Given Michigan ranks as the state with the second-highest unemployment rate in the country, trailing only Nevada, the West Michigan Policy Forum states anti-growth policies are eroding the state’s economic foundation.
In turn, Michigan has seen the largest increase in its unemployment rate among all 50 states in the last year.
Under Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Michigan has repealed its Right-to-Work protections, reinstated the outdated Prevailing Wage law, and refused to honor a promised income tax rollback, and failed to “fix the damn roads.”
The decisions have discouraged job creation, increased costs for employers, and signaled to both businesses and workers throughout the world that Michigan is no longer open for growth.
“Michigan families deserve opportunity, not policies that push jobs and people away,” says Jase Bolger, policy advisor to the West Michigan Policy Forum. “Instead of learning from the country’s fastest-growing states, our leaders doubled down on failed ideas. We need to reverse course and free Michiganders to innovate, create jobs, and thrive.
“That starts with restoring Right-to-Work, repealing prevailing wage mandates, and delivering the income tax relief our families were promised. It continues by reversing our failures in education where we’ve thrown more money but required less accountability and our kids are left paying the price.”
On many metrics, over the last six years, Michigan has been ranked among the third worst states in country in K-12 public education.
The West Michigan Policy Forum states it has consistently advocated for a pro-growth agenda that mirrors successful strategies from states like Florida, Texas, and Tennessee — states that are gaining both jobs and residents.
To truly restore Michigan’s competitiveness and economic future, the Policy Forum also urges the governor and lawmakers to help create safer communities. shift the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s focus from handing out incentives to removing barriers for businesses, and prioritize essential services, eliminate waste, and resist unnecessary expansions that would burden taxpayers.
“We’re calling on every lawmaker to listen to the people and deploy common sense; you can’t be pro-worker by being anti-job provider,” Bolger says. “The public is not asking for higher taxes or more red tape.
“They want good jobs, safe neighborhoods, and a state where their children can build a future. These are reasonable goals and achievable if we enact the right policies.”
For more information about the West Michigan Policy Forum’s policy priorities, visit wmpolicyforum.com.
