Press Release

Michigan rejoins U.S. economy | The Detroit News

For most of the last decade, Michigan has unquestionably had the worst performing state economy.

As economists and former Michigan residents, we know both the abysmal economic statistics and the real human costs of perpetual layoffs, declining income, long-term unemployment, empty main street storefronts, and a stream of friends and family members forced to leave the state they love in search of opportunity and prosperity elsewhere.

Thankfully, recent public policy changes should give Michigan citizens reason for optimism for a brighter and more prosperous future. Our recent Rich States, Poor States economic outlook ranking of the 50 states shows Michigan jumping from its position as the 20th most competitive state in 2013, to the 12th most competitive state in 2014.