Rich States, Poor States Event in Traverse City, Michigan
The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) joined the Mackinac Center for Public Policy in Traverse City, Michigan last week for an in-depth discussion of the state’s economy. Jonathan Williams, vice president of the ALEC Center for State Fiscal Reform, shared his analysis of Michigan’s tax code and its effect on the economy.
The joint ALEC-Mackinac event showcased the ninth edition of Rich States, Poor States: ALEC-Laffer State Economic Competitiveness Index. In his presentation, Williams highlighted policy trends over the years that helped Michigan’s economy recover and what needs to be done to keep Michigan moving forward. As Williams noted, “You can fall behind by standing still.”
Michigan State Representative Triston Cole and Mackinac fiscal policy director Michael LaFaive joined Williams for a robust roundtable discussion. The group fielded questions about how how policy trends differ between neighboring states in the Midwest, and how to bolster Michigan’s economic competitiveness.