Our weekly roundup of policy-relevant reads and IPPSR-connected research

Problems

• Michigan’s Stumbling Middle Class (link is external) IPPSR Affiliate Charles Ballard, director of the State of the State Survey, discusses a stagnating economy and persistent income inequality in Michigan with Bridge Magazine.
• Teacher Applicants Not Meeting State Expectations (link is external) IPPSR Affiliate Sarah Reckhow comments on the teacher shortage in Michigan.
• Michigan Ranked 33rd Most Romantic State In Study By MSU Professor (link is external) IPPSR Affiliate William Chopik ranks states by romantic relationships.

Policy

• Betsy Devos’s Michigan Legacy (link is external) IPPSR Affiliate Joshua Cowen’s research on school choice policies is cited in recent article.
• 3 Writing Lessons From Infographics (link is external) IPPSR Affiliate Karl Gude offers tips on creating graphic visualizations.
• Editorial: Prison A Poor Place For The Mentally Ill (link is external) MPLP Alumni and IPPSR Public Policy Forum panelist Tom Watkins Jr comments on mental illness in the criminal justice system.

Politics

• Lawmakers Look To Phase Out Michigan Income Tax (link is external) MPLP Alumni and House Democratic Leader Sam Singh is quoted on potential income tax cuts and infrastructure needs.
• State May Force Closure Of Two Schools In Pontiac (link is external) MPLP Alumni and Rep. Tim Greimel discusses potential school closures.
• Capitol Control Concentrated In Mid-Michigan (link is external) MPLP Alumni and Rep. Jeremy Moss chosen as House Minority Whip in new legislative session.