Freedom, broadly speaking, is the ability to direct the course of your life without interference. In public policy, this typically means being free from burdens placed on us by governments, such as high taxes, regulations, wasteful government spending and debt, and restrictions on what we can buy or sell. And it’s not just about economic freedom, but personal freedom — such as how well the government respects our rights in the criminal justice system and the ability for parents to choose a school of their choice.
These dynamics are not easy to measure, but the report “Freedom in the 50 States” attempts to do just that in a careful and fair way. It makes use of 230 different state and local policies to generate overall state rankings in freedom.
From taxes to guns to housing to health — join us at this event to learn about the areas Michigan ranks well in and those it needs to improve. We will hear state specific findings, recommendations on reforms and celebrate victories.
Wednesday, October 23, 2024
Lunch: 11:30 a.m.
Program: 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
The Louie Building
Freedom Hall (6th Floor)
123 W. Allegan St.
Lansing, MI 48933
Call our Events office at
This event is free, but RSVP is required by October 16.
Register online
William Ruger serves as the President of the American Institute for Economic Research. Ruger earned his PhD in politics from Brandeis University and an AB from the College of William and Mary. His scholarship has appeared in a number of academic journals including International Studies Quarterly Review of Political Economy, Economics of Governance, Civil Wars, and Armed Forces and Society. Ruger is a veteran of the Afghanistan War and was awarded the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, among other decorations. He remains an officer in the U.S. Navy (Reserve Component). Ruger resides in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. He is married to Jennifer Ruger and has two sons.
Jason Sorens is Senior Research Faculty at the American Institute for Economic Research. He received his Ph.D. in political science from Yale University in 2003 and a B.A. in economics and philosophy (with honors) from Washington and Lee University in 1998. He has researched and written more than 20 peer-reviewed journal articles, a book for McGill–Queen’s University Press titled Secessionism, and Freedom in the 50 States (with William Ruger). He has taught at Yale, Dartmouth, Saint Anselm College, and the University at Buffalo and founded the Free State Project as a graduate student. He lives with his wife and daughters in Amherst, New Hampshire.
Michael Van Beek is director of research for the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. He has authored several studies for the Center as well as analysis and commentaries that have been published in The Wall Street Journal, National Review, The Hill, The Detroit News, the Detroit Free Press and elsewhere. Van Beek obtained his graduate degree in history from Purdue University and his undergraduate degree from Hope College.
Parking is solely your responsibility. We do not have access to discounts or free parking in downtown Lansing. There are a number of parking garages and metered parking throughout downtown.
Parking is available at meters located around the building and throughout downtown using the Passport Parking app. Using the app, you simply enter your "zone" code and link to a credit card. There is a 4 hour maximum at the meters. You cannot extend your parking pass time without moving to a different zone. Pay online or download the Passport Parking phone app www.passportparking.com
South Grand Ramp
201 S Grand Ave
Lansing, Ml 48933
Allegan Parking Ramp
corner of, W Allegan St & S Capitol Ave
Lansing, Ml 48933
Capitol Public Parking
231 S Capitol Ave
Lansing, Ml 48933
Townsend Street Parking Ramp
221 Townsend St
Lansing, Ml 48933
