![[Photo of James M. Hohman]](/media/images/people/hohman-j.jpg)
James M. Hohman
Assistant Director of Fiscal Policy
James M. Hohman is assistant director of fiscal policy at the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. He holds a degree in economics from Northwood University in Midland, Mich.
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By James M. Hohman
Utah Incurred No Pension Reform ‘Transition Costs’
Michigan House Republicans should take note. … more
Michigan Already Diverges From GASB Rules
Full contributions in only two of last 10 years. … more
Teacher Pension Underfunding Hits $22B
Shows need to close fund immediately. … more
Michigan Pension Underfunding Gaps Widen
Another reason MPSERS should be closed now. … more
There Are Options to Address 'Transition Costs'
Plan would shift teachers to new pension system. … more
'Stranded Costs' Will Always Be Paid by Taxpayers
Keep charter school and contract employees out of MPSERS. … more
Five Options for Addressing ‘Transition Costs’ When Closing the MPSERS Pension Plan
Michigan Public School Employee Retirement Plans
in Need of Reform
This study considers the supposed ‘transition costs’ that would be effected by a state switch from a defined-benefit to defined-contribution retirement system. In it, the “transition costs” are found to be nonbinding and discretionary. In addition, the study offers the state a series of reforms that would diffuse such costs, as well as consideration for the long-term fiscal improvements that would arise from payment of the pension’s unfunded liabilities. … moreTax Foundation Rates Michigan
State climbs 42 spots after eliminating MBT. … more
Indiana Leads the Manufacturing Belt
Hoosier state has the most to gain from a right-to-work law. … more
Michigan School Privatization Survey 2011
Majority of Michigan school districts currently contract food, custodial or transportation services
Despite increased spending in Michigan public schools, districts regularly face tough choices allocating their resources. This study surveys the privatization of the three major noninstructional services: food, custodial and transportation services. The findings are that over half of public schools have privatized at least one of these services; what is more, about 93 percent report satisfaction with the private-sector services they receive, which spells progress towards improving services while spending less. … more
Despite increased spending in Michigan public schools, districts regularly face tough choices allocating their resources. This study surveys the privatization of the three major noninstructional services: food, custodial and transportation services. The findings are that over half of public schools have privatized at least one of these services; what is more, about 93 percent report satisfaction with the private-sector services they receive, which spells progress towards improving services while spending less. … more
Cost of Benefits Is Sinking Detroit
City could run out of money in early 2012. … more
Wasted Talent
More college grads doesn't mean economic success. … more
Film Incentive Bill Sows Its Own Expansion
Legislators want to give more of your money to Hollywood. … more
Michigan Pensions Good at Controlling Fraud
More work needs to be done on controlling costs, though. … more
School Privatization Survey Results Available
Outsourcing helps public schools save millions of dollars. … more
State Admits Compensation Problem
State employment down 21 percent, compensation up 52 percent. … more
No State Favors For Fastest Growing Companies
No state corporate welfare went to these fastest growers. … more
State Compensation Problem Bigger Than Advertised
The state’s negotiators should be on solid footing when asking for concessions. … more
