A version of this column originally appeared in The Alpena News. On September 6, the three federal Unemployment Insurance (UI) programs put in place at the start of the pandemic will end. That date happens to be Labor Day. The national Century Foundation, in a new report, estimates that more than 7.5 million workers nationwide […]
Clean Slate Michigan and expungement resources
Many Michiganders have paid the price for their mistakes long ago, yet their non-violent conviction records continue to mar their names and impede attempts to rise above them and move on. These conviction records contribute to racial disparities and get in the way of employment, housing, education and more. But the new Clean Slate law […]
Bipartisanship continues to prevail on criminal justice reform with Legislature’s final passage of OWI expungement
For Immediate Release August 17, 2021 Contact: Alex Rossmanarossman@mlpp.org 517-775-9053 Bipartisanship continues to prevail on criminal justice reform with Legislature’s final passage of OWI expungement HBs 4219 and 4220 now head to Gov. Whitmer’s desk for her signature LANSING—The Michigan League for Public Policy issued the following statement on the Michigan House’s final passage today […]
Federal recovery hinges on corporations, wealthy paying their fair share
A version of this column appeared in The Alpena News. For more columns like this, subscribe to In the Loop, the League’s monthly newsletter. Well, we’re certainly enduring an unpredictable summer. From horrendous storm surges to horrendous variant surges, we’re still battling a lot as a state. But Michigan’s communities are standing strong and we’ve […]
Math in the real world: from education to tax policy
During my interview with the League, Gilda Jacobs asked why it seems like so many teachers go into public policy. It’s a funny question, but she’s not wrong to wonder. Many of my former teaching colleagues have pursued masters degrees in public affairs or public administration, and some have even run for office or plan […]
From a mom and pediatrician: Michigan needs home visiting
We’re pleased to feature this guest column from Dr. Nicole Hamp, a developmental behavioral pediatric fellow at the University of Michigan/Mott’s Children’s Hospital, and a member of the Think Babies Michigan Collaborative. A version of this column originally appeared in Bridge Michigan. Dr. Nicole Hamp One would think that when I became a parent, I […]
Strengthening our Foundation for Families
A version of this column originally appeared in the Alpena News. Home renovation shows have been on in the background for much of my life. Never my pick when given the power of the remote, I was a passive viewer at best. But last year I found myself paying closer attention. Replacing roofs, fixing unstable […]
Congress must help families by making EITC and Child Tax Credit boosts permanent
A version of this column originally appeared in Michigan Advance. The American Rescue Plan Act, signed by President Joe Biden on March 11, 2021, provided the nation with a once-in-a-generation opportunity to make historic and bold investments in our people. These investments include temporary expansions of the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)—by expanding it […]
The Latest on Unemployment Insurance
Unemployment Insurance continues to be a big issue facing Michigan workers, businesses and policymakers, and remains a big issue area for the League and our resident workforce expert and Senior Policy Analyst Peter Ruark. In the past few months, Peter has produced a report on pressing state UI reforms and bills currently before the Michigan […]
Governor’s plan to invest in affordable housing is monumental commitment to keeping Michiganders safe, healthy
For Immediate Release July 27, 2021 Contact: Laura Rosslauramr@mlpp.org517-281-1084 Governor’s plan to invest in affordable housing is monumental commitment to keeping Michiganders safe, healthy LANSING—The Michigan League for Public Policy issued the following statement on Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s announcement today of a plan to invest $100 million in federal relief dollars from the American […]