West Michigan Policy Forum

10/07/2026

We grade our kids. Why not our politicians? Our president and CEO Jase Bolger explains how our report card measures the votes that matter most to Michigan's future.

Check the grades and see how our candidates have voted on education reforms, job regulations, energy costs, and more, then get out and vote. Your voice matters.

09/29/2026

What questions should you be asking your candidates this election?

U.S. News ranks Michigan fifth worst overall: bottom-five education, bottom-ten economy and infrastructure. That's no accident. It's policy, and the policy that follows this election matters.

Watch our President & CEO Bolger explain what questions we need our candidates to answer. Your voice matters, so remember to talk to candidates, press the issues, and cast your ballot since Michigan's future depends on it.

09/23/2026

Policy choices shape outcomes, from our classrooms to our economy. Our president and CEO Jase Bolger takes a clear-eyed look at where Michigan stands today and what it will take to move forward, starting with our Kids education.

Our next steps are up to voters. Watch to learn which questions to bring to your candidates this election season.

09/10/2026

Michigan's 3rd grade reading scores just hit a new record low. Meanwhile, states that stuck with proven reforms have climbed into the Top 10 nationally for 4th grade reading.

Teachers want to help kids succeed, and they deserve policy that supports them in doing so. Our President and CEO Jase Bolger spoke on this with Michigan's Big Show, breaking down what's driving the decline and what real support for teachers and students looks like.

Give it a listen:

Podcast Episode · Michigan's Big Show · September 9 · 8m

09/09/2026

Michigan just fell out of the Top 10 for state business climate, now ranking #18. Why? Because of costly energy mandates passed in 2023, making it harder to supply power and more expensive to use it. Michigan's estimated residential electric bills are on pace to climb from about $1,190 to nearly $4,731 by 2050.

This isn't just a policy debate, it's proof of fewer employers choosing Michigan, fewer career opportunities for the next generation, and real strain on family budgets that are already stretched thin.

Our President and CEO Jase Bolger breaks down what changed and what it will take to fix it, including repealing the cost-raising mandates and planning for affordable energy.

Help us urge those running for office to repeal these mandates. Michigan's future depends on it.

08/26/2026

In case you missed it, Michigan added $502 million to education spending. So why is literacy getting worse, not better?

Mississippi found the answer, and we're breaking down why Michigan is still falling behind despite a total increase of nearly $7 billion in education spending.

08/10/2026

Michigan is one of only 19 states that hasn't opted into the federal Scholarship Tax Credit. That means 90% of kids in other states have access to education options, like tutoring, scholarships, and individualized learning, that Michigan kids don't.

It costs taxpayers nothing. It doesn't touch the School Aid Fund. It just requires the Governor's signature.

Colorado's governor signed on. New York's governor pledged to. Michigan's kids are still waiting.

Read why Gov. Whitmer should opt in now:
https://bit.ly/3TFnbV1

Each child is unique. Every Michigan kid needs an education environment that works for them. The West Michigan Policy Forum has long called for unique, individualized solutions for kids as a core part of any serious reform agenda, alongside real accountability and a relentless focus on literacy. The...

07/31/2026

Only 1 in 4 eligible voters turn out for primaries. Meanwhile, Michigan's income ranking has dropped to 40th worst in the nation, and our kids rank 44th worst for reading.

Before you vote on or before August 4th, research where candidates stand on reading reform, right to work, the MEDC, and affordable energy.

Michigan deserves better rankings. It starts with better turnout.

07/30/2026

Michigan ranks 44th in the nation for 4th grade reading. Mississippi went from 49th to 9th in just eleven years by committing to five research-backed literacy reforms.

This week, WDIV Local 4 / ClickOnDetroit asked Michigan's gubernatorial candidates where they stand on the two reforms still missing: literacy-based promotion and A-F school accountability grading.

WMPF Board Chair John Kennedy put it plainly: "This isn't about what our kids are capable of. It's about whether Lansing gives them the accountability and support to get there. We won't accomplish what Mississippi did with three-fifths of the solution.”

Read the full story:
https://bit.ly/4yG6SHk

With Michigan’s Aug. 4 gubernatorial primary approaching, a statewide policy group is pressing candidates to support two additional literacy reforms after lawmakers approved funding for three others in this year’s state budget.

07/22/2026

Michigan just added $502 million more to education spending. Total increase since 2018: nearly $7 billion.

So why is literacy getting worse, not better?

Mississippi found the answer. We break it down.