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. These luncheons, designed to reinforce policy-makers' understanding of the principles of sound economics and the free society, offer a unique opportunity that is open to all legislative staff, policy specialists, and other interested friends.

Legislative staff, policy specialists, and other interested friends are cordially invited to our

 

AUGUST ISSUES & IDEAS LUNCHEON

The Mackinac Room
in the House Office Building

"The Case Against `Self-Funding' of Michigan Workers Compensation"

featuring

D. Joseph Olson
Senior Vice President - General Counsel
Amerisure Companies

DATE:   Wednesday, August 29, 2001
TIME:   12:00 - 1:15 p.m.
PLACE: The Mackinac Room, 5th Floor
              House Office Building
COST:   $5.00

For almost 90 years, the state of Michigan has mandated that employers carry workers compensation insurance, which provides financial benefits to employees in the event of on-the-job injuries. For the last 80 of those years, the administration of the workers compensation system, a system that benefits society as a whole, has properly been funded out of the state's General Fund/General Purpose revenue. Now some policy-makers are arguing for a special new tax on employers and insurers to pay for the cost of administering this important program. Join us as D. Joseph Olson, former state insurance commissioner, explains why the new tax is not only harmful to Michigan businesses, but is legally questionable and opens the door to abuse in the system.

Mr. Olson is senior vice president - general counsel for the Amerisure Companies in Farmington Hills, a regional property and casualty insurance group with nine decades of experience insuring American businesses. He helped found the Mackinac Center for Public Policy in 1987 and served as the organization's chairman until 1995, when Gov. John Engler appointed him Commissioner of Insurance for the state of Michigan, a position he held until 1997. In 1998, he rejoined the Mackinac Center's board of directors and has since resumed the chairmanship. Mr. Olson has over 30 years of experience in the insurance industry.

The luncheon begins promptly at 12:00 noon.  Please make reservations for yourself and any guests by noon on August 27, 2001, by calling the Mackinac Center at (989) 631-0900 or send your e-mail to: rsvp@mackinac.org .

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 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 only be served when legislation incorporates our best understanding of legal, economic, psychological, moral, and scientific principles.