The Mackinac Center for Public Policy

06/06/2026

The Michigan House of Representatives created a robust Oversight Committee last year, with various subcommittees focused on specific public policy areas. It’s been a long time since there was this kind of dedication to reviewing state government operations.

Here are some ideas for doing it

06/06/2026

A great evening in Grand Rapids at “An Evening with the Mackinac Center,” celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. It was wonderful to see so many people gathered to reflect on our nation’s history and hear from acclaimed historian Walter Isaacson.

06/05/2026

Housing costs have spiked in Michigan. Rental and mortgage rates are higher than they were just a few years ago. A key reason for this increase in costs is that there isn’t enough supply to meet demand – builders aren’t able to build enough to keep up with what customers want.

Limiting what local governments can zone is not a strange concept

06/05/2026

Foster care will always be necessary in some cases. The question is whether Michigan’s system is structured to deliver stability, transparency and real accountability. Find out how we can improve outcomes and ensure a safer, more stable future for Michigan’s most vulnerable children.

Issues & Ideas Forum

06/05/2026

In Michigan, you need a license to cut hair, roof a house or operate a polygraph machine. But you need no training at all to write the laws that govern those professions.

Don’t vote for magical thinking

06/04/2026

As Michigan lawmakers consider cutting and limiting property taxes, it’s worth checking out some facts and trends about Michigan’s property tax.

After-inflation collection up 22% since 2013

06/04/2026

Michigan received a $125 million federal grant that it will share with school districts to cover the cost of buying 322 electric powered buses and 54 propane powered buses.

Uncle Sam provides $125 million for replacement vehicles

06/04/2026

“We came to America legally because of its freedom and liberties, and we've never looked back.” Hillsdale College professor Khalil Habib says his family arrived with very little, but the opportunities they found in the United States changed their lives forever. Watch our entire discussion here: https://www.mackinac.org/events/2026/may-26-is-the-world-better-off-with-america

06/04/2026

Data centers do indeed use a lot of energy. But so do a lot of other companies. Hemlock Semiconductor uses 400 megawatts of electricity during full production and is the number one user of energy in Michigan. But it would not make sense for Michigan to shut the company down.

Energy-reduction policies leave a smaller pie for businesses and citizens

06/03/2026

The president is right to make affordable homeownership one of his biggest priorities, but using the government’s awesome power to impose more restrictions won’t make much difference. Democrats and Republicans in Michigan show a better way: namely, getting government out of the way.

Reform state and local zoning laws