Jarrett Skorup, Research Associate [Mackinac Center]

Jarrett Skorup is a research associate at the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. He is also the content manager for Michigan Capitol Confidential.

Skorup is a graduate of Grove City College with degrees in history and political science. He also studied economics and religion. While there, he was captain of the college's wrestling and Ultimate Frisbee teams. He was a student fellow at the Center for Vision & Values, the school's research and scholarship think tank.

His work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Fox News, MLive, Detroit Free Press, Detroit News, and many newspapers across the country.

A native of Sandwich, Illinois, Skorup is an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs, Bears and Bulls. Besides studying and writing about public policy, he coaches and officiates high school wrestling.

He lives in Midland, MI with his wife, Karen, and son, Grayson.

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Tax Freedom Day In Michigan

Published on April 17, 2014 – Michigan Capitol Confidential

Michigan School Funding Up, Results Flat

Published on April 10, 2014 – Michigan Capitol Confidential

Why Michigan Needs More Immigrants

Published on April 8, 2014 – Impact

Minimum Wage Hike Puts Politics Over People

Published on April 8, 2014 – Impact

State Rep: School Districts Willfully Violating Law Should Face 'Criminal Charges'

Published on April 1, 2014 – Michigan Capitol Confidential

Happy Birthday Norman Borlaug

Credited with saving 1 billion people. … more

Posted on March 25, 2014 at 9:15am

College Spending Results Questioned

More money doesn't yield better results. … more

Posted on March 24, 2014 at 3:30pm

Why Michigan Needs More Immigrants

Published on March 19, 2014 – Michigan Capitol Confidential

Moderate Steps for Brewers, Industry Freedom

No reason for Legislature not to do more. … more

Posted on March 14, 2014 at 2:40pm

What a Union Looks Like in a RTW State

Alabama UAW shuns rhetoric, gives honest answers. … more

Posted on March 11, 2014 at 10:55am

Unlicensed Dogs Get New Leash On Life; Taxpayers Due A Refund In Traverse City

Published on March 8, 2014 – Michigan Capitol Confidential

Why Good Tax Reform is Difficult

Special interests battle Rep. Camp's plan. … more

Posted on March 3, 2014 at 4:30pm

Michigan's 'Pay It Forward' College Tuition Plan Will Equal Higher Costs

Published on Feb. 28, 2014

Fairy Tale Minimum Wage Economics

Ballot backers actually think there won't be job loss. … more

Posted on February 25, 2014 at 9:55am

Be Careful What They Wish For: Brewers & Government Restrictions

Published on Feb. 24, 2014 – Impact

Politicians Should Stand Up for Taxpayers

Instead of sending their money to Hollywood. … more

Posted on February 24, 2014 at 8:55am

Bars, Restaurants Could See 280 Percent Increase in Labor Costs With Minimum Wage Ballot Proposal

Published on Feb. 21, 2014 – Michigan Capitol Confidential

Hospital Union Resorts to Intimidation Tactics Against Workers Who Opt Out

Published on Feb. 20, 2014 – Michigan Capitol Confidential

VW Vote Shows 'Card Check' Still a Fraud

UAW loses when secret ballot is allowed. … more

Posted on February 17, 2014 at 10:35am

Commentary: Focus on Post-Secondary Education Shifting

It doesn't always have to mean college. … more

Posted on February 14, 2014 at 11:25am

Ag Still Not Michigan's 2nd Largest Industry

And why that myth is so damaging. … more

Posted on February 11, 2014 at 10:30am

The Best Plan for Michigan Tax Reform

Lower rates, fewer exceptions. … more

Posted on February 10, 2014 at 8:50am

$1 Trillion Farm Bill Full of Subsidies, Special Favors

Majority of Michigan GOP delegation voted for it. … more

Posted on February 7, 2014 at 10:30am

Free Press: School Funding Up Under Gov. Snyder

Paper substantiates what Michigan Capitol Confidential first reported. … more

Posted on February 3, 2014 at 3:25pm

Schauer, Other Michigan Dems Call For Higher Minimum Wage While Paying Interns Nothing

Published on Feb. 3, 2014 – Michigan Capitol Confidential

The World Is Getting Better and Better

Published on Feb. 3, 2014 – Viewpoint on Public Issues

Harming the Competition

Why some companies want a higher minimum wage. … more

Posted on January 30, 2014 at 2:25pm

Commentary: Higher Ed Spending Myths

MSU professor's presentation questioned. … more

Posted on January 28, 2014 at 11:40am

Kent County Land Bank Is Not a Good Deal For Citizens

Published on Jan. 28, 2014 – Michigan Capitol Confidential

Budget Watchdog: Debt Burden In Michigan Now $25,300 Per Taxpayer

Published on Jan. 28, 2014 – Michigan Capitol Confidential

Michigan Taxpayers Have Already Bailed Out Detroit

Published on Jan. 24, 2014 – Michigan Capitol Confidential

Energy Expert: Michigan Should Eliminate Its Utility Monopoly For Lower Prices

Published on Jan. 23, 2014 – Michigan Capitol Confidential

For State Employees, 2014 Means Finally Having the Freedom To Choose

Published on Jan. 14, 2014 – Michigan Capitol Confidential

Commentary: RTW States Doing Better

Growing twice as fast as forced unionization states. … more

Posted on January 13, 2014 at 3:35pm

Michigan Needs Better Forfeiture Laws

Bipartisan bills address issue. … more

Posted on January 10, 2014 at 12:54pm

Michigan Taxpayers Paying Far More Money For Far Fewer State Workers

Published on Jan. 10, 2014 – Michigan Capitol Confidential

Batman and Superman vs. Taxpayers

Film subsidy costs taxpayers almost $8 each. … more

Posted on January 6, 2014 at 10:03am

The World Is Getting Better and Better

Poverty rate slashed 80 percent in past 20 years. … more

Posted on January 2, 2014 at 10:17am

Bill Would Limit Asset Forfeiture In Michigan Without Criminal Conviction

Published on Dec. 20, 2013 – Michigan Capitol Confidential

Study: Michigan Students Benefit from Using 'Schools of Choice'

Published on Dec. 19, 2013 – Michigan Capitol Confidential

State Board of Education Member Interjects Herself Into Negotiations Between Union, Charter School Operator

Published on Dec. 18, 2013 – Michigan Capitol Confidential

Helping the Little Guy: Relieve Occupational Licensing Requirements and Fees

Published on Dec. 17, 2013 – Viewpoint on Public Issues

MichiganVotes: New Bill Would Allow You to Sell Event Tickets Without Fear of Arrest

Published on Dec. 14, 2013 – Michigan Capitol Confidential

Not So Criminal Minds: Government Convicts People Who Do Not Knowingly Commit Crimes

Published on Dec. 11, 2013 – Michigan Capitol Confidential

Fact and Fiction About Right-to-Work: A Reality Check at the One-Year Anniversary

Published on Dec. 10, 2013 – Michigan Capitol Confidential

Does the MEA Believe in 'Sanctity of Contracts?'

Not when it comes to illegal teacher strikes. … more

Posted on December 5, 2013 at 11:38am

Legislators Worried About Beer Logos

Perhaps they've solved the serious issues. … more

Posted on December 3, 2013 at 2:55pm

Land Banks Profit By Cutting In Front of People Wanting To Buy Property

Published on Dec. 3, 2013 – Michigan Capitol Confidential

More Money, Higher Taxes Not the Solution for Detroit

Published on Nov. 23, 2013 – Michigan Capitol Confidential

Higher Minimum Wage Hurts Low-Skill Workers

Schauer proposal would mean increased costs. … more

Posted on November 20, 2013 at 10:50am

Study: Prevailing Wage Costs Taxpayers, Schools $224 Million Per Year

Published on Nov. 15, 2013 – Michigan Capitol Confidential

Public Sector Wants More From Taxpayers

Shrinking private sector foots the bill. … more

Posted on November 13, 2013 at 3:30pm

Brewers Should Be Careful What They Wish For

Nonsensical rules hurt everyone, not just Budweiser. … more

Posted on November 8, 2013 at 4:43pm

Teachers Union Pushes Districts To Boycott Some University Students Over Politics

Published on Nov. 8, 2013 – Michigan Capitol Confidential

Students Forced Out of Schools Because State Dismissed Charter Company Plans

Published on Nov. 6, 2013 – Michigan Capitol Confidential

House Chips Away at Licensing Mandates

Senate continues to ignore reforms. … more

Posted on November 5, 2013 at 3:35pm

Inconsistent Licensing Requirements

State needs fewer regulations, more jobs. … more

Posted on October 29, 2013 at 1:50pm

Michigan Auto Insurance Reform a Must

New CRC report highlights discrepancies. … more

Posted on October 28, 2013 at 3:40pm

Small Business Owners Face Significant Challenges Operating in Detroit

Published on Oct. 26, 2013 – Michigan Capitol Confidential

UAW Flier Short on Facts

Union right-to-work myths dispelled. … more

Posted on October 25, 2013 at 3:15pm

While Local Governments Fight Food Trucks, State Subsidizes Some of Them

Published on Oct. 25, 2013 – Michigan Capitol Confidential

Unions are the Freeloaders

Forced dues spent on politics, benefits for union staff. … more

Posted on October 23, 2013 at 11:45am

Expert: Higher Education Bubble Is Coming and States Better Prepare

Published on Oct. 23, 2013 – Michigan Capitol Confidential

Teachers Sue MEA To Escape Union

Published on Oct. 21, 2013 – Michigan Capitol Confidential

New Bill Would Shed Light On Asset Forfeiture In Michigan

Published on Oct. 19, 2013 – Michigan Capitol Confidential

State Workers Earn $5.8 Billion More in Benefits Than Private Sector Employees

Published on Oct. 17, 2013 – Michigan Capitol Confidential

Why Does the State License Barbers?

Barber licensing bill doesn't go far enough. … more

Posted on October 16, 2013 at 11:35am

More College Subsidies a Poor Investment

Higher spending doesn't mean a better economy. … more

Posted on October 14, 2013 at 9:55am

Déjà Vu All Over Again For Auditor General Report On Select Subsidy Programs

Published on Oct. 11, 2013 – Michigan Capitol Confidential

Study: Michigan School Rankings Mostly Measure Poverty, Not Quality

Published on Oct. 10, 2013 – Michigan Capitol Confidential

College Subsidies a Growing Problem

Published on Oct. 7, 2013 – Viewpoint on Public Issues

Detroit Still Sending Tax Notices 15 Years After Company Closed

Published on Oct. 3, 2013 – Michigan Capitol Confidential

Flawed State Rankings Mean Some Principals Are Out of a Job

Published on Sept. 28, 2013 – Michigan Capitol Confidential

Bill Grants Big Businesses Power to Raise Taxes in 'Business Improvement Zones'

Published on Sept. 21, 2013 – Michigan Capitol Confidential

City Sued Over FOIA Fees

Published on Sept. 20, 2013 – Michigan Capitol Confidential

SEIU Under Investigation over Prop 4

Dues skim took $35 million from Medicaid recipients. … more

Posted on September 19, 2013 at 11:45am

Detroit's 'Operation Compliance' Shows the Dangers of Too Many Regulations

Published on Sept. 18, 2013

From Here to Eternity?

Corporate welfare for movies appears permanent. … more

Posted on September 11, 2013 at 12:35pm

College Subsidies a Growing Problem

More money, more issues. … more

Posted on September 9, 2013 at 3:02pm

Regulatory Roadblocks Hurt the Poor

Published on Sept. 2, 2013 – Viewpoint on Public Issues

Lighting Water On Fire? Gas In Water Supplies Existed Long Before Fracking

Published on Aug. 30, 2013 – Michigan Capitol Confidential

Center Scholar Interview in Wall Street Journal

Dr. Richard Vedder on college subsidies and rising costs. … more

Posted on August 29, 2013 at 9:59am

Study: Right-to-Work Laws Lead To More People, More Jobs and Higher Pay

Published on Aug. 28, 2013 – Michigan Capitol Confidential

Fracking Concerns Overblown; Risks Exist With All Energy Extraction

Published on Aug. 26, 2013 – Michigan Capitol Confidential

Two Democrats Join Republicans at Top of Tea Party Scorecard

Published on Aug. 24, 2013 – Michigan Capitol Confidential

New Medicaid Study: ‘Waivers Are Temporary, Expansion Is Forever’

Published on Aug. 23, 2013 – Michigan Capitol Confidential

Experts: Earthquakes, Water Usage Not Concerns With Fracking in Michigan

Published on Aug. 22, 2013 – Michigan Capitol Confidential

Study: Welfare Benefits Pay $28,872 Per Year In Michigan

Published on Aug. 21, 2013 – Michigan Capitol Confidential

State, Media Encourage Playing the Lottery

People should be investing in themselves. … more

Posted on August 20, 2013 at 11:03am

State Report Card Ranks Some Top Schools Near the Bottom

Published on Aug. 15, 2013 – Michigan Capitol Confidential

Regulatory Roadblocks Hurt the Poor

Licensing reform is one place to start. … more

Posted on August 13, 2013 at 1:05pm

Pontiac School District’s Financial Crisis Due to Poor Management, not Lack of Money

Published on Aug. 9, 2013

MEA Should Support Teacher Evaluations

Seniority doesn't always equal effectiveness. … more

Posted on August 7, 2013 at 9:30am

More Corporate Welfare for Detroit

Published on Aug. 5, 2013 – Viewpoint on Public Issues

Politicians Cannot Be Trusted To Properly Fund Pensions

Unfunded liabilities undermine trust in pension systems. … more

Posted on August 1, 2013 at 9:09am

More Corporate Welfare for Detroit

New Red Wings arena won't save city. … more

Posted on July 25, 2013 at 11:59am

Belle Isle Proposal To Be Featured On Fox Business

Published on July 25, 2013 – Michigan Capitol Confidential

School Districts Spend Tens of Thousands On Losing Millage Requests

Published on July 23, 2013 – Michigan Capitol Confidential

OtherCare not Obamacare

Published on July 18, 2013 – Michigan Capitol Confidential

Licensing Lunacy

Legislators should reduce occupational licensing burden. … more

Posted on July 17, 2013 at 4:10pm