Page "Mackinac Center for Public Policy" Paragraph 13

The Center's Fiscal Policy Initiative is described on the Center ’ s Web site as working to “ limit taxation, champion broad-based, private sector economic development, and reduce government outlays through privatization and spending cuts .” In 2007 Mackinac Center analysts were active in making the case against a $ 1. 4 billion tax increase proposed by the Granholm administration, publishing studies and op-eds, and making numerous radio appearances arguing that state government should restructure itself to eliminate the need for tax hikes.

On the issue of targeted tax incentives, a 2005 Mackinac Center study showed that in its first 10 years Michigan ’ s “ flagship ” economic development program, the Michigan Economic Growth Authority ( MEGA ) created by former Gov.

John Engler and continued by Gov.

Jennifer Granholm, did not generate any overall increase in employment or personal income in counties that had MEGA projects compared to ones that did not.

In 1996, 2002 and 2004 studies were published analyzing the state budget line-item by line-item and recommending privatization or elimination of many government activities.

The Initiative publishes an annual survey of privatization of non-instructional services in Michigan ’ s 552 school districts, and also publishes a biannual journal, the Michigan Privatization Report, which is sent to Michigan municipal officials and approximately 4, 200 public school board members.