Our world is inundated with information. And for almost everyone, from the desks of reporters to the chambers of lawmakers to those reading news at home, distinguishing the valuable from the trivial can be a daunting task. Without proper context or a basic understanding of statistical concepts, much of this data risks being misused and abused. This can have negative downstream effects if policymakers base their decisions on misapplied or misleading information.
But how does the nonexpert navigate this deluge of information to make informed decisions? And what about those shaping public opinion, guiding media coverage and informing policymaking? That's the question at the heart of this event.
Jeremy Weber is a professor at the University of Pittsburgh and the author of Statistics for Public Policy: A Practical Guide to Being Mostly Right (or at Least Respectably Wrong). He learned firsthand the importance and challenge of using data and statistics properly in his role as a chief economist for the White House Council of Economic Advisers. Joining him on the panel are researchers from two esteemed Michigan think tanks — the Citizens Research Council and the Mackinac Center for Public Policy — who possess a knack for translating complex data and research into accessible insights for the public.
At its core, this event underscores the vital role of statistics in shaping public policy. Yet, the challenge remains: how do we discern the signal from the noise — the meaningful insights from the irrelevant chatter? For anyone invested in the betterment of public policy, this event promises invaluable insights and actionable strategies.
Wednesday, September 11, 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 September 4.
Register online
Jeremy G. Weber is a professor at the University of Pittsburgh where he teaches and researches the policy and economics of environmental and energy issues. His work applies rigorous statistical analysis and draws from extensive policy experience, having worked as a research economist at a Federal statistical agency (the Economic Research Service) and as a chief economist at the White House (the Council of Economic Advisers). He is author of the book "Statistics for Public Policy.” Jeremy received his Ph.D. in agricultural and applied economics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Craig Thiel is the Citizen Research Council’s research director and primary researcher of education and school finance issues. Before joining the Council in 2006, Craig worked for 10 years as a fiscal analyst at both the Senate Fiscal Agency and the House Fiscal Agency. He previously worked for the Michigan Department of State, Office of Policy and Planning and the United States Environmental Protection Agency in Chicago. Craig holds a B.A. in economics and political science from Kalamazoo College and a Master’s in public administration from Wayne State University.
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
