Citizens Research Council of Michigan
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Citizens Research Council of Michigan
@crcmich.bsky.social
The Citizens Research Council was established in 1916 to bring about sound public policy through factual research. Nonpartisan. Independent.

#FactsMatter
crcmich.org
⚕️As federal government health leadership pulls back from its role as a coordinating force for health expertise, guidance, and data collection, states have begun forming health alliances to fill the gaps.
👩‍⚕️Michigan should consider joining or creating a health alliance.💊
crcmich.org/states-are-f...
States are Forming Public Health Alliances; Michigan Should Consider Joining  - Citizens Research Council of Michigan
Much attention has focused on changes to vaccine recommendations and controversial messaging from the federal government about Tylenol use during pregnancy causing autism. But, a big part of the story...
crcmich.org
November 13, 2025 at 5:52 PM
From the archives:

"It is critical to stop perpetuating existing problems by repeating the mistakes of the past."

crcmich.org/dennis_divid...
Michigan Must Prioritize Urban Transportation Policy that Works for All Citizens - Citizens Research Council of Michigan
A recent report, "Divided by Design," points a way forward to create a transportation system that works for all Michiganders.
crcmich.org
November 11, 2025 at 6:05 PM
To all the tax policy wonks out there: our 39th edition of the Outline of the Michigan Tax System went out today, including all tax changes enacted as part of the budget and roads agreement. It's a ready reference for all your Michigan tax questions. Bookmark it today!
crcmich.org/publications...
Outline of the Michigan Tax System - 39th Edition - Citizens Research Council of Michigan
This outline is designed to be a ready reference to the 68 taxes authorized for the state and local government in Michigan.  It contains information on each of the 43 state and 25 local taxes effectiv...
crcmich.org
November 10, 2025 at 8:11 PM
Reposted by Citizens Research Council of Michigan
Late autumn through early winter is a great time to spot invasive trees and shrubs. A few of Michigan’s most widespread woody invasives hold their green leaves longer than most any native species.

crcmich.org/dennis-woody...
Michigan's Natural Resource Economy is Threatened by Invasive Trees and Shrubs - Citizens Research Council of Michigan
Michigan must adopt and fund a program to manage invasive woody species to protect and leverage natural resources.
crcmich.org
November 7, 2025 at 3:06 PM
Late autumn through early winter is a great time to spot invasive trees and shrubs. A few of Michigan’s most widespread woody invasives hold their green leaves longer than most any native species.

crcmich.org/dennis-woody...
Michigan's Natural Resource Economy is Threatened by Invasive Trees and Shrubs - Citizens Research Council of Michigan
Michigan must adopt and fund a program to manage invasive woody species to protect and leverage natural resources.
crcmich.org
November 7, 2025 at 3:06 PM
“When you have structural policy issues that are leading to money not being spent efficiently, it’s probably not a wise thing to throw more money into that system.”

www.michiganpublic.org/transportati...
Research group says Michigan's new road funding plan has some issues, but "certainly can't hurt"
The plan, a key part of Governor Gretchen Whitmer's promise to "fix the damn roads" commits about $2 billion to road building and repair as part of the state's fiscal year 2026 budget.
www.michiganpublic.org
November 1, 2025 at 2:29 PM
Michigan is making meaningful investments in at-risk students. But increased transparency and accountability is needed to make sure the investments are working.

crcmich.org/new-budget-p...
New Budget Pours $250 Million More into “At-risk” Student Funding, But Asks School Districts for Little More in the Way of Increased Transparency or Accountability - Citizens Research Council of Michi...
In a Nutshell Michigan’s new K-12 budget provides a massive funding increase to local school districts for supplemental academic services for low-income and other students deemed at-risk of poor educa...
crcmich.org
October 31, 2025 at 2:57 PM
The Michigan Spreme Court declined to hear an appeal regarding Stormwater Utility Fees. We discussed this case following the 2024 Appelate Court decision. Read more here:

crcmich.org/dennis_platt...
Michigan Appellate Court Ruling Upholds Stormwater Utilities - Citizens Research Council of Michigan
A ruling by the Michigan Court of Appeals upholds the use of stormwater utility (SWU) fees in Michigan.
crcmich.org
October 28, 2025 at 5:38 PM
Reposted by Citizens Research Council of Michigan
@freep.com: Eric Paul Dennis-an infrastructure researcher at the Citizens Research Council of Michigan-who has called on state leaders to "Fix the Damn Road Funding Formula" sees a missed opportunity to improve Michigan's road funding system in the new plan." #michigan
www.freep.com/story/news/p...
New Michigan road plan promises billions to bring smoother drive: Here's how
The new road funding plan approved by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has environmental, education and cannabis industry advocates concerned.
www.freep.com
October 27, 2025 at 4:02 PM
Reposted by Citizens Research Council of Michigan
Parking mandates are one of those 1950s planning psuedo-sciences that we're still dealing with, to no one's benefit.
crcmich.org/dennis_20240...
Michigan Should Eliminate Parking Mandates - Citizens Research Council of Michigan
Municipal parking mandates obstruct efforts to create vibrant livable communities.
crcmich.org
October 27, 2025 at 2:12 PM
👻 🎃 If your neighborhood isn’t trick-or-treatable, it’s probably not sustainable; Halloween offers a golden opportunity to recognize this: the same attributes that make for a fiscally sustainable neighborhood also make for a trick-or-treatable neighborhood. crcmich.org/dennis-trick...
If your Neighborhood isn’t Trick-or-treatable, it’s Probably not Sustainable - Citizens Research Council of Michigan
Halloween provides an opportunity to intuitively observe what makes for sustainable development. Neighborhoods that are “trick-or-treatable” provide an example of development patterns that support soc...
crcmich.org
October 22, 2025 at 2:38 PM
In our latest Research Brief, President Eric Lupher urges the legislature to revisit Michigan's approach to revenue sharing with local governments.

crcmich.org/it-is-time-t...
It is Time to Revisit Michigan’s Revenue Sharing Programs - Citizens Research Council of Michigan
In a Nutshell The State of Michigan collects taxes to fund many services, but it is responsible for providing a limited number of them. Most of the funds the state collects are transferred to others f...
crcmich.org
October 21, 2025 at 3:28 PM
Our latest Citizens Research Council of Michigan "Budget Note" unpacks the new Fiscal Year 2026 state budget enacted last week.

crcmich.org/publications...
Unpacking the FY2026 State Budget: Six Things You Should Know - Citizens Research Council of Michigan
In a Nutshell Kindly consider a $50 donation for unlimited access to this important report. We have always made all of our publications, whether in paper or electronic format, available to all without...
crcmich.org
October 17, 2025 at 3:04 PM
Michigan's policy and politics often centers around a State Supreme Court decision from 1998 that set guidelines for how the government could institute a tax.

crcmich.org/revisiting-t...
Revisiting the 1998 Seminal Bolt Decision - Citizens Research Council of Michigan
In a Nutshell: As we have highlighted frequently, Michigan’s local governments face significant challenges in sustaining local revenues to fund the public services they provide. The challenges stem fr...
crcmich.org
October 8, 2025 at 10:11 PM
Reposted by Citizens Research Council of Michigan
Northville loses fight to keep COVID-era on-street dining in downtown

www.detroitnews.com/story/news/l...
Northville loses fight to keep on-street dining in downtown
A judge ruled Wednesday in favor of the group Let's Open Northville, which argued on-street dining violates the city's charter.
www.detroitnews.com
October 1, 2025 at 5:32 PM
CRC's latest issue brief highlights the importants of providing Michigan's Dept. of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) with the funding necessary to protect Michigans water resources. crcmich.org/cafopermitti...
Regulation of Large Livestock Farms is Not Working for Farmers or the Environment - Citizens Research Council of Michigan
Concentrated animial feed lots, sometimes called 'factory farms,' pose a unique challenge for environmental regulators.
crcmich.org
October 1, 2025 at 7:37 PM
ICYMI, CRC's recent report explores the potential for local governments to support essential public services through an admissions [ticket] tax. Michigan is one of the few states that doesn't use this.

crcmich.org/publications...
Evaluating Local-Option Admission Taxes in Michigan Cities - Citizens Research Council of Michigan
This study focuses on Michigan cities that could use revenues from an admissions tax to offset the costs for providing the public services needed to support these venues and their visitors, to provide...
crcmich.org
September 25, 2025 at 2:21 PM
New podcast! Karley Abramson, health policy associate, speaks about how the One Big Beautiful Bill Act will impact Michiganders' health care.

crcmich.org/podcast/with...
Without renewal of healthcare tax credits, premiums expected to jump 70% - Citizens Research Council of Michigan
Karley Abramson, health policy associate for the Research Council, speaks with Guy about her most recent paper, which details how the One Big Beautiful Bill Act would likely result in about 200,000 fe...
crcmich.org
September 25, 2025 at 2:15 PM
Reposted by Citizens Research Council of Michigan
NEW: Many Michigan school districts to eat cost of school lunch as state budget remains in flux

www.detroitnews.com/story/news/l...
Many Michigan school districts to eat cost of school lunch as state budget remains in flux
Some districts are promising families school meals will be funded at least through the end of October, but their budgets are taking a hit as a result.
www.detroitnews.com
September 25, 2025 at 11:35 AM
Reposted by Citizens Research Council of Michigan
NEW: Ex-Gov. Rick Snyder pours cold water on ⁦‪Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan’s‬⁩ independent bid for governor

A surprising member of Snyder’s inner circle rejects his “relentless positive action” to fix the GOP.

www.detroitnews.com/story/opinio...
Snyder pours cold water on Duggan's independent bid for governor
A top aide to ex-Gov. Rick Snyder who supports Mike Duggan's campaign for governor said Snyder's "relentless positive action" is blurring his vision.
www.detroitnews.com
September 23, 2025 at 10:42 AM
Reposted by Citizens Research Council of Michigan
A new analysis found that without congressional action, more than 7 million people who buy their health insurance on Affordable Care Act marketplaces would pay much higher premiums next year, with nearly 5 million unable to absorb the price hike.

From @stateline.org
Close to 5M could become uninsured if Congress doesn’t extend subsidies, report says • Michigan Advance
Without congressional action, more than 7 million people who buy their health insurance on Affordable Care Act marketplaces would pay much higher premiums next year. Close to 5 million of them wouldn’...
michiganadvance.com
September 23, 2025 at 10:40 AM