A crisis can bring out the best and worst in human nature, and the COVID-19 pandemic has been no exception. Despite the tragedies, it has been heartening to see the way our communities have responded: Neighbors are sewing masks, distributing food, and making sure that no one’s needs are left unaddressed. And at a moment’s notice, industry leaders and private foundations rushed to the frontlines of relief efforts. Companies shifted manufacturing from commercial products to health care supplies in a matter of days. Within the larger tragedy of the COVID-19 outbreak and subsequent stay-at-home order, these bright spots are worth remembering.
Many people are now thinking about how Michigan can come back stronger than ever.
By supporting the Mackinac Center despite the challenges around us all, our longtime donors have positioned us to confront adversity. Your generosity in years past made us ready for this moment. In response to government overreach that harmed the well-being of small business owners and families, the Mackinac Center led the charge in supporting responsible policy to protect public health and our economy. Early on, the governor adopted several of our recommendations to discard, at least temporarily, burdensome regulations in the health care field. We’re working to make those repeals permanent.
We were among the first to file a lawsuit challenging Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s use of emergency powers. Because we focused on their threat to specific health needs, we prompted an immediate shift in posture from the governor. Furthermore, the writers and editors at Michigan Capitol Confidential, our journalistic arm, redoubled their efforts to promote transparency in the state government’s response to COVID-19. CapCon’s readership has grown tenfold, to over 15,000 readers daily.
While recent crises, including the lockdown, have caused unimaginable pain and loss for so many, loyal donors made it possible for us to expand our efforts to do good. Fortunately, new and recent supporters have also joined or rejoined the movement at a high rate. Times like these demonstrate the need for a mission like the Mackinac Center’s, and countless individuals have taken notice.
A few years ago, a loyal Mackinac Center supporter described a contribution to our mission as similar to compound interest. He meant that while giving to the Mackinac Center may not always be the most alluring expenditure, it really works, and the results are clear over time. No matter the political or social climate, your investment in the Mackinac Center is paying off.
Because of you, we were ready for this moment and had the agility to stay in the fight. Because others are joining, we’ll be even stronger moving forward.
