West Michigan Policy Forum

10/22/2026

Another ranking puts Michigan in the bottom 10. Families are packing up for states with better tax, regulatory, and education policies, leaving Michigan 41st in outbound migration, according to U-Haul.

As our family and friends move away, other states are moving forward and Michigan continues to fall behind, but you can help drive Michigan in the right direction. Before you vote for state offices, check out our Election Report Card: https://bit.ly/3YfebEu

10/21/2026

Policy matters, and so does the quality of life for our families. Who we elect this November shapes the policies that follow, and those decisions have the power to make Michigan a better place to live and raise a family.

That means honoring the retirement commitments made to our teachers, troopers, and state workers instead of passing the cost on to the next generation. It means turning those future savings into real relief for every Michigan household. And it means cutting the red tape that’s raising energy costs and limiting the reliable power our state will need.

Talk to your candidates, press the issues, and make your voice heard on Nov. 3.

10/07/2026

We grade our kids. Why not our politicians? Our president and CEO Jase Bolger explains how our report card measures the votes that matter most to Michigan's future.

Check the grades and see how our candidates have voted on education reforms, job regulations, energy costs, and more, then get out and vote. Your voice matters.

09/29/2026

What questions should you be asking your candidates this election?

U.S. News ranks Michigan fifth worst overall: bottom-five education, bottom-ten economy and infrastructure. That's no accident. It's policy, and the policy that follows this election matters.

Watch our President & CEO Bolger explain what questions we need our candidates to answer. Your voice matters, so remember to talk to candidates, press the issues, and cast your ballot since Michigan's future depends on it.

09/23/2026

Policy choices shape outcomes, from our classrooms to our economy. Our president and CEO Jase Bolger takes a clear-eyed look at where Michigan stands today and what it will take to move forward, starting with our Kids education.

Our next steps are up to voters. Watch to learn which questions to bring to your candidates this election season.

09/10/2026

Michigan's 3rd grade reading scores just hit a new record low. Meanwhile, states that stuck with proven reforms have climbed into the Top 10 nationally for 4th grade reading.

Teachers want to help kids succeed, and they deserve policy that supports them in doing so. Our President and CEO Jase Bolger spoke on this with Michigan's Big Show, breaking down what's driving the decline and what real support for teachers and students looks like.

Give it a listen:

Podcast Episode · Michigan's Big Show · September 9 · 8m

09/09/2026

Michigan just fell out of the Top 10 for state business climate, now ranking #18. Why? Because of costly energy mandates passed in 2023, making it harder to supply power and more expensive to use it. Michigan's estimated residential electric bills are on pace to climb from about $1,190 to nearly $4,731 by 2050.

This isn't just a policy debate, it's proof of fewer employers choosing Michigan, fewer career opportunities for the next generation, and real strain on family budgets that are already stretched thin.

Our President and CEO Jase Bolger breaks down what changed and what it will take to fix it, including repealing the cost-raising mandates and planning for affordable energy.

Help us urge those running for office to repeal these mandates. Michigan's future depends on it.

08/26/2026

In case you missed it, Michigan added $502 million to education spending. So why is literacy getting worse, not better?

Mississippi found the answer, and we're breaking down why Michigan is still falling behind despite a total increase of nearly $7 billion in education spending.

08/10/2026

Michigan is one of only 19 states that hasn't opted into the federal Scholarship Tax Credit. That means 90% of kids in other states have access to education options, like tutoring, scholarships, and individualized learning, that Michigan kids don't.

It costs taxpayers nothing. It doesn't touch the School Aid Fund. It just requires the Governor's signature.

Colorado's governor signed on. New York's governor pledged to. Michigan's kids are still waiting.

Read why Gov. Whitmer should opt in now:
https://bit.ly/3TFnbV1

Each child is unique. Every Michigan kid needs an education environment that works for them. The West Michigan Policy Forum has long called for unique, individualized solutions for kids as a core part of any serious reform agenda, alongside real accountability and a relentless focus on literacy. The...

07/31/2026

Only 1 in 4 eligible voters turn out for primaries. Meanwhile, Michigan's income ranking has dropped to 40th worst in the nation, and our kids rank 44th worst for reading.

Before you vote on or before August 4th, research where candidates stand on reading reform, right to work, the MEDC, and affordable energy.

Michigan deserves better rankings. It starts with better turnout.