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School Official Uses Social Media To Attack Policy Makers Again

Godfrey-Lee Supt. David Britten says Legislature hurting public school system

… See also: Supterintendent Calls GOP Reps 'Moron' and 'Mental Midget' In Right-to-Work Debate more

Exodus From Michigan Is Slowing

State no longer leads the U.S.

… 'Anemic' Job Growth Claim Majority of Fastest-Growing U.S. Cities Are In Right-to-Work States Michigan's Job Growth Is More Than Just Auto-Related Michigan's … more

Unions are the Freeloaders

Forced dues spent on politics, benefits for union staff

… associations are now changing their tune. But bear in mind: Teachers exercising right-to-work are not freeloaders — they are forced riders.   more

The World Is Getting Better and Better

Poverty rate slashed 80 percent since 1970

… picture. That's why the Mackinac Center for Public Policy advocated for a right-to-work law for more than 20 years — at a time when the idea was ridiculed across … more

Cities Take Snow Emergencies To New Restrictive Level

Lansing residents told "non-essential" driving was banned during snowstorm

… Center for Constitutional Studies at the Cato Institute. "Driving is not a right, it is a privilege. The roads are public property and the government can … However, Hannan told MLive that "essential" driving was considered going to work or class or getting food at the grocery store. When asked whether the authority … more

Measure Would Ban Enforcement Of Woodstove Emission Regulations

Bill from Sen. Casperson would be pre-emptive strike against federal regulations

… Coast," Sen. Casperson said. "Too often, the environmental groups actually work hand-in-hand with the EPA on these kinds of frivolous regulations. The complaints … 910, which could result in residents of Michigan being deprived of their right to the reasonable use and enjoyment of their private property," Meglashen … more

Incumbent’s Voting Record, Philosophy Challenged In Michigan's 107th

Rep. Frank Foster vs. Lee Chatfield

… money into roads. We passed right-to-work in Michigan, the place where … only candidate endorsed by Right to Life of Michigan. He claims … support such a measure and work toward securing its passage? … should be helping to create the right environment for a growing economy. … more

'Competitiveness' Outlook Ranks Michigan 12th Best

State has a way to go to overcome past policies

… wages; average worker’s compensation costs; whether or not a state has a right-to-work law and whether or not a state maintains expenditure limits like the Headlee … more

What Should the Next Legislature Do?

… on unseemly union dues-skimming schemes, and of course the nation’s 24th right-to-work law. This isn’t the entire Mackinac Center agenda, but it would be a good … more

MEA Executives Take Big Pay Raises While Liabilities Continue to Grow

Pay hikes up to 44 percent come while union reports assets of negative $135 million

… Executive Salaries 'Not Based On Merit' The Union 'Free-Rider Problem' Myth In Right-to-Work Debate Teacher Union Executives Get Big Raises as Teachers Take Cuts School … more

Most Michigan Teachers Leave Before Qualifying For a Pension

MPSERS is a bad deal for educators

… “Employers are making huge contributions on behalf of employees who may never work long enough to receive a dime of those payments.” Traditional defined benefit … MPSERS to Stretch Dollars Further Closing School Retirement System the Right Choice Schools Receiving More and More Money, But it Goes to Pensions more

Praise for REI and Also Retailers Open On Black Friday

There’s no shame in freedom

… they want to shop on or around the holiday and retailers should have the right to open or close when they want. Some retailers give their employees premium … around the busy holiday-shopping season. Workers will decide if they want to work for an organization that decides to stay open or close on or around a holiday. … more

New 'Rich States, Poor States' Index Released

Michigan improves slightly

… to public employees per 10,000 citizens and whether a state maintains a right-to-work law. States that appear higher in the rankings tend to do better economically … more

Democratic Senators Seek to Silence Debate About Global Warming

'It's a good thing we have a Constitution which protects free speech'

… chamber on Monday and Tuesday criticizing some nonprofit think tanks for their work on global warming. The gambit is part of a larger campaign that is raising … and our supporters into silence, but he will fail. Every American has the right to support the causes they believe in, even if a cabal of senators disagrees. … more

2016 Was Good For Michigan

Economy is growing and shows no signs of stopping

… improve the economy, such as lowering business taxes and implementing a right-to-work law. There are other ways to help the state keep advancing in 2017 and b … more

Michigan May Have Turned a Corner on the Costs of State Employment

Benefits costs remain expensive but are declining

For a long time, the costs to employ people to work for the state of Michigan increased even when the number of state employees was down. But it seems … still high. But there has been progress and the trends are headed in the right direction. It has also meant that the state can hire more people and also … more

How Michigan Regulates Child Care Shows How Ineffective Licensing Laws Are

Many have arbitrary standards and mandates

… licensing laws — the state regulations imposed on people before they can work legally — child care regulations are really interesting. People have lots … thousands. Licensing laws can play a role in the regulatory process. But, right now, they are ineffective, blocking people from the workforce while doing … more

Union Official Told Teachers Aides They’d All Get 5% Pay Hikes — They Won’t

Actual increases in St. Clair County district range from 2% to 5.1%

… members have left the Michigan Education Association since the state’s right-to-work law went into effect in 2013, many through the website Michigan Union Optout. … 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

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

‘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

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

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

Marking Environmental Progress On Earth Day’s 50th Anniversary

Free markets and technology the best way to meet worthy goals

… example, wrote his seminal work, “A Sand County Almanac: And … conservationists had an important point. Right up to our recent past, we did … in 1969 — and people were right to begin looking for better … person, then, would have to work 5.56 hours to afford this appliance. … an hour, would have had to work 203 hours to pay for a less … more

Defining The Primary In Michigan's 89th: Two Candidates, Two Views

Rep. Amanda Price vs. Matthew Wiedenhoeft

… abortion. And Michigan became the 24th right-to-work state in the face of tremendous … the Michigan Farm Bureau and Right to Life of Michigan send lengthy … and a validation of your hard work and beliefs.” “I have been … trusted in my communities (Right to Life of Michigan PAC, AGRIPAC-Michigan … more

Union Bosses Outsource Hostility, Hiring Beneficiaries of Entrepreneur’s Charity to Protest Him

… that hire Ritsema to do construction work. None of Ritsema’s employees are MRCC … regarding what a “standard” wage for the work should be. Ritsema is aware of no … that such recruiting is limited to work that is clearly “helping” and not “hurting” … clear that her patrons have a legal right to take the jobs and that it is not … more

Union Bosses Outsource Hostility, Hiring Beneficiaries of Entrepreneur’s Charity to Protest His Business

… that hire Ritsema to do construction work. None of Ritsema’s employees are MRCC … regarding what a “standard” wage for the work should be. Ritsema is aware of no … that such recruiting is limited to work that is clearly “helping” and not “hurting” … clear that her patrons have a legal right to take the jobs and that it is not … more

Suggested Readings: The Best Books of 2011

… sales and check out some of the best work from the past year. “Keeping the Republic: … that he cites the Mackinac Center’s work on the illegal unionization of home-based … economic and social problems that work to destroy whole societies through … Paul has clashed with those on the right over war spending, those on the left … more

‘Protect Our Jobs’ Would Protect the 3 Percent at the Expense of the 97 Percent

… percent of Michigan’s population who work in unionized government at the state, … amendment keeps us from becoming a right-to-work state. The last number is three. That … government ensnares people who don’t even work for government. One union tried to … more

MichiganVotes: Legislation Would Eliminate Licensing Mandate on Dietitians, Nutritionists

State report: 'It does not appear that licensing dietitians and nutritionists is necessary to protect the public'

… him that his advice was criminal and worked to shut him down. Cooksey is now engaged … complete 900 hours of post-degree work supervised by a licensed professional … requires many non-dangerous areas of work to have a special license. Some examples … Requires Training, Exam, Fees For the Right to Earn a Living - 'Irrational' licensing … more

Citizen Journalists Should Not Be Shut Out By Government

Stories exposing drunk teacher union contract provisions, fake tea party came from alternative news sources

… report, write and publish their own work. So it comes as little surprise that there … employees of newspapers, so long as they work for a publication that includes "stories … allows teachers to show up drunk to work five times before getting fired (and … reports, but that doesn't give them the right to take rights away from others. more

How Michigan Can Fix Its Pension Problems

Event featuring former Utah State Senator Dan Liljenquist

… made every payment, did everything right — we were 100 percent funded going … and Legislature have done “fantastic work” the past few years by tackling liabilities … close the teacher pension system and work to help locals do the same. Liljenquist … require hard, mostly unappreciated work – but it is worth it, he said. “The … more

Union Tries to Block Election that Would Decertify it

MEA files unfair labor practice to derail decertification vote at Grand Rapids Community College

… exodus of members since Michigan’s right-to-work law went into effect in 2013. In 2014, … field staffer was of little help and worked more to serve the interests of the … independent union and met outside work hours to discuss the pros and the cons … more

CapCon Interview with Founding Editor Ken Braun and Mackinac Center President Joseph G. Lehman

On its fifth year anniversary, a history lesson

… the idea? Ken Braun: When I worked with (then) State Rep. Leon … newsletters landing in the right mailboxes was profound. Our … would vote like it when they worked under the Capitol dome. Politicians … of a think tank. It should work the other way around, and one … didn’t know if CapCon would work, but informing our readers … more

In Michigan, Uber Operates in a Legal Gray Area — These Bills Would Change That

A light statewide approach looks to give regulatory certainty

… transportation and discuss how to get it right for ridesharing. Michael Farren, who … airport, to medical appointments, even to work. "Uber just makes you feel like an … something, or stay logged on and [work] as much as you want. You don't really … drivers to get started quickly and work in any city supported by their app. … more

How an Ice-Making Company is Succeeding in Detroit

Working in Detroit: The business of service

… call them and they get a truck here right away,” said supermarket manager Justin … but you stay on it," Abbo said. "You work hard. You work every day. I would be here seven days … Chaldean Chamber, the city actually worked with us this time. I really saw an … more

Evidence? We Don’t Need No Stinkin’ Evidence, Imply Tourism Officials

Tourism officials make claims they can’t support

… misinformation from a study by a far right think tank that has already been discredited.” … curious about Richeson’s claim that our work had been discredited. Starting on April … Longwoods study and Richeson dismisses our work as “discredited” while refusing to … The Pure Michigan program doesn’t work and its key supporters can’t prove … more

School Choice Week Puts Michigan Progress in Perspective

Choice popular with parents, still needs vigorous defense

… and the need for defending parents’ right to choose. No anti-choice attack had … online learning options that have worked very well for some families. Early … choose private education options that work for them. The 2017 documentary School, … popularity and success of choice. But much work remains to be done to provide families … more

2019 State Budget: Cut Corporate Welfare for Roads and Economic Growth

A good road system contributes to economic growth

… their intervention. But they do not work like that. In fact, a great deal of scholarly evidence shows that their work is ineffective — and maybe even harmful. … assets, from past economic development work, which could be redirected for one-time … development tools of sorts in their own right. In a review of literature involving … more

2019 State Budget: Cut Corporate Welfare for Roads and Economic Growth

… their intervention. But they do not work like that. In fact, a great deal of scholarly evidence shows that their work is ineffective — and maybe even harmful. … assets, from past economic development work, which could be redirected for one-time … development tools of sorts in their own right. In a review of literature involving … more

Eau Claire High School Makes Steady Climb

Purposeful action guides improvement from D to A grade

… have been engaged in the collective work of making sure that what we are doing … Teachers spend more time in cooperative work, reviewing data on student progress. … attendance, class participation and work ethic to help determine extracurricular … that is working to keep it on the right course. more

Call to Roll Back Third-Grade Reading Law Misguided

State should follow through and replicate successful reforms to boost reading

… as "destructive," saying she would "work to get rid of that law." But the real … generated pushback from some whose work is being shaped by the 2016 law, which … it not only focuses schools on the work at hand but also equips them with the … partner in student success. With the right priorities and focus, Michigan can … more

Some Perspective: Michigan is Stronger Now, Part 2

Our economy recovered and grew with less corporate welfare

… well as a variety of fees. Both also worked to expand eligibility rules for existing … expanded during the era and which never worked as advertised included: the 21st Century … as tax simplification and cuts, a right-to-work law and more. Our economy recovered … more

Executive Order Suspending Evictions Doesn’t Let Renters Off The Hook

People who rent out property wish the state told tenants they still must pay

… the crisis, with those thrown out of work benefiting from enhanced unemployment … rent holiday than a suspension of the right to evict. Not enough of the early … Michigan. “We’ve been more than happy to work with (tenants under economic stress),” … by government assistance to out-of-work tenants. It also, he said, depends … 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

One Brighton Area Schools Administrator in Line for $58,000 Increase in Pay

Top administrator takes on third job title

… years and require Gistinger to work 260 days a year. In addition … initial salary. Gistinger has worked as director of community education … extra duties for additional work is so she can be paid.” “Her … in addition to the director, work under Gistinger. The average … running a deficit. “The trend right now, in the absence of shared … more

House Has Rare Opportunity With Charter Public School Cap Vote

State Rep: 'Should we only assure quality education by zip code?'

… they have to. What might have worked 40 years ago doesn't work anymore. We need competition … are capable of selecting the right schools for their children. … traditional school is the right choice, and sometimes a charter school is the right choice. But it makes no sense … more

Mitchell Ad About Moolenaar: Truthful or Over the Top?

Sen. Moolenaar: ‘The ad he is using is very deceitful’

… Mitchell campaign, about the right to interpret the meaning of … Congressman Dave Camp and Right to Life. “It is unfortunate … sponsorship of the bill and work at the subcommittee level.” … Primary Race Contrast Over Right-to-Work, Film Subsidies, Detroit Bailout … more

MEDC Feeling the Heat for Corporate Welfare Deals Coming Home to Roost

$9 billion in special deals projected

… information the public has a right to know, the news media has a right to know and the lawmakers have a right to know.” The tab for the … in as the Legislature begins work on the next fiscal year budget. … provide greater visibility and work more closely with the state. … more

Debate on Eduation Bills Focuses On Choice

Who is best suited to decide what school a child should attend — parents or school administrators?

… stay exactly where they are right now. If the programs and opportunities … educated in environments that work best for them, not to maintain … best equipped to make the right choices for their own children, … best chance of getting it right. BIRMINGHAM: We know that … community have the democratic right to vote those school board … more

How Will Tea Party Success in the Primaries Play out in November?

… important thing this primary told us is that the right is fired up; there were record turnouts in the … Arkansas is hardly a big labor state. Arkansas has a right-to-work law, and according to the union membership and … more

SEIU Healthcare Michigan Lives on Without 'Employer'

… and some high placed government officials then worked around the legislature to give these providers … unionization scheme, “once and for all” Wright says right now, the Legislature is poised to end the entire … Legislature,” Wright said. “One way that body can right this wrong and reassert its Constitutional authority … more

Bill To Prevent U of M Grad Student Research Assistant Unionization Headed To Governor

… unionizing students is ludicrous,” Ulaby said. “The work they perform cannot be distinguished from working … supported it would rob he and other GSRAs of their “right” to vote on joining the union. “Why would the legislature want to take away our right to vote?” Moore said. Cynthia H. Wilbanks, U of … more

13-Year-Old to Reopen Hot Dog Cart

… however, the Holland City Council granted Nathan the right to operate in the area through October. A city … allow temporary commercial uses in the public right-of-way.” Holland Mayor Kurt Dykstra says he urged … defend the ordinance in the belief that it has worked to improve the downtown. Similar ordinances exist … more

Delay Strengthens 'No Medicaid Expansion' Case

Postponing employer mandate makes Obamacare more vulnerable

… Carney explains, a growing concensus on both the right and the left takes root to repeal the employer … kill the employer mandate altogether. The left-right agreement comes from the observation that employer-based … can't make Obamacare's income verification scheme work in time: As I go back and forth on Twitter with … more

August 9, 2013, MichiganVotes.org Weekly Vote Report

… Gregory (D), to mandate that employers grant 20 work-days of leave (160 hours) to a member of the U.S. … public health and safety. Individuals would have a right to sue if an occupational regulation excessively burdens their right to earn a living in a lawful occupation. Referred … more

Pressure Mounting For MEDC Transparency

House Democrats call for scrutiny of corporate welfare programs; accountability for tax dollars

… Policy in saying that Michigan taxpayers have the right to find out whether the MEDC is spending tax dollars … does nothing to increase MEDC transparency. "Right now all the bill does is tell the Legislature how … wants the bill to be redrafted. "This remains a work in progress," Rep. Leonard said. "We're diligently … more

Minimum Wage, Minimum Employment

… and hire more workers. It is also morally the right thing to do for our families.” His analysis is … back some political ground they lost during the right-to-work fight.  Theory and evidence very clearly point … more

Stances on Corporate Welfare a Difference In Michigan's 39th House Race

Rep. Klint Kesto vs. Deb O'Hagan

… prevailing wage law would move Michigan in the right direction in that aspect.” The differences between … 86th District House Primary Race Contrast Over Right-to-Work, Film Subsidies, Detroit Bailout In 31st District … more

One Lawsuit Settled, But No Truce in Wind Energy Debate

… Shineldecker said. “It took about two months to work out the wording; then ours was actually finalized … like the way it happened with cigarettes. But right now those who know the truth are a minority. The … five years ago. I believe that in our democracy, right will win in the end, but only after a lot of sacrifices … more

How Wind Energy Creates More Dependence on Fossil Fuels

'Any informed student of wind energy ... understands that'

… example: Wind farms are dependent on the weather to work, and most of the time they're sitting idle or underperforming … the wind dies, the lights still have to stay on. Right now that's done with natural gas. ...” According … regardless of whether they are on the left or the right politically, understands that, far from freeing … more

Public Sector Unions Vague About How They Spend Dues Money

Many members have trouble finding out financial details

… Plymouth-Canton Community Schools, has exercised her right to no longer pays union dues under Michigan's new right-to-work law. But she nevertheless wants more financial … more

Don’t Subsidize Billionaires’ Hobbies; Take Away the Copyright

… Mason University, he updated some of his earlier work to include more cities over a longer time frame. … pay for the stadium, shouldn’t the public get a right to see what’s broadcast from that stadium? Giving … corporate welfare for the 1 percent. Those on the right should support a law that limits taxpayers’ liability … more

Michigan Should Make Detroit Public Schools an All-Charter System

… provider to independent schools.) Making this model work requires empowering and attracting great school … across the city and allow more parents to find the right school fit for their children. Putting more power … box of traditional thinking and to create the right conditions that will promote future success. more

DeVos Attacked For Supporting Free Speech, Due Process On Campus

Group she supported exposed the checkered free-speech record of Michigan universities

… been under heavy criticism by the media for her work promoting school choice and charter schools in … said were violating students’ First Amendment right to free speech. But Democratic Sen. Bob Casey … director, John Rizzo, tweeted that FIRE is a “far right” group that’s “determined to roll back the progress … more

Happy Anniversary Tax Hikers

Ten years have passed since we took your bait

… to anyone’s Lucy. Having a football pulled away right before you kick it — despite assurances it would … spend a little less than we receive. … I have worked to … [roll] back the income tax to 3.9 percent … bills of government. Adopting a tax cut now is the right thing to do. The economy is better. State government … more

Choice Satisfies Most Parents, Appeals to Most Voters

New surveys highlight favorable experiences, need for more options

… educational opportunity. But that doesn’t mean they will work out for everyone. While most parents who select … schools. Most respondents say Michigan has the right amount of choice, but those who say the state needs … listened to families who have exercised their right to choose, we might begin to have more conversations … more

Choice Satisfies Most Parents, Appeals to Most Voters

New surveys highlight favorable experiences, need for more options

… that doesn’t mean that any particular school will work out for any given student. While most parents who … schools. Most respondents say Michigan has the right amount of choice, but those who say the state needs … listened to families who have exercised their right to choose, we might begin to have more conversations … more

More Talk, Less Action for Troubled School Districts?

Whitmer’s budget encourages creation of more committees

… Harbor, or suggest what happens if those plans don’t work. Yet the governor, in different parts of her proposed … rather than the number enrolled in the past year. Right now, this three-year “membership blend” option … than what Benton Harbor would be eligible for. Right now, it’s the only district that could get this … 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

MichCapCon Profile: The 11th State Senate District Primary

… endorsing making Michigan into a right-to-work state (see: www.MichCapCon.com/10312). … the Democrats against the right-to-work amendment. Another spending … services like busing and custodial work (see: www.MichCapCon.com/9024). … more

Home Health Care 'Dues Skim' Worse Than Previously Thought

'This is Crony Unionism'

… individual providers, only 3,844 work for more than one client/patient. … that Indiana is becoming a right-to-work state. Gov. Rick Snyder has … ask Gov. Snyder  to push for right-to-work here in Michigan.” To hold … more

Here's Where the Candidates Stand In Michigan's 42nd House Race

Nick Fiani, Rich Perlberg, Dale Rogers and Lana Theis sound off

… the way they are utilized right now, it may not be the most … wages be paid on construction work funded by tax dollars. Should … contracts for construction work should be required to verified … Primary Race Contrast Over Right-to-Work, Film Subsidies, Detroit Bailout … more

Having Police on Foot Patrols Benefits Communities, Experts Say

… problems facing law enforcement right now: the increase of crime … priorities. Hadley hopes that police work within the community, rather … communities well, they could work with them to solve the small … fissure in American policing right now … between the ‘warrior … intensive and can often mean more work, but the short- and long-term … more

While Schools Try Fiscal Responsibility, Union Sets Up Protests

Clintondale and Richmond are trying to stay out of financial trouble, but it may not last

… instructional material. The efforts worked: The district eliminated its … violation of Michigan’s 2013 right-to-work law. And despite the deficits, … illegal provisions related to right-to-work and the automatic deductions … more

Critics Say Congressman McCotter Supports Bailout of Union Pensions

… kept well-funded takes more work for little visible effect — and may well work against winning more benefits … retirees in the plans that worked for bankrupt companies and … Republicans Help House Dems Dump Right-to-Work School Pension Reform Stalls … more

Cop Union Boss Boasts of Beating Lawmakers With Flashlights: If Soldiers Don’t Have Unions, Why Do Police and Teachers?

… individuals, they retain the right to vote and speak their mind … because of the uniquely dangerous work that cops do. But this reasoning … be more dangerous military work. Imagine: “Sorry, Mr. President, … usually free to quit the job and work somewhere else the next day. … activities — up to and including a work stoppage — that will increase … 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

So What Happens if the May 5 $2 Billion Tax Hike Fails?

Pundits give their thoughts

… fails, lawmakers will need to work hard to come up with an alternative. … deal — even a deal that didn't work — they're going to be happy … make another one. The far right is even happier than the Dems … faltering. If Prop 1 fails, the far right will also remain ready to make … only the Dems and the hard right. In short, everybody is ready … more

'He's Just Making That Up' — No Shortage of Attacks In 3rd Congressional District GOP Primary

Congressman Justin Amash vs. Brian Ellis

… action committees including Right-to-Life Michigan PAC, Grand … Representatives and before that worked as a lawyer for his family's … has received could be from Right to Life of Michigan. "He (Amash) … voting record with National Right to Life. The Right to Life endorsement my opponent … more

What Does a Statesman Look Like?

… careers of accomplishment to temporarily serve the public. They don’t have to work for government because that’s all they know how to do. They stand for a … campaign. Because they seek the truth, statesmen are more likely to do what’s right than what may be politically popular at the moment. You know where they … more

School Privatization Grows Again (Revised Version)

… that the district attempted to obtain sufficient concessions to keep the work in house, but was rebuffed each time, leaving the district no choice but … Peninsula district of White Pine because, as in 2006, it has no students. Done right, school support service privatization can save money and improve services … more

I'm Just a Bill

A sampling of proposed new state laws, as described on MichiganVotes.org

… from a local authority. The bill increases civil fines for unauthorized work from $5,000 to $50,000, and for unauthorized demolition to $150,000. It … Would require a plaque honoring the Second Amendment's recognition of the right of individuals to keep and bear arms to be placed on the Capitol grounds, … more

Budget Savings Drained and Raises Continue at Alpena Schools

… "Automatic step increases are often viewed by unions as a natural-born right. In reality, they're a luxury that districts pay mightily for." But Deb Larson, a Michigan Education Association staffer who worked with the Alpena teachers, said those teachers "absolutely" deserved the … more

Ethanol Could Go on GOP Chopping Block

Top Michigan Republican has 'unique opportunity' to 'kill' subsidies

… being to lower the amount of oil needed. But many experts say this doesn't work. "Contrary to popular belief, ethanol fuel does little or nothing to increase … said Green. "In many ways, this is an issue in which the left and the right find agreement," said Harding. "Unfortunately, many of the Republicans are … more

Did the Auto Bailout Really Save One Million Jobs?

… costs is the comparison of employment in the auto industry between RTW (right-to-work) states and Michigan.  And that doesn't even directly capture the monumental … more

Hiding the Evidence?

… subsidies. John West, an attorney representing the unions in the National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation lawsuit, told a judge that any group that accepted … more

State of Michigan to Stop Illegal ‘Union Dues’ Withdrawals From Checks to Home-Based Day Care Providers

‘Fantastic news’ needs to be coupled with legislative action to prevent similar schemes in the future, says Mackinac Center attorney

… illegal arrangement also prompted an ongoing federal lawsuit by the National Right-to-Work Legal Defense Foundation on behalf of several Michigan clients. ##### more

BREAKING NEWS: State to Stop Illegal ‘Union Dues’ Withdrawals From Day Care Providers

… illegal arrangement also prompted an ongoing federal lawsuit by the National Right-to-Work Legal Defense Foundation on behalf of several Michigan clients. ##### more

The Compensation of An “Unappreciated” and “Devalued” Spanish Teacher

… be paid like private school teachers, we should “reap the same benefits” right? A room full of students who come to you ALREADY yearning for an education, … push them to do well in school.” L’Anse Creuse teachers are contracted to work 7 hour, 15 minute days for 176 days a year. The superintendent works 260 … more

MichiganVotes.org March 18 Weekly Roll Call Report

… Appeals decision (Woodman v. Kera) determined that parents do not have the right to waive liability for their children. House Bill 4111, Provide limited … working on the project. A Democratic amendment to ban volunteers from doing work previously done by a full time government employee was defeated on a voice … more

'Ryan Budget' A Litmus Test for Michigan Politicians

… cuts enough. ~~~~~ See also: GOP Politicians Love the Spending, Reserve Right to Criticize the Revenue Just One Michigan Republican Votes for Labor Union Monopoly Over Government Construction Work Which Republicans Can Snyder Count on for K-12 Reform? Superintendent … more

Case Ends; Forced Unionization Still a Threat

Attorney: Policymakers should ensure it can't happen again, end similar scheme affected home health care providers

… He added that he is monitoring a federal lawsuit brought by the National Right-to-Work Legal Defense Foundation on behalf of several Michigan clients seeking repayment … more

Commentary: How Unions Run Government … And Democrats

… delivered to the union. Union officials who live off these coerced dues then work to elect legislators who will increase government employees’ pay and perks, … how the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, Michigan Republican Party (MRP) and Right To Life of Michigan coordinate on campaigns on the other side.” more

Michigan Taxpayers Fork Over $912K for Video Game

Fiscal expert: "[S]ubsidies to game makers doesn’t create new wealth, it just shifts it around. From whom was this money taken?"

… game.” “It is not the state’s job to judge whether or not we have the right mentality to engage in entrepreneurial work,” LaFaive wrote in an e-mail. “Suggesting that is the case is like saying … more

MEA, Recalls and the ‘Grassroots’: Who is the Tail and Who is the Dog?

Union boss claims limited involvement in recalls, but union magazine tells another story

… letter reads: “Collectively, we must forge ahead and have hope that what is right and just will prevail. MEA is in the second phase of a three-part crisis … Michigan Chamber Taking on 'Greedy Teachers Union' Inside the Teachers Union ‘Work Stoppage’ Vote: A Teacher Speaks Out Illegal Teacher Strike Rumored After … more

Breaking News: Michigan Loses Population Again

… are significant as well. Among the nine states listed above, six maintain Right-to-Work statutes and another, Colorado, maintains a labor peace act, which makes … more

Do We Let Unions Bankrupt Governments?

What the fight over Public Act 4 is all about

… a more nuanced approach to reshaping labor relations. Indiana enacted a right-to-work law, abolishing forced union support. Ohio and Wisconsin overhauled their … more

Teacher Upset She Can't Retire at 47

MEA member says reform bill calling for teachers to contribute minimally to retirement is unfair

… 47 years old. That wouldn’t be possible under SB 1040. List would have to work another 16 years to be eligible for health benefits." “By the time I’m … for the cost of one and encourage young people to join the profession. Right now, I would not recommend to my pupils to become a teacher in Michigan.” … more

Study: Feds Favoring UAW in Auto Bailout Cost Taxpayers Extra $26.5B

Union received benefits not normally associated with bankruptcy

… Anti-Democratic Principles UAW Member: Union Workers 'Need to Embrace' Right-to-Work Laws Did the Auto Bailout Really Save One Million Jobs? Bailout Wal-Ma … more