Michigan Policy Wonk

Problems

• MSU study: Michigan public schools face nation’s sharpest decline in state funding

State Sen. Wayne Schmidt, a Michigan Political Leadership Program alumni, talks about Michigan’s decline in school funding.

• Michigan Supports Move from Coal to Solar and Wind

IPPSR Interim Director Arnold Weinfeld, MSU economist Charles Ballard and Sharlissa Moore, of MSU’s College of Engineering and James Madison College, discuss Michiganders' support for more renewable energy.

• With flat budget, Gov. Whitmer’s search for Michigan road money gets harder

IPPSR affiliate Charles Ballard quoted on Bridge Magazine discussing Michigan’s road funding problem for Governor Whitmer’s first budget

Policy

• Rep. Webber introduces legislation to reform no-fault auto insurance system

MPLP alumni and state Rep. Michael Webber introduced two bills to bring greater transparency and accountability in Michigan’s auto insurance system

• Bill would create mental health training for Michigan teachers

MPLP alumni and state Sen. Sylvia Santana talks about her bill seeking professional development for teachers on “mental health first aid” with Michigan Public Radio

• Michigan schools face nation’s worst decline in state education funding

David Arson, MSU professor of education policy and lead author of a new school finance study, concludes that “Michigan has tried to improve schools on the cheap.” He is an IPPSR affiliate faculty member.

Politics

• Michigan Republicans ask court to reject gerrymandering settlement

Michigan Republican legislators push back against settlement of a redistricting lawsuit sought by newly elected Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, an MPLP alumni.

• Ex-Legislative Leaders: Hike Fuel Taxes 47 Cents for Roads

Ken Sikkema, a past IPPSR Forum panelist, is part of a bipartisan group of former legislators seeking ways to find the finances to repair the state’s crumbling roads.

• Snyder forms new company as ex-officials land new gigs

MPLP Alumni Jamie Clover Adams, former director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, has moved to a federal agriculture position.