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
#FactsMatter
crcmich.org
If you thought passing last year's budget was tough, "the conference suggests that the key challenge for budget writers during FY2027 budget deliberations will be addressing deficits, rather than allocating surpluses, as has been the case for several consecutive years."
crcmich.org/three-takeaw...
crcmich.org/three-takeaw...
Three Takeaways from the January 2026 CREC - Citizens Research Council of Michigan
In a Nutshell State economists met on January 16 to hold a Consensus Revenue Estimating Conference (CREC) as required under state law to revise the revenue forecasts that will guide Governor Whitmer’s...
crcmich.org
January 19, 2026 at 3:27 PM
If you thought passing last year's budget was tough, "the conference suggests that the key challenge for budget writers during FY2027 budget deliberations will be addressing deficits, rather than allocating surpluses, as has been the case for several consecutive years."
crcmich.org/three-takeaw...
crcmich.org/three-takeaw...
"In short, the conference suggests that the key challenge for budget writers during FY2027 budget deliberations will be addressing deficits, rather than allocating surpluses, as has been the case for several consecutive years."
#MiLeg #MiPol #FactsMatter #MichiganBudget
crcmich.org/three-takeaw...
#MiLeg #MiPol #FactsMatter #MichiganBudget
crcmich.org/three-takeaw...
January 17, 2026 at 1:03 AM
"In short, the conference suggests that the key challenge for budget writers during FY2027 budget deliberations will be addressing deficits, rather than allocating surpluses, as has been the case for several consecutive years."
#MiLeg #MiPol #FactsMatter #MichiganBudget
crcmich.org/three-takeaw...
#MiLeg #MiPol #FactsMatter #MichiganBudget
crcmich.org/three-takeaw...
House Republicans have moved to unilaterally cut up to $645 million from the state budget. But is that legal? A quick listen on reforming MI's Work Project approval process with crcmich.org, Cheyna (@cheyna-roth.bsky.social) and Zach (@zachgorchow.bsky.social).
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/b...
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/b...
January 16, 2026 at 5:54 PM
House Republicans have moved to unilaterally cut up to $645 million from the state budget. But is that legal? A quick listen on reforming MI's Work Project approval process with crcmich.org, Cheyna (@cheyna-roth.bsky.social) and Zach (@zachgorchow.bsky.social).
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/b...
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/b...
"Regardless of your opinion on the specifics of the House’s action, one thing remains clear: the AG opinion effectively strips away all direct legislative oversight over the designation of work projects. ..."
crcmich.org/time-to-refo...
crcmich.org/time-to-refo...
Time to Reform the Process for Work Project Approval - Citizens Research Council of Michigan
On December 10, the House Appropriations Committee set off a shockwave by disapproving $645 million in work project spending authority. An Attorney General opinion issued on February 7 concluded the p...
crcmich.org
January 12, 2026 at 3:15 PM
"Regardless of your opinion on the specifics of the House’s action, one thing remains clear: the AG opinion effectively strips away all direct legislative oversight over the designation of work projects. ..."
crcmich.org/time-to-refo...
crcmich.org/time-to-refo...
“If you want to find waste, fraud, and abuse, you should not ignore road construction."
~ CRC Research Associate, Eric Paul Dennis
~ CRC Research Associate, Eric Paul Dennis
January 12, 2026 at 2:37 PM
“If you want to find waste, fraud, and abuse, you should not ignore road construction."
~ CRC Research Associate, Eric Paul Dennis
~ CRC Research Associate, Eric Paul Dennis
From the archives: In November 2022, the Research Council assessed Michigan's investments in connected/autonomous vehicle technology.
crcmich.org/a-reality-ch...
crcmich.org/a-reality-ch...
A Reality Check on Michigan's Autonomous Vehicle Future - Citizens Research Council of Michigan
As the autonomous vehicle hype bubble has popped, Michigan needs to refocus on practical problems.
crcmich.org
January 8, 2026 at 1:24 PM
From the archives: In November 2022, the Research Council assessed Michigan's investments in connected/autonomous vehicle technology.
crcmich.org/a-reality-ch...
crcmich.org/a-reality-ch...
In the year 2000, it was understood that Michigan's road program was in need of fundamental reform. But attempts at meaningful reform were thwarted. This new CRC research brief recounts the missed opportunity of the Act 51 Transportation Funding Study Committee.
crcmich.org/missed-oppor...
crcmich.org/missed-oppor...
The Missed Opportunity of the Act 51 Study Committee - Citizens Research Council of Michigan
A 1998 effort to improve Michigan's roads program was subsumed by entrenched interests, preventing meaningful reform.
crcmich.org
January 7, 2026 at 1:17 PM
In the year 2000, it was understood that Michigan's road program was in need of fundamental reform. But attempts at meaningful reform were thwarted. This new CRC research brief recounts the missed opportunity of the Act 51 Transportation Funding Study Committee.
crcmich.org/missed-oppor...
crcmich.org/missed-oppor...
With federal guidance on health policy becoming questionable, many states are forming alternative coalitions for information sharing and policy guidance.
crcmich.org/states-are-f...
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
January 7, 2026 at 1:10 PM
With federal guidance on health policy becoming questionable, many states are forming alternative coalitions for information sharing and policy guidance.
crcmich.org/states-are-f...
crcmich.org/states-are-f...
Independence you can trust. No lies. No partisan spin. Trusted research that is dependent on donor support. Please donate today: crcmich.org/end-of-year-appeal. #PutFactsFirst #YearEndGiving
December 16, 2025 at 3:59 PM
Independence you can trust. No lies. No partisan spin. Trusted research that is dependent on donor support. Please donate today: crcmich.org/end-of-year-appeal. #PutFactsFirst #YearEndGiving
#Factsmatter podcast drop! Host Guy Gordon and an infrastructure specialist discuss Dennis’ recent paper, taking a hard look at what was in the 2025 MI road funding package.
Support trusted, transparent, non-partisan facts: crcmich.org/end-of-year-...
Full Podcast: crcmich.org/podcast/unce...
Support trusted, transparent, non-partisan facts: crcmich.org/end-of-year-...
Full Podcast: crcmich.org/podcast/unce...
December 8, 2025 at 9:42 PM
#Factsmatter podcast drop! Host Guy Gordon and an infrastructure specialist discuss Dennis’ recent paper, taking a hard look at what was in the 2025 MI road funding package.
Support trusted, transparent, non-partisan facts: crcmich.org/end-of-year-...
Full Podcast: crcmich.org/podcast/unce...
Support trusted, transparent, non-partisan facts: crcmich.org/end-of-year-...
Full Podcast: crcmich.org/podcast/unce...
Missed #GivingTuesday? You can still put facts first. Donate to the annual appeal → crcmich.org/end-of-year-appeal #YearEndGiving #PutFactsFirst #FactsMatter
December 3, 2025 at 4:52 PM
Missed #GivingTuesday? You can still put facts first. Donate to the annual appeal → crcmich.org/end-of-year-appeal #YearEndGiving #PutFactsFirst #FactsMatter
Reposted by Citizens Research Council of Michigan
We hope you can attend, Wednesday at 11 am. Register here:⏬
crcmich.org/webinars/sdo...
💉Michigan's health outcomes lag behind those of other Midwest states and even nationally and globally. Data shows that improving Michigan's health will require addressing all policy areas. #Michigan #health #sdoh
crcmich.org/webinars/sdo...
💉Michigan's health outcomes lag behind those of other Midwest states and even nationally and globally. Data shows that improving Michigan's health will require addressing all policy areas. #Michigan #health #sdoh
December 1, 2025 at 8:15 PM
We hope you can attend, Wednesday at 11 am. Register here:⏬
crcmich.org/webinars/sdo...
💉Michigan's health outcomes lag behind those of other Midwest states and even nationally and globally. Data shows that improving Michigan's health will require addressing all policy areas. #Michigan #health #sdoh
crcmich.org/webinars/sdo...
💉Michigan's health outcomes lag behind those of other Midwest states and even nationally and globally. Data shows that improving Michigan's health will require addressing all policy areas. #Michigan #health #sdoh
We hope you can attend, Wednesday at 11 am. Register here:⏬
crcmich.org/webinars/sdo...
💉Michigan's health outcomes lag behind those of other Midwest states and even nationally and globally. Data shows that improving Michigan's health will require addressing all policy areas. #Michigan #health #sdoh
crcmich.org/webinars/sdo...
💉Michigan's health outcomes lag behind those of other Midwest states and even nationally and globally. Data shows that improving Michigan's health will require addressing all policy areas. #Michigan #health #sdoh
December 1, 2025 at 8:15 PM
We hope you can attend, Wednesday at 11 am. Register here:⏬
crcmich.org/webinars/sdo...
💉Michigan's health outcomes lag behind those of other Midwest states and even nationally and globally. Data shows that improving Michigan's health will require addressing all policy areas. #Michigan #health #sdoh
crcmich.org/webinars/sdo...
💉Michigan's health outcomes lag behind those of other Midwest states and even nationally and globally. Data shows that improving Michigan's health will require addressing all policy areas. #Michigan #health #sdoh
💊Join our webinar next week: SDOH: Pathways to a Healthier Michigan. Lagging financial resources are the root cause of poor health outcomes for Michiganders and directly affect the state's economic vitality.
📅 Mark your calendars for Wednesday, 12/3 at 11 am.
Register at: crcmich.org/webinars/sdo...
📅 Mark your calendars for Wednesday, 12/3 at 11 am.
Register at: crcmich.org/webinars/sdo...
November 25, 2025 at 6:15 PM
💊Join our webinar next week: SDOH: Pathways to a Healthier Michigan. Lagging financial resources are the root cause of poor health outcomes for Michiganders and directly affect the state's economic vitality.
📅 Mark your calendars for Wednesday, 12/3 at 11 am.
Register at: crcmich.org/webinars/sdo...
📅 Mark your calendars for Wednesday, 12/3 at 11 am.
Register at: crcmich.org/webinars/sdo...
Reposted by Citizens Research Council of Michigan
When it comes to what social factors have the greatest impact on health outcomes for Michigan residents, access to financial resources is the biggest driver, according to a new report from the Citizen’s Research Council of Michigan.
Story from @kdailey.bsky.social
Story from @kdailey.bsky.social
Report concludes that financial resources are the biggest driver of Michigan health outcomes • Michigan Advance
When it comes to what social factors have the greatest impact on health outcomes for Michigan residents, access to financial resources is the biggest driver, according to a new report from the Citizen...
michiganadvance.com
November 18, 2025 at 6:58 PM
When it comes to what social factors have the greatest impact on health outcomes for Michigan residents, access to financial resources is the biggest driver, according to a new report from the Citizen’s Research Council of Michigan.
Story from @kdailey.bsky.social
Story from @kdailey.bsky.social
Michigan fares worse than its regional, national, and even global peers in health, and it's getting worse. All data points - all roads - point to a lack of financial resources as the root cause. #Michiganhealth #SDOH #MiLeg #MiPol #MichiganPublicHealth
crcmich.org/publications...
crcmich.org/publications...
Social Determinants of Health: Pathways to a Healthier Michigan - Citizens Research Council of Michigan
Two broad themes emerge from the data presented: the interconnectedness of the social determinants of health and the centrality of financial resources in the story of Michigan residents’ lagging healt...
crcmich.org
November 18, 2025 at 8:45 PM
Michigan fares worse than its regional, national, and even global peers in health, and it's getting worse. All data points - all roads - point to a lack of financial resources as the root cause. #Michiganhealth #SDOH #MiLeg #MiPol #MichiganPublicHealth
crcmich.org/publications...
crcmich.org/publications...
Reposted by Citizens Research Council of Michigan
Michigan’s health is poor. Can better transportation, food and schools fix it?
A report from the Citizen’s Research Council underscores Michigan’s overall poor health, arguing that policymakers should consider other factors — transportation, education and civic engagement, for example — for…
A report from the Citizen’s Research Council underscores Michigan’s overall poor health, arguing that policymakers should consider other factors — transportation, education and civic engagement, for example — for…
Michigan’s health is poor. Can better transportation, food and schools fix it?
A report from the Citizen’s Research Council underscores Michigan’s overall poor health, arguing that policymakers should consider other factors — transportation, education and civic engagement, for example — for improving the state’s health and, in turn, the state’s economy.
www.bridgedetroit.com
November 18, 2025 at 8:36 PM
Michigan’s health is poor. Can better transportation, food and schools fix it?
A report from the Citizen’s Research Council underscores Michigan’s overall poor health, arguing that policymakers should consider other factors — transportation, education and civic engagement, for example — for…
A report from the Citizen’s Research Council underscores Michigan’s overall poor health, arguing that policymakers should consider other factors — transportation, education and civic engagement, for example — for…
The federal government is pulling back from its role as a coordinating force for health expertise, guidance, and data collection. State governments are stepping up.
crcmich.org/states-are-f...
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 17, 2025 at 1:14 PM
The federal government is pulling back from its role as a coordinating force for health expertise, guidance, and data collection. State governments are stepping up.
crcmich.org/states-are-f...
crcmich.org/states-are-f...
Reposted by Citizens Research Council of Michigan
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
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...
⚕️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...
👩⚕️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
⚕️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...
👩⚕️Michigan should consider joining or creating a health alliance.💊
crcmich.org/states-are-f...
From the archives:
"It is critical to stop perpetuating existing problems by repeating the mistakes of the past."
crcmich.org/dennis_divid...
"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
From the archives:
"It is critical to stop perpetuating existing problems by repeating the mistakes of the past."
crcmich.org/dennis_divid...
"It is critical to stop perpetuating existing problems by repeating the mistakes of the past."
crcmich.org/dennis_divid...
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...
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
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...
crcmich.org/publications...
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...
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...
crcmich.org/dennis-woody...
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...
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...
crcmich.org/dennis-woody...
“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...
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
“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...
www.michiganpublic.org/transportati...