work. But because of the … more

CapCon’s Michigan Constitution Project: What we hope to achieve

In 2023, Michigan Capitol Confidential will study the state constitution

… Center presented in its amicus brief. The Mackinac Center Legal Foundation worked with the Miller Johnson law firm to file the case In re Certified Questions, … George III unfairly applied the rule of law to colonists and ignored their right to representation. We may still belong to another country, or be divided … more

Michigan Democrats submit right-to-work repeal bill

House Bill 4005 would remove the right to choose from private sector workers

… in 2023: Repeal the state’s right-to-work law, which took effect a decade … school teachers will retain the right to opt out of unions regardless … establishes that point. Any right-to-work repeal would affect only private … more

Michigan health officials broke public trust with pandemic response

Public health officials never admitted their shortcomings. Instead, they blamed the public for not following orders.

… politicization and disinformation. It could be a severe lack of trust at work. If health officials want to win back the trust of the public, they should … and controversy. Public health runs on trust, so it is vital to get this right. Michael Van Beek is director of research at the Mackinac Center. more

Private sector employees would be affected if right-to-work repealed in Michigan

A U.S. Supreme Court ruling gives public employees, such as schoolteachers, the right to opt out, but employees at private firms like Ford would be affected by a right-to-work repeal

… Hills Schools and because of a right-to-work law that went into effect in … each year on family needs. Right-to-work means workers cannot be forced … keep their job. Michigan’s right-to-work law was signed in December … more

MSU employees who object to vaccine mandate present case to U.S. Court of Appeals

Three employees faced discipline for refusing a COVID shot

Three women who work or worked at Michigan State University … and D’Ann Rohrer, who all worked at the university in 2021. … violates their constitutional right to bodily autonomy and is thus … university’s demand violates the right to informed consent. Read … more

Michigan teachers unions continue to shed members

Latest filings show that MEA has lost 1,000 members since last year

… at least 22 years. Michigan has a right-to-work law, which prevents unions from getting … U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of right-to-work protections for all public employees … more

Then and now, polling on right-to-work in Michigan shows it is popular

A dozen polls over 20 years, and almost all show broad support for the law

… the past 20 years shows that right-to-work is extremely popular in Michigan. Right-to-work laws make it illegal to require … union contracts. Michigan’s right-to-work law was passed in December … more

In 2012, Michigan voters rejected a ban on right-to-work

Nearly 60% of Michigan voters rejected the attempted constitutional amendment, and Gov. Snyder signed the right-to-work law a month later

… voters have already spoken on right-to-work. In November 2012, a majority … rejected an attempt to outlaw right-to-work in Michigan. Any attempt to repeal right-to-work would be in direct … more

Survey says: 60% of Michigan residents support right-to-work law, only 17% oppose it

In union households, support is 55% to 28%

… may be to repeal the state’s right-to-work law, enacted in late 2012. … about their opinion of the right-to-work law, 60.0% of respondents said … were more likely to support right-to-work (54.5%) than oppose … more

Biden touts unions at nonunion factory in Bay City

SK Siltron in Bay City is not staffed by union labor; Michigan unions down 140K members since 2012

… chips will indeed be made in Michigan. Biden is right about that. But they won’t be made by union workers. … in Michigan is down 142,505 from 2012, when the right-to-work law was signed. Today about 399,772 Michigan residents … more

In Michigan, the lame duck won’t quack

Republican-controlled Legislature will end its reign with a thin schedule; Whitmer signs nearly 1,000 bills in first term

… in. Bills can still be passed during lame duck, including important ones. Right-to-work was signed during a lame-duck session in December 2012. With Democrats … more

Michigan Democrats go 0-6 in predictions on right-to-work’s economic effects

In the decade of right-to-work in Michigan, dire predictions have not panned out

… gan’s legislators approved right-to-work in 2012 over the objections … Representatives Journal: So-called ‘right-to-work’ legislation will not boost … economies throughout our state. ‘Right to work’ erodes the financial … more

2023 in Michigan could see $15 minimum wage, right-to-work repeal

Removing the means test for food stamps is also on the Democrats’ wish list

… here in Michigan.” “Good news, labor!” Polehanki added. “Union-busting ‘Right to Work’ is gonna go bye-bye.” Polehanki’s tweets are worth reading, both for the … more

Michigan needs a child-focused education system

Reimagining education does not have to be adversarial, nor should it be

… education system realize this and work with parents to create a client-driven … education system: Flip the system right-side up or suffer catastrophic … big question in education right now is “How many rights should … want that option, it is their right. Children can attend schools … to decide, and educators can work in harmony with them, because … more

MEA, schools preach diversity and inclusion, but treat dissenters with scorn

Are parents bullies, or are they the bullied, on the school board meeting playground?

… speak out against organized right-wing attacks that are attempting … ensure that parents and schools work together for the betterment … cliche to say the eagle needs a right wing and a left wing to fly. … reason. Whether it those on the right side of the aisle who are in … government. If educators are in the right, they should not fear, and … more

School districts could become dues collectors for employee unions under current legislation

MEA, other unions, could make a collection requirement part of employee contracts

… That number was 80,905 in 2021, a 31% decrease, driven in large part by a right-to-work law enacted in late 2012. Geiss did not respond to a request for commen … more

In $1B spending spree, Michigan lawmakers gave $13M to two unions

Legislative grants allow lawmakers to direct public money to specific projects in a secretive fashion

… toward specific groups. How is this possible, in the state that outlawed right-to-work a decade ago and has a Republican-led Legislature? Because Republicans … more

Rashida Tlaib’s ‘net-zero’ energy fantasy is dangerous

Winter is coming; will your energy sources be reliable and ready?

… climate goals by 2050, Tlaib said, banks will need to shift their financing work in the energy sector away from oil and gas production. Tlaib’s timeline … truth: Green energy sources aren’t ready.  “We aren’t getting this one right,” Dimon told the committee, as reported by Fox Business. “The world needs … more

Defining diversity down: GLWA’s effort to promote inclusion relies on expansive definitions

Detroit-based water provider says it awarded 65% of its big contracts, last cycle, to small or minority businesses — but check the fine print

… 40% of Michigan’s residents, is selling bonds right now. On its roadshow presentation to investors, … “There's no one concern that can do all of the work,” said Nicolette Bateson, GLWA’s chief financial … contracts, and all the subcontractors on $219 million of work, lacked either a diversity certificate or the geographic … more

Letter: Gov. Whitmer followed the political science on COVID-19

Since June 2021, Whitmer has embraced a limited-government approach to COVID

… to ensure her political survival? Yes. Will it work? Probably. The governor’s advisers seem to have guessed right, that once a sense of normality was returned to … pandemic last June, and left Republicans little to work with. John Sitkiewicz is a Michigan freelance … more

Confused about crypto?

Michigan government is here to help, with proposed 16-member commission

… service will be modest. Commission members will not be compensated for their work (not even in Dogecoin), though they can get reimbursed for reasonable expenses. … account,” according to one former customer. “The number one thing we need right now is disclosure,” Wu said. “Both the federal government and the states … more

Oakland County teacher training: You may already be guilty of microaggression

Believe in hard work, opportunity, and America? Those are micro-aggressions, according to two school districts in Michigan’s richest communities

… know everyone can succeed in this society, if they work hard enough. In fact, America is the land of opportunity … “Everyone can succeed in this society, if they work hard enough.” Saying, “You people …” Being forced … Rochester Community School District members have the right to be safe, valued and respected.... We recognize … more

UP energy costs are high; without Line 5, they would be unaffordable

Michigan will grant $120 million in home heating credits this year

… growth this year owes to federal money. “I will work with anyone to offer families real relief,” Whitmer … first days in office, both Whitmer and Nessel have worked to destroy that plan despite having no workable … Energy costs in the Upper Peninsula are plenty high right now. How much bigger would the home heating subsidies … more

Forced to fail: How Michigan’s lockdowns ruined an Oxford gym

One in three Michigan businesses faced a government-ordered closure in 2020, and some never recovered.

… would probably still be in business right now. “We feel very much like the … said, was not to write tickets. Not right away. And as it turns out, not at … a charity case,” Rickabus said. “I work hard for my money; I’ve been working … for my choices,’ it wouldn’t feel right.” James David Dickson is managing … more

Whitmer’s tax holiday for school supplies is just another gimmick

After vetoing multiple tax relief proposals, Whitmer floats a tax holiday she knows will not pass

… you've heard it before, but Michigan could already have tax relief. As in, right now. All it would have taken was Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s signature on any … just fine. They have the occasional dust-up in the media. But they have worked together well enough to have enacted 900 new laws since she took office … more

Michigan government lacking in transparency

The Mackinac Center supports the right of the people to know what their governments are doing

… did not make things easier when we tried to learn more about the state’s work to count the number of COVID-related deaths in long-term care nursing facilities. … have a transparency problem. Do the people who represent you defend your right to know? more

Why run for Michigan governor? Whitmer, and worries for the future

Whitmer is the reason her challengers ran, not a deterrent

… the five Republicans competing Tuesday for the right to face the governor, Whitmer and her strong position … our future looks like. The UAW should be afraid right now,” as the electric vehicles touted by leaders … going to look at, do they have people that can work in the jobs that we’re going to create at a skilled … more

East China school board removes public commenter from meeting

‘In light of the serious nature of these allegations,’ board will investigate its policies, president tells CapCon

… uncommunicative and unprofessional, Hilferink said. Often, it announces meetings or work groups with very short notice and with no agenda provided, he said. Given … someone got up there and started trashing me, I would support that person’s right to speak,” Reichle told Michigan Capitol Confidential. “If you’re in the … more