The Mackinac Center for Public Policy is pleased to host monthly Issues & Ideas Luncheons in Lansing. These luncheons, which feature experts on a diverse array of subjects, offer a forum that enhances and broadens the policy debate to include theoretical and philosophical ideals—and suggestions for achieving them.

News media, legislators, policy staff and interested citizens are cordially invited to the

MAY ISSUES & IDEAS LUNCHEON

“Driving Michigan Forward:
Strategies for Economic Growth”

DATE:	Tuesday, May 30, 2006
TIME:	12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
LOCATION:	The Mackinac Room, 5th Floor, House Office Building 124 N. Capitol Lansing, MI 48933
COST:	Lunch is provided at no charge, with reservation.

Michigan’s swing from manufacturing Mecca to economic laggard requires major changes in public policy to reverse. While the rest of the nation effectively enjoys full employment, the state recently posted an unemployment rate of 6.8 percent. Meanwhile, the growth of per capita income in Michigan has dropped from 12th best to 42nd nationally. A broad range of experts agree that new investment and the deregulation of telecommunications technology are urgently needed to reposition Michigan as competitive in the global economy.

Drawing on decades of experience in capital management and economic analysis, Dr. John Rutledge will detail strategies to drive Michigan forward. "Michigan has to change the rules," he says, citing the punishing taxes and regulations that have pushed investors beyond Michigan’s borders. "Markets around the world are now connected," he adds. "Capital can move easily and invisibly in search of higher returns. But Michigan policy makers have continued to tax and regulate as if this were still the 1950s."

Among his numerous and varied accomplishments, Rutledge has served as an economic advisor to both the Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush Administrations, has served on the boards of more than three dozen companies, and is President of the Mundell International University Business School in Beijing. In addition to writing for Forbes magazine,he appears weekly on Fox News and CNBC, and is a frequent guest on Market Hour, Closing Bell, PBS’ Wall Street Week with Fortune, and CNN’s In the Money.

The luncheon begins promptly at noon. Please make reservations for yourself or your guests by 5 p.m. on Thursday, May 25th by calling the Mackinac Center at (989) 631‑0900.

The Purpose of the Issues & Ideas Luncheon

The nature of the legislative process is such that public policy debates are often framed by specific constituencies and political pragmatism rather than by sound principles. By offering a forum for wide-ranging discussion, the Mackinac Center for Public Policy hopes to broaden the debate to include theoretical and philosophical ideals — and how to achieve them. The best interests of Michigan citizens can be served only when legislation incorporates our best understanding of legal, economic, psychological, moral and scientific principles.