Jarrett Skorup, Digital Engagement Manager [Mackinac Center]

Jarrett Skorup is Digital Engagement Manager and a policy analyst at the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. He is also the content manager for Michigan Capitol Confidential. Prior to his current position, Skorup was a research associate at the Center.

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 children Grayson and Reagan.

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How Occupational Licensing Redistributes Income

No benefits to consumers to be found. … more

Posted on February 25, 2015 at 1:10pm

School Choice Shines at the Capitol

Published on Feb. 25, 2015 – Impact

The Real Problem With ‘Economic Development’ Programs

Michigan should end the MEDC … more

Posted on February 20, 2015 at 1:12pm

How to Deal with Michigan’s Vast Criminal Code

Published on Feb. 12, 2015 – Michigan Capitol Confidential

How Michigan’s Prevailing Wage Law Raises Costs

Published on Feb. 11, 2015 – Michigan Capitol Confidential

What the New Legislature Should Stand For – and What It Should Not

Published on Feb. 7, 2015 – Michigan Capitol Confidential

House GOP Action Plan Points the Way to Real Reform

Repealing prevailing wage a top priority. … more

Posted on February 6, 2015 at 7:00pm

Bipartisan Effort to Reform Licensing Laws

President Obama, scholars call for rollback of rules. … more

Posted on February 5, 2015 at 11:02am

The End of Hollywood Corporate Welfare?

Legislators look to fix budget overspending. … more

Posted on January 30, 2015 at 2:15pm

Michigan Celebrates School Choice

Published on Jan. 28, 2015 – Michigan Capitol Confidential

Two Cheers for Legislators on Licensing

Good progress in 2013, more to be done. … more

Posted on January 26, 2015 at 9:50am

Why Not Double the Prevailing Wage?

Arbitrary rate does harm taxpayers, school districts. … more

Posted on January 22, 2015 at 11:30am

Feds Take Step Forward on Asset Forfeiture

Now state needs to step up. … more

Posted on January 19, 2015 at 9:25am

Charter School Student Enjoying Success at Stanford

Detroit student had been accepted to several top universities. … more

Posted on January 7, 2015 at 4:15pm

The Best of the Best: CapCon's Top 10 Stories of 2014

Published on Jan. 1, 2015 – Michigan Capitol Confidential

MSU Study: Ethanol Use is Good, as Long as the Environment isn’t Considered

Published on Dec. 29, 2014 – Michigan Capitol Confidential

MEA Gives False Explanation to Members About Why Executive Salaries Rose

Published on Dec. 10, 2014 – Michigan Capitol Confidential

Civil Asset Forfeiture Laws Need Reform

Transparency, rule of law should be the focus. … more

Posted on December 8, 2014 at 4:35pm

The Harm of Occupational Licensing Laws

Published on Dec. 5, 2014 – Michigan Capitol Confidential

RTW 'Freeloader' Claim Still a Farce

MEA is the one freeloading off of teachers. … more

Posted on December 3, 2014 at 8:05am

Is This School One of the Best in Michigan or One of the Worst?

Published on Nov. 20, 2014 – Michigan Capitol Confidential

Film Subsidy Supporters: Mich. Program a Failure

A 'race to the bottom.' … more

Posted on November 18, 2014 at 1:25pm

No, the GOP Did Not Win Because of Gerrymandering

House, Senate seats the result of where people choose to live … more

Posted on November 14, 2014 at 3:30pm

A 'Silver Lining' to Potholes?

A lesson from 1850 by Frederic Bastiat. … more

Posted on October 28, 2014 at 10:10am

Checking the Facts

Brighton union, district agree with Center on facts. … more

Posted on October 24, 2014 at 11:35am

Senate Votes to Continue Film Subsidies

Will House put Michigan residents above Hollywood actors? … more

Posted on October 23, 2014 at 1:10pm

Michigan Senate Votes to Remove Sunset Provision Ending Hollywood Subsidies

Published on Oct. 22, 2014 – Michigan Capitol Confidential

Michigan Has Fewer Film Jobs Than it Did Prior to Incentive Program

$500 million later, 100 fewer jobs. … more

Posted on October 16, 2014 at 11:15am

More Michigan Cities Meeting Financial Needs

Pension liabilities still a looming problem. … more

Posted on October 6, 2014 at 3:50pm

10 Facts About Pension Systems in Michigan

Published on Sept. 17, 2014 – Michigan Capitol Confidential

Detroit Expected $55 Million in Property Tax Revenue; It Brought in $6.7 Million

Published on Aug. 27, 2014 – Michigan Capitol Confidential

Michigan Debt Per Taxpayer: $19,300

Published on Aug. 23, 2014 – Michigan Capitol Confidential

Oakland – the County That Could (Reform Its Pensions)

Published on Aug. 20, 2014 – Michigan Capitol Confidential

Texas Looks to Decrease Occupational Licensing

Michigan should follow suit, remove more barriers to work. … more

Posted on August 12, 2014 at 11:10am

Pension Systems Hurt Workers, Taxpayers

Defined-benefit plans cannot be supported. … more

Posted on August 7, 2014 at 8:35am

How Cities Are Solving Their Pension Problems – and the Bill That Makes It Easier

Published on Aug. 4, 2014 – Michigan Capitol Confidential

Why Are Some Tea Party Supporters Fighting Proposal 1 In Michigan?

Published on Aug. 1, 2014 – Michigan Capitol Confidential

What Will Cities Do To Solve Their Pension Problems?

Published on July 31, 2014 – Michigan Capitol Confidential

The Worst Funded Pension Systems In Michigan

Published on July 28, 2014 – Michigan Capitol Confidential

GOP Candidates For Michigan's 80th House District Tackle the Issues

Published on July 25, 2014 – Michigan Capitol Confidential

Why are RTW States Gaining Population?

Better income potential. … more

Posted on July 24, 2014 at 3:15pm

Three Former State Representatives Crowd The Race For Michigan's 13th Senate District

Published on July 24, 2014 – Michigan Capitol Confidential

Pricey GOP Primary Race For Michigan’s 4th Congressional District

Published on July 23, 2014 – Michigan Capitol Confidential

Educators Facing Off In Michigan's 59th House District

Published on July 19, 2014 – Michigan Capitol Confidential

Hunting Fees Going To Private Landowners

Published on July 18, 2014 – Michigan Capitol Confidential

What Do Teachers Want to Support?

RTW allows them to skip union's political bent. … more

Posted on July 14, 2014 at 11:05am

Agricultural Price Controls are the Pits

Michigan cherry farmers, others, affected … more

Posted on July 11, 2014 at 1:45pm

Political Experience Separates Candidates In 98th District House GOP Primary

Published on July 11, 2014 – Michigan Capitol Confidential

Fears of Right-to-Work Proving False

Published on July 7, 2014 – Viewpoint on Public Issues

Personal Property Tax Plan Would Cut Taxes By $500 Million

Published on July 3, 2014 – Michigan Capitol Confidential

Michigan vs. Minnesota Report Says Little About What Policies To Pursue

Published on June 18, 2014

Court Upholds Law Banning Automatic Wage Increases For Public Employees

Published on June 14, 2014 – Michigan Capitol Confidential

Legislature Considering More Transparency For Asset Forfeiture

Published on June 12, 2014 – Michigan Capitol Confidential

Minimizing The Damage From Michigan's Minimum Wage Increase

Published on June 11, 2014 – Michigan Capitol Confidential

Grazed and Confused

Detroit's response to goats exposes bigger problem. … more

Posted on June 10, 2014 at 8:50am

Fears of Right-to-Work Proving False

Stats show RTW states enjoying growth. … more

Posted on June 5, 2014 at 11:10am

Income Growth In Right-to-Work States Significantly Higher

Published on June 5, 2014 – Michigan Capitol Confidential

Mackinac Events Update

Published on June 2, 2014 – Impact

Right-to-Work States Dominating In Job Growth

Published on May 29, 2014 – Michigan Capitol Confidential

Select Few Benefit from Film Subsidies

While crumbling roads impact everyone. … more

Posted on May 28, 2014 at 1:55pm

Here Is Who Voted For The Detroit Bailout and To Not Close Pension System

Published on May 24, 2014 – Michigan Capitol Confidential

Detroit Bailout Bill Leaves Taxpayers On The Hook For New Pension Underfunding

Published on May 22, 2014 – Michigan Capitol Confidential

False Fears About Fracking

Bridge Magazine cites dishonest 'Gasland' scene. … more

Posted on May 21, 2014 at 10:10am

The Detroit Bailout and Meaningful Pension Reform

Published on May 21, 2014 – Michigan Capitol Confidential

MEGA Failure: Job Projections From Michigan Tax Credit Program Rarely Came True

Published on May 15, 2014 – Michigan Capitol Confidential

MEA: Too Many People Making $ Off Public Schools

MEA president made $212,848 last year. … more

Posted on May 14, 2014 at 9:35am

Reforming Michigan's Civil Asset Forfeiture Law

Legislature should follow Minnesota's example. … more

Posted on May 8, 2014 at 10:15am

States Spending Less Money On K-12 Education Get Better Results

Published on May 8, 2014 – Michigan Capitol Confidential

The Debate Over School Spending

Teacher pension costs really are part of classroom spending. … more

Posted on May 6, 2014 at 10:35am

Michigan Taxpayers Paying More Money for Fewer Workers

Published on May 5, 2014 – Viewpoint on Public Issues

Which Michigan School Districts Pay The Most?

Published on May 1, 2014 – Michigan Capitol Confidential

Detroit Charter Student a Potential Ivy Leaguer

Credits school choice for its role in his success. … more

Posted on April 28, 2014 at 12:50pm

From Detroit To The Ivy League: One Student's Journey

Published on April 28, 2014 – Michigan Capitol Confidential

Everyone Should Have an Opportunity to Prosper

Regulations often hinder people from work … more

Posted on April 25, 2014 at 12:00am

How Michigan Can Fix Its Pension Problems

Published on April 24, 2014 – Michigan Capitol Confidential

It's All in How You Ask the Question

Three polls on Detroit bailout, three outcomes. … more

Posted on April 21, 2014 at 11:40am

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