KENNEDY: Legislators Must Reject Tax Subsidies to Save Michigan’s Economy
December 4, 2024
EconomyGovernment
As the Michigan Legislature’s “Lame Duck” year-end session begins in earnest, the West Michigan Policy Forum (WMPF) is calling on Michigan legislators to disregard failed…
Jose Gonzalez: Small Businesses Should Work Together to Affect Real Change in Lansing
October 3, 2024
EconomyGovernment
Small businesses are the cornerstone of Michigan’s economy, particularly in West Michigan, where local entrepreneurs fuel innovation and job creation. Yet, misguided policy decisions in…
The West Michigan Policy Forum was one of the first to report on the troubling trend of national companies that have decided to eliminate or…
Tens of thousands of young people across Michigan will walk proudly across ceremonial stages this spring to receive their hard-earned college diplomas. But in light…
We’ve noticed a troubling trend recently that brings back memories of a time we’d like to all forget in the state of Michigan – The…
Spring Has Sprung, but Michigan’s Economy Feeling the Effects of a Late Frost
April 26, 2024
EconomyGovernment
Although it’s been said that April showers bring May flowers, not everything is coming up roses for Michigan’s economy. Our economic garden, if you will,…
‘Michigan Economic Scorecard’ Shows Our State Lost Ground during the First Quarter of 2024
March 22, 2024
Economy
The health of our economy is critical to helping all Michigan families prosper. Unfortunately, we continue to see economic fallout resulting from anti-business decisions being…
Small business owners, legislators and economic development officials throughout Michigan - it’s time to register for the West Michigan Policy Forum’s biennial conference in Grand…
Michigan’s Elected Officials Can Learn From West Michigan’s Phenomenal Growth
February 22, 2024
EconomyGovernment
The city of Grand Rapids, Kent County and other parts of West Michigan were some of the fastest growing areas in our state during the…
Michigan Teams Are Winning National Championships while Economic Ranking Tanks under Governor Whitmer
February 16, 2024
Economy
The state of Michigan has truly become the home of sports champions. Coach Jim Harbaugh led his University of Michigan football squad to a national…
Governor Whitmer Focused on Right Issues During Annual State of the State Address, But Missed a Beat With Vague Proposals and Odd Song Lyrics
January 26, 2024
EconomyEducationGovernmentTaxes
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer delivered her sixth annual State of the State address this week. While we agree with the governor about the policy areas…
WMPF’s ‘Michigan Economic Scorecard’ Continues to Hold Elected Officials Accountable to the People
November 16, 2023
EconomyEducationGovernment
Michigan is moving further away from being a top 10 state, as shown by the West Michigan Policy Forum’s “Michigan Economic Scorecard.” This continuously updated…
The Growing Michigan Together Council Shows Its True Colors
November 10, 2023
EconomyEducationGovernmentTaxes
Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s “Growing Michigan Together Council” has become the “Growing Michigan Taxes Council.” According to a media report, it plans to recommend tax hikes…
Bolger: “The political ‘climate change’ our state Capitol is experiencing right now is directly responsible for raising people’s taxes, decimating our state’s population, and putting…
The Great Lakes Growth Coalition: A United Front For a Stronger Michigan
October 23, 2023
EconomyGovernment
Michigan has a new powerhouse group advocating for workers, families, and job creators: The Great Lakes Growth Coalition. The coalition brings together a diversity of…
Families and job creators need simple, fair, and easy-to-understand rules and regulations. Yet the state Senate may soon open the door to a maze of…
WMPF Chair: Mandatory Paid Leave Would Be a Disaster for Michigan
September 25, 2023
EconomyGovernment
Mandatory paid leave ultimately hurts everyone by making it more difficult for companies to make on-time deliveries of needed products and services. That’s the message…
Michigan has a bad track record of government-run programs. That’s worth remembering now that Governor Whitmer and the Michigan Legislature are trying to pass a…
West Michigan Policy Forum Calls for Action to Grow Michigan’s Population
September 21, 2023
EconomyGovernment
September 18, 2023 TO: Michigan Population Commission Co-chairs John Rakolta and Shirley Stancato Individuals and families seek what is best in order to flourish. There are…
For small businesses, few things matter more than a level playing field and a strong workforce. The West Michigan Policy Forum agrees with Gov. Gretchen…
As Michigan Loses Population, current Maryland resident Tyler W. Tells His Own Personal Story
August 21, 2023
Economy
Second to last. That’s where Michigan stands on population growth, compared to all 50 states and the District of Columbia. In the two decades between…
Right-to-work Taught Us To Stand Up For What We Believe In and Make Our Voices Heard
June 14, 2023
EconomyGovernmentLabor
Michigan’s former Right-to-work law has always been about jobs. And at Southwest Michigan First, we believe the greatest force for change is a job. With…
Educators carry one of the heaviest lifts in our communities shaping our leaders of tomorrow - and unfortunately, Michigan is on the brink of making…
Site Selectors Aren’t Looking for a Pot of Cash, They Want Investments That Last
April 20, 2023
Economy
Taxpayers are paying more than $680,000 for every single job created at the planned electric vehicle battery plant in Marshall, Michigan. With state incentives that…
Despite Challenges, Michigan Can Work to Remove New ‘Closed for Business’ Sign
April 10, 2023
EconomyGovernment
Michigan employers continue to face a severe labor shortage, slowing down business growth. Unfortunately, these challenges are compounded by a declining state population and the…
Financial Literacy is a Key Economic Development Incentive for the State of Michigan
April 4, 2023
Economy
Financial Literacy Month in April is a great opportunity to illustrate why a financially literate population is so important for a healthy state economy. In…
State business climate rankings are immensely important because companies use them to help determine where to locate new facilities, which in turn helps create good-paying…