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Column: To improve kids’ lives, look at the evidence
This week, the Michigan League for Public Policy released its biennial Kids Count in Michigan Data Book, providing a deep dive into child well-being along four metrics: economic security, education, health and safety, and family and community. For the first time, we also included a feature on Michigan’s young adults, who have their own challenges […]
Column: Reproductive freedom has always been an economic issue
New research from the Michigan League for Public Policy illustrates that the economic costs to women of restricting abortion access are great. The U.S. Supreme Court’s July decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization upended nearly 50 years of protection under Roe ensuring the right to access abortion care. This right was immediately threatened […]
Column: Flaws in Michigan’s Opportunity Zone program require the state to take action
A new report from the Michigan League for Public Policy (MLPP) looks into the impacts of federal Opportunity Zones on Michigan communities and state revenue. The Opportunity Zone program, adopted as part of the 2017 federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, provides tax breaks for wealthy investors who invest in neighborhoods with high poverty rates […]
Column: Our tax dollars are what make Michigan communities great
I’ll be the first to admit I don’t enjoy (and often put off) filing my income tax returns every year. I dream of a day when we will join the 36 countries which already use return-free filing. Yet despite my procrastination, I am happy to know that I’m doing my part to support our federal, […]
Column: How boosting the EITC will help Michigan workers and families
Today marks national EITC Awareness Day, highlighting one of the most effective tax credits for working families in the state and federal tax system. The Earned Income Tax Credit is a one-two punch of economic impact that bumps up everyone’s bottom line and benefits every corner of the state, and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s proposal and […]
Column: Tax changes in Build Back Better are necessary and affordable
The U.S. House passed the Build Back Better bill Friday morning, and there’s much to applaud in this legislation. On top of providing needed help to families struggling to meet everyday challenges like paying rent and putting food on the table, affording child care and preschool, or paying for college, early estimates also suggest the […]