The Mackinac On Michigan Show

Dec. 22, 2025 ~ Four years ago, Congress authorized $45.5 billion for rural internet access, with Michigan slated to receive $1.5 billion. Ted Bolema of the Mackinac Center joins the show to discuss why he thinks the funds were misused. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dec. 22, 2025 ~ Donny Steele, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, discusses the decision to cut $645 million in work project spending, claiming many of these projects were unnecessary or politically motivated. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dec. 22, 2025 ~ Kyle Melinn of MIRS News joins the show to discuss the Michigan legislature’s slow year, noting a record low number of bills passed. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Nov. 28, 2025 ~ Bridge Michigan reporter Kelly House talks about Michigan facing a surge of AI data center proposals, driven by recent tax exemptions, creating economic opportunities but also local opposition. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Nov. 28, 2025 ~ Mick McGart talks about his “Penny and Paws” book series to introduce children to free market principles through engaging stories. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Nov. 28, 2025 ~ Michigan citizens will vote next November on whether to hold a constitutional convention, an event that occurs roughly every 16 years. This vote will determine if the state’s entire constitution should be reviewed, amended, or potentially rewritten by a gathering of delegates. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection...

Nov. 28, 2025 ~ Mike Reitz of the Mackinac Center talks about why he thinks Gov. Gretchen Whitmer did not fulfill her pledge to open her office to Michigan’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Oct. 23, 2025 ~ James Hohman of the Mackinac Center joins the show to discuss a proposed progressive income tax in Michigan that he believes would deter high-income households, primarily business owners, leading to job loss and reduced investment in the state. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for adv...

Oct. 23, 2025 ~ The recently passed Michigan budget is being publicly presented as flat, but independent analysis reveals a there may be a significant increase in spending. Bob Schneider of the Citizens Research Council joins the show to discuss this. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Oct. 23, 2025 ~ Dave Eggert of Crain's Detroit Business highlights a perceived contradiction: despite previous statements about defunding the MEDC and ongoing investigations into fund misuse, there’s renewed talk of new corporate welfare programs. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Oct. 23, 2025 ~ Former Macomb County Assistant Prosecutor Robert Lulgjuraj joins the show to discuss his campaign to represent Michigan's 10th Congressional District. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Sept. 25, 2025 ~ Mike Wilkinson, a reporter at Bridge Michigan, joins the show to discuss negotiations over Michigan's education budget and debates over how much should be spent. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Sept. 25, 2025 ~ Mike Reitz of the Mackinac Center joins the show to discuss how House Republican leaders performed line-by-line budget reviews, seeking to reduce spending and prioritize certain programs. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Sept. 25, 2025 ~ MIRS News Reporter Samantha Shriber joins the show to discuss the recent Michigan Republican Leadership Conference on Mackinac Island. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Sept. 25, 2025 ~ State Rep. Ann Bollin joins the show to discuss how the proposed state budget negotiations aim to reduce government spending. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Aug. 27, 2025 ~ Michigan law mandates that home caregivers who receive state funds must join a union, so the Mackinac Center has filed a lawsuit challenging the law. Dirk Wilcox of the Mackinac Center joins the show to discuss the lawsuit. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Aug. 27, 2025 ~ Michigan’s housing shortage stems from regulatory barriers like zoning laws that favor single-family detached houses, making other housing types illegal or difficult to build. Joel Arnold, president of Abundant Housing Michigan, joins the show to discuss this. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of perso...

Aug. 27, 2025 ~ Michigan’s education performance has declined significantly since the 1990s, falling in national rankings for both reading and math. Matt Wilk with the organization Get Kids Back to School joins the show to discuss what he believes are the solutions. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data f...

Aug. 27, 2025 ~ Michigan’s state budget deadline of July 1 has passed without a resolution, raising concerns about a potential government shutdown by Oct. 1. Detroit News reporter Beth LeBlanc talks about what would happen if the government shuts down. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising...

July 23, 2025 ~ Brandon Arnold, the executive vice president of the National Taxpayers Union, talks about the “one big beautiful bill” that is set to avoid a $4 trillion tax increase, which he claims would translate to roughly $2,100 for the average Michigan family. The failure of this bill would negatively impact families and possibly result in a recession. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz compan...

July 23, 2025 ~ Beth DeShonne from the Michigan Forward Network explains why she thinks tax credit scholarships offer a chance for Michigan families to access additional funds for their children’s education. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

July 23, 2025 ~ Michigan allocated $260 million in taxpayer money toward the Mundy site semiconductor project near the Flint Airport, but the deal fell through recently. Bridge Michigan's Paula Gardner talks about the failed SanDisk project with a potential $6.2 billion state contribution and over $20 billion in tax abatements. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com...

July 23, 2025 ~ James Hohman of the Mackinac Center joins the show to talk about a proposed state ballot measure, “Invest in My Kids,” that seeks to change Michigan’s flat income tax to a graduated tax, adding a 4-5% tax on high earners. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

June 25, 2025 ~ Breana Noble of the Detroit News discusses ongoing controversies within the UAW. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

June 25, 2025 ~ The Mackinac Center has filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of certain earmarks in the Michigan state budget that did not receive the required two-thirds vote in the legislature. Patrick Wright of the Mackianc Center discusses this. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for a...