When I was a little girl, almost every day of summer each year was spent at the small public library across the street from my family’s apartment. A familiar haven by the time I was 7, the library was where I could peruse dozens of books, access a computer, attend free movie screenings, and even win books through summer reading programs. Public libraries were a formative part of my childhood, and they continue to be a unique anchor in many communities across the state, in part because of the tax dollars that help fund them. I’m not alone in my appreciation of publicly funded services. Let me share how publicly funded programs have personally impacted some of my colleagues at the League:
Gilda Z. Jacobs, President and CEO
“One of the reasons that I moved into my neighborhood 43 years ago was because my kids could ride their bikes to school, the community center and the public library. Our public school is top notch and our streets and sidewalks are snowplowed in the winter. And now my grandchildren enjoy the parks as well. All of this is made possible because my neighbors are willing to invest in all of these quality of life areas (yes-paying taxes!)”
Karen Holcomb-Merrill, Vice President
“When my kids were young, one of my favorite things to do was to read with them and to take them to the library to choose books. Now (a few years later!), my grandsons have also discovered the library in their community and going to pick out books is one of their favorite activities!”
Laura Ross, Communications Associate
“As a high school teacher, I work with kids every day whose families struggle to make ends meet. When tax day comes, I’m happy to contribute because I know that some of those dollars go to help students like mine. Kids can’t possibly get ahead academically if their families are having trouble meeting basic needs. I’m proud of the fact that my tax dollars go toward helping kids access food, healthcare and safe housing.”
Logan Drummond, Intern
“I attended the University of Michigan for my undergraduate education thanks to the financial aid that was provided by the school. Financial aid made it possible for my family to afford tuition, and it cleared the path for me to pursue a graduate school degree.”
Rachel Richards, Legislative Coordinator
“My family and I love and appreciate our public schools! As the daughter, granddaughter, sister and cousin of teachers, I understand the value and commitment that public school teachers contribute to schools across the state. Every day, teachers are helping to shape the minds of the future leaders of the world.”
My colleagues truly value the many public services and programs in communities across the state. Here’s the thing: public libraries and dozens of other important public services would cease to exist without our tax dollars. This is why, when I learned about the 2015 road funding package that included a personal income tax rate cut, I was incredibly frustrated.
This tax law was passed almost a decade before the first rate cut could even take place, making it impossible for economists to estimate the potential fiscal impact of tax rate cuts on vital public programs that Michiganders depend on. The personal income tax rate cut is set up in such a way that it triggers when state revenue exceeds a certain cap, beginning in 2023. The tax rate cut can trigger every year thereafter until the personal income tax is reduced to zero. A new report from the League shows that incremental cuts to the personal income tax would eventually eliminate a funding stream worth about $10 billion and put a significant strain on the state’s ability to fund schools, roads, safety net programs and public safety.
The truth is, if we love Michigan, we must fund Michigan. It’s time for policymakers to halt their attacks on important state revenue sources like the personal income tax. History has shown us that tax cuts are not an economic development strategy; they only dig us into a deeper fiscal hole. Policymakers must reverse this tax law before it’s too late. It’s the morally and fiscally responsible thing to do.
You can help us protect the services and program Michiganders care about by contacting your legislator today and letting them know that it’s time to reverse this dangerous tax cut trigger law. Contact your legislator today:
State Representative: http://www.house.mi.gov/mhrpublic/frmFindARep.aspx
State Senator: http://www.senate.michigan.gov/fysbyaddress.html
Emily Jorgensen joined the Michigan League for Public Policy in July 2019. She deeply cares about the well-being of individuals and families and has a great love for Michigan. She is grateful that her position at the League enables her to combine these passions and work to help promote policies that will lead to better opportunities and security for all Michiganders.
Jacob Kaplan 
Mikell Frey is a communications professional with a passion for using the art of storytelling to positively impact lives. She strongly believes that positive social change can be inspired by the sharing of data-driven information coupled with the unique perspectives of people from all walks of life across Michigan, especially those who have faced extraordinary barriers. 
Rachel Richards rejoined the League in December 2020 as the Fiscal Policy Director working on state budget and tax policies. Prior to returning to the League, she served as the Director of Legislative Affairs for the Michigan Department of Treasury, the tax policy analyst and Legislative Director for the Michigan League for Public Policy, and a policy analyst and the Appropriations Coordinator for the Democratic Caucus of the Michigan House of Representatives. She brings with her over a decade of experience in policies focused on economic opportunity, including workforce issues, tax, and state budget.
Donald Stuckey 
Patrick Schaefer
Alexandra Stamm 
Amari Fuller
Renell Weathers, Michigan League for Public Policy (MLPP) Community Engagement Consultant. As community engagement consultant, Renell works with organizations throughout the state in connecting the impact of budget and tax policies to their communities. She is motivated by the belief that all children and adults deserve the opportunity to achieve their dreams regardless of race, ethnicity, religion or economic class.
Megan Farnsworth joined the League’s staff in December 2022 as Executive Assistant. Megan is driven by work that is personally fulfilling, and feels honored to help support the work of an organization that pushes for more robust programming and opportunities for the residents of our state. She’s excited and motivated to gain overarching knowledge of the policies and agendas that the League supports.
Yona Isaacs (she/hers) is an Early Childhood Data Analyst for the Kids Count project. After earning her Bachelor of Science in Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience at the University of Michigan, she began her career as a research coordinator in pediatric psychiatry using data to understand the impacts of brain activity and genetics on children’s behavior and mental health symptoms. This work prompted an interest in exploring social determinants of health and the role of policy in promoting equitable opportunities for all children, families, and communities. She returned to the University of Michigan to complete her Masters in Social Work focused on Social Policy and Evaluation, during which she interned with the ACLU of Michigan’s policy and legislative team and assisted local nonprofit organizations in creating data and evaluation metrics. She currently serves as a coordinator for the Michigan Center for Youth Justice on a project aiming to increase placement options and enhance cultural competency within the juvenile justice system for LGBTQIA+ youth. Yona is eager to put her data skills to work at the League in support of data-driven policies that advocate for equitable access to healthcare, education, economic security, and opportunity for 0-5 year old children. In her free time, she enjoys tackling DIY house projects and trying new outdoor activities with her dog.
Amber Bellazaire joined the Michigan League for Public Policy as a policy analyst in June of 2019. Her work primarily focuses on state policy and budgets affecting Michigan’s Medicaid programs. Previously, Amber worked at the National Conference of State Legislatures tracking legislation and research related to injury and violence prevention, adolescent health, and maternal and child health. She also brings with her two years of Americorps service. As a full time volunteer, Amber had the opportunity to tutor high school students in Chelsea, Massachusetts and address issues of healthcare access and food insecurity through in-person outreach in Seattle, Washington.
Simon Marshall-Shah joined the Michigan League for Public Policy as a State Policy Fellow in August 2019. His work focuses on state policy as it relates to the budget, immigration, health care and other League policy priorities. Before joining the League, he worked in Washington, D.C. at the Association for Community Affiliated Plans (ACAP), providing federal policy and advocacy support to nonprofit, Medicaid health plans (Safety Net Health Plans) related to the ACA Marketplaces as well as Quality & Operations.
