Michigan ranked 34th for population growth among the 50 states from April 2020 to January 2024, according to the United States Census Bureau.
The state’s population grew by 57,103, a 0.6 percent increase. Hawaii, Arkansas and Missouri were among the 16 states that experienced lower growth than Michigan. The Great Lakes State came in 35th place among the states in 2022, as reported by Michigan Capitol Confidential.
Michigan lost 7,656 people in net domestic migration. There were 2,855 more deaths than births. But the state gained 67,608 residents from net international migration from 2023-24.
The Census Bureau's time frame overlaps COVID-19-era lockdowns, which were more stringent in Michigan than in many other states. The 2023-24 legislative term also imposed new economic regulations on Michigan businesses and consumers.
“Gov. Whitmer made it a goal to attract people to Michigan, and she’s failing to accomplish this task,” James Hohman, fiscal policy director at the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, told CapCon in an email. Hohman noted that Michigan lost more people to other states than it attracted in domestic migration.
Florida gained more population than all other states in 2022 and stayed in first place for growth in 2024. It was the top destination for Michigan residents who migrated, according to the Census Bureau.
The two states follow sharply different economic policies. Florida is a right-to-work state, while Michigan repealed its right-to-work law in 2023.
CapCon reported in 2023 that 2.1 million people over a two-year period migrated from closed-shop states to states with right-to-work laws.
Michigan’s economy continues to perform poorly relative to the rest of the nation, Michael J. Hicks, the George and Frances Ball Distinguished Professor at the Center for Business and Economic Research at Ball State University, told CapCon in an email.
“This is mostly because of a deficit in human capital — educated workers,” Hicks said. “Many in the state continue to worship the past rather than preparing the state for the current and future economy that is built on education, skills and ingenuity.”
Michigan’s saving grace is international migration, Hicks said.
“This fuels both natural population decline (births-deaths) and a shortfall in domestic in-migration,” Hicks said.
Michigan Capitol Confidential is the news source produced by the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. Michigan Capitol Confidential reports with a free-market news perspective.
The state’s population grew by 57,103, a 0.6 percent increase. Hawaii, Arkansas and Missouri were among the 16 states that experienced lower growth than Michigan. The Great Lakes State came in 35th place among the states in 2022, as reported by Michigan Capitol Confidential.
Michigan lost 7,656 people in net domestic migration. There were 2,855 more deaths than births. But the state gained 67,608 residents from net international migration from 2023-24.
The Census Bureau's time frame overlaps COVID-19-era lockdowns, which were more stringent in Michigan than in many other states. The 2023-24 legislative term also imposed new economic regulations on Michigan businesses and consumers.
“Gov. Whitmer made it a goal to attract people to Michigan, and she’s failing to accomplish this task,” James Hohman, fiscal policy director at the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, told CapCon in an email. Hohman noted that Michigan lost more people to other states than it attracted in domestic migration.
Florida gained more population than all other states in 2022 and stayed in first place for growth in 2024. It was the top destination for Michigan residents who migrated, according to the Census Bureau.
The two states follow sharply different economic policies. Florida is a right-to-work state, while Michigan repealed its right-to-work law in 2023.
CapCon reported in 2023 that 2.1 million people over a two-year period migrated from closed-shop states to states with right-to-work laws.
Michigan’s economy continues to perform poorly relative to the rest of the nation, Michael J. Hicks, the George and Frances Ball Distinguished Professor at the Center for Business and Economic Research at Ball State University, told CapCon in an email.
“This is mostly because of a deficit in human capital — educated workers,” Hicks said. “Many in the state continue to worship the past rather than preparing the state for the current and future economy that is built on education, skills and ingenuity.”
Michigan’s saving grace is international migration, Hicks said.
“This fuels both natural population decline (births-deaths) and a shortfall in domestic in-migration,” Hicks said.
Michigan Capitol Confidential is the news source produced by the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. Michigan Capitol Confidential reports with a free-market news perspective.
Bill Expanding Burial Benefits For Veterans Signed Into Law
President Biden has signed into law bipartisan legislation led by U.S. Sen. Gary Peters, D-Michigan, to expand the eligibility of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) burial benefits to terminally ill veterans who pass away at a non-VA facility while receiving hospice care.
The legislation, called Gerald’s Law Act, was named after the late Michigan veteran Gerald “Jerry” Elliott of Kingsford, who did not receive VA burial benefits after he passed away at home.
Peters introduced the Gerald’s Law Act with U.S. Sen. John Boozman, R-Arkansas, and bipartisan companion legislation was introduced in the House by Rep. Jack Bergman, R-Michigan-01.
The Gerald’s Law Act was passed into law as part of the Sen. Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act.
“Gerald Elliot is one of far too many veterans whose families were denied VA burial benefits because they chose to receive hospice care at their home instead of a VA facility,” said Sen. Peters, a member of the Armed Services Committee and former Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve.
“As Americans, we have a sacred responsibility to ensure that veterans and their families have the support they need, especially during hard times like the passing of a loved one. This law honors those who have served and sacrificed for our country in uniform, and helps make sure all veterans can be laid to rest with dignity and respect.”
Under current law, the VA will cover nearly $1,000 toward burial and funeral expenses if the veteran is hospitalized at the VA at the time of death. This legislation would update the department’s policy and ensure that veterans aren’t penalized for spending their last days in the comfort of their homes or other settings. Denise Formolo, the Veterans Service Officer for Dickinson County, Mich., raised this issue with Sen. Peters’ office and shared the Elliott family’s heartbreaking story – inspiring the legislation.
“It has been a great honor to collaborate with Sen. Peters and Congressman Bergman in passing Gerald's Law as part of the Sen. Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Improvement Act,” Formolo said.
“This is a significant victory for our veterans and their families. Veterans now have the option to spend their final days at home, surrounded by their loved ones, without the concern of losing burial benefits for their families.”
The Gerald’s Law Act is also supported by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, National Association of Veteran Service Organizations, AMVETS, Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), With Honor, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, Gold Star Wives and The Independence Fund.
The legislation, called Gerald’s Law Act, was named after the late Michigan veteran Gerald “Jerry” Elliott of Kingsford, who did not receive VA burial benefits after he passed away at home.
Peters introduced the Gerald’s Law Act with U.S. Sen. John Boozman, R-Arkansas, and bipartisan companion legislation was introduced in the House by Rep. Jack Bergman, R-Michigan-01.
The Gerald’s Law Act was passed into law as part of the Sen. Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act.
“Gerald Elliot is one of far too many veterans whose families were denied VA burial benefits because they chose to receive hospice care at their home instead of a VA facility,” said Sen. Peters, a member of the Armed Services Committee and former Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve.
“As Americans, we have a sacred responsibility to ensure that veterans and their families have the support they need, especially during hard times like the passing of a loved one. This law honors those who have served and sacrificed for our country in uniform, and helps make sure all veterans can be laid to rest with dignity and respect.”
Under current law, the VA will cover nearly $1,000 toward burial and funeral expenses if the veteran is hospitalized at the VA at the time of death. This legislation would update the department’s policy and ensure that veterans aren’t penalized for spending their last days in the comfort of their homes or other settings. Denise Formolo, the Veterans Service Officer for Dickinson County, Mich., raised this issue with Sen. Peters’ office and shared the Elliott family’s heartbreaking story – inspiring the legislation.
“It has been a great honor to collaborate with Sen. Peters and Congressman Bergman in passing Gerald's Law as part of the Sen. Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Improvement Act,” Formolo said.
“This is a significant victory for our veterans and their families. Veterans now have the option to spend their final days at home, surrounded by their loved ones, without the concern of losing burial benefits for their families.”
The Gerald’s Law Act is also supported by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, National Association of Veteran Service Organizations, AMVETS, Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), With Honor, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, Gold Star Wives and The Independence Fund.
Biden Signed Bipartisan Huizenga-backed Water Infrastructure Legislation Into Law
President Biden recently signed Senate Bill 4367, the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act of 2024, into law.
This bipartisan legislation serves as the authorization for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to improve federally regulated water infrastructure across the nation. Specifically for Southwest Michigan, this measure includes several priorities that U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga, R-Zeeland, advocated for to help the communities of Holland, Battle Creek, Kalamazoo, and St. Joseph.
“I am glad to see these important measures to improve infrastructure across Southwest Michigan signed into law,” Huizenga said. “By authorizing studies for Battle Creek, Holland, Kalamazoo and St. Joe, the Army Corps of Engineers can strengthen the local economy, enhance recreational opportunities, and take steps to mitigate and address urban flooding across Southwest Michigan.”
The Huizenga-led priorities included in S. 4367 are:
Holland
The 2024 WRDA would authorize a new Army Corps study on the outer and inner harbor in Holland to examine the navigational and economic benefits of deepening the harbor. The current project depth for the Holland outer harbor is 23 feet and the inner harbor into Lake Macatawa is 21 feet. A study into navigational and economic improvements of deepening the outer and inner harbor project depths could provide for greater utilization of vessel capacity and attempt to avoid frequent and recurring “emergency” dredging issues due to shoaling in the harbor.
Along the shores of Lake Michigan, current depths can cause Holland Harbor to go from “at depth” to critical very quickly. Proactively studying the advantages to deeper project depths and implementing them into action could improve future dredging and economic benefits to the area by allowing maximum vessel loads of material that support critical road construction and other projects in the region.
Battle Creek
The 2024 WRDA authorizes a new Army Corps study for the restoration of the Kalamazoo River in downtown Battle Creek enhancing both its ecology and economy. Specifically, the study would set the stage for an ecosystem restoration/river naturalization project to remove the concrete portions of the Kalamazoo River through downtown Battle Creek.
Restoring the river channel from the environmental impacts of the concrete and the dam would not only address a wide variety of fish and wildlife ecosystem and related environmental issues, but it would also increase recreational opportunities, improve pedestrian access, and connect the downtown with the surrounding businesses and neighborhoods to spur economic opportunities in and around the downtown Battle Creek community.
Kalamazoo
The 2024 WRDA authorizes a new Army Corps study in the Kalamazoo River Watershed to examine urban flooding in the City of Kalamazoo to set the stage for projects that Kalamazoo has been working to plan. Residents, businesses, and emergency services commonly impacted by flooding events could be supported by initiatives such as a by-pass and closure project along the Portage Creek and a stormwater relief project in the Northside Neighborhood of Kalamazoo. These projects have the potential to benefit the entire city of Kalamazoo.
St. Joseph
The 2024 WRDA would authorize a new Army Corps study on the outer and inner harbor in St. Joseph to examine the navigational and economic benefits of deepening the harbor. The current project depth for the St. Joseph outer harbor is 21 feet and the inner harbor and turning basin is 18 feet. A study into navigational and economic improvements of deepening the outer and inner harbor project depths could provide for greater utilization of vessel capacity and attempt to avoid frequent and recurring “emergency” dredging issues due to shoaling in the harbor.
Along the shores of Lake Michigan, current depths can cause St. Joseph Harbor to go from “at depth” to critical very quickly. Proactively studying the advantages to deeper project depths and implementing them into action could improve future dredging and economic benefits to the area by allowing maximum vessel loads of material that support critical road construction and other projects in the region.
This bipartisan legislation serves as the authorization for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to improve federally regulated water infrastructure across the nation. Specifically for Southwest Michigan, this measure includes several priorities that U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga, R-Zeeland, advocated for to help the communities of Holland, Battle Creek, Kalamazoo, and St. Joseph.
“I am glad to see these important measures to improve infrastructure across Southwest Michigan signed into law,” Huizenga said. “By authorizing studies for Battle Creek, Holland, Kalamazoo and St. Joe, the Army Corps of Engineers can strengthen the local economy, enhance recreational opportunities, and take steps to mitigate and address urban flooding across Southwest Michigan.”
The Huizenga-led priorities included in S. 4367 are:
Holland
The 2024 WRDA would authorize a new Army Corps study on the outer and inner harbor in Holland to examine the navigational and economic benefits of deepening the harbor. The current project depth for the Holland outer harbor is 23 feet and the inner harbor into Lake Macatawa is 21 feet. A study into navigational and economic improvements of deepening the outer and inner harbor project depths could provide for greater utilization of vessel capacity and attempt to avoid frequent and recurring “emergency” dredging issues due to shoaling in the harbor.
Along the shores of Lake Michigan, current depths can cause Holland Harbor to go from “at depth” to critical very quickly. Proactively studying the advantages to deeper project depths and implementing them into action could improve future dredging and economic benefits to the area by allowing maximum vessel loads of material that support critical road construction and other projects in the region.
Battle Creek
The 2024 WRDA authorizes a new Army Corps study for the restoration of the Kalamazoo River in downtown Battle Creek enhancing both its ecology and economy. Specifically, the study would set the stage for an ecosystem restoration/river naturalization project to remove the concrete portions of the Kalamazoo River through downtown Battle Creek.
Restoring the river channel from the environmental impacts of the concrete and the dam would not only address a wide variety of fish and wildlife ecosystem and related environmental issues, but it would also increase recreational opportunities, improve pedestrian access, and connect the downtown with the surrounding businesses and neighborhoods to spur economic opportunities in and around the downtown Battle Creek community.
Kalamazoo
The 2024 WRDA authorizes a new Army Corps study in the Kalamazoo River Watershed to examine urban flooding in the City of Kalamazoo to set the stage for projects that Kalamazoo has been working to plan. Residents, businesses, and emergency services commonly impacted by flooding events could be supported by initiatives such as a by-pass and closure project along the Portage Creek and a stormwater relief project in the Northside Neighborhood of Kalamazoo. These projects have the potential to benefit the entire city of Kalamazoo.
St. Joseph
The 2024 WRDA would authorize a new Army Corps study on the outer and inner harbor in St. Joseph to examine the navigational and economic benefits of deepening the harbor. The current project depth for the St. Joseph outer harbor is 21 feet and the inner harbor and turning basin is 18 feet. A study into navigational and economic improvements of deepening the outer and inner harbor project depths could provide for greater utilization of vessel capacity and attempt to avoid frequent and recurring “emergency” dredging issues due to shoaling in the harbor.
Along the shores of Lake Michigan, current depths can cause St. Joseph Harbor to go from “at depth” to critical very quickly. Proactively studying the advantages to deeper project depths and implementing them into action could improve future dredging and economic benefits to the area by allowing maximum vessel loads of material that support critical road construction and other projects in the region.
Broad Coalition of Business Groups Applaud Proposed Fixes to ESTA, Minimum Wage Law
A broad coalition of chambers of commerce and industry associations are voicing gratitude that members of the state House and Senate are signaling a desire to find a bipartisan commonsense fix to the Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA) and minimum wage law slated to go into effect on Feb. 21, 2025.
“Employers appreciate Speaker (Matt) Hall prioritizing legislation to provide commonsense amendments to ESTA and the tipped minimum wage law that tracks the needs and concerns of the business community. Further, we believe the proposals introduced by Sen. (Kevin) Hertel and Sen. (Sam) Singh represent progress towards a prompt and productive solution.
“The legislation was discussed in the prior legislative session but failed to see action despite having broad bipartisan support to make the laws workable for businesses and workers alike.
“With the effective date just 43 days away, it is urgent that the Michigan Legislature and governor work on consensus changes now.”
The business coalition’s focus is not on reducing benefits but avoiding burdensome micromanagement of businesses. Implementation changes include:
• Allowing businesses to keep their generous paid leave policies intact, “frontload” or provide benefits at the beginning of the benefit year and payout unused time to avoid carryover requirements.
• Exempting small businesses from the requirements of the Act.
• Clarifying which employees are eligible for this benefit.
• Allowing for time to be used in one-hour increments unless the employer has a different policy.
• Allowing employers to appropriately manage their absence control policies and deal with abuses.
• Supporting tipped wage employees by preserving the tipped wage credit.
“Employers appreciate Speaker (Matt) Hall prioritizing legislation to provide commonsense amendments to ESTA and the tipped minimum wage law that tracks the needs and concerns of the business community. Further, we believe the proposals introduced by Sen. (Kevin) Hertel and Sen. (Sam) Singh represent progress towards a prompt and productive solution.
“The legislation was discussed in the prior legislative session but failed to see action despite having broad bipartisan support to make the laws workable for businesses and workers alike.
“With the effective date just 43 days away, it is urgent that the Michigan Legislature and governor work on consensus changes now.”
The business coalition’s focus is not on reducing benefits but avoiding burdensome micromanagement of businesses. Implementation changes include:
• Allowing businesses to keep their generous paid leave policies intact, “frontload” or provide benefits at the beginning of the benefit year and payout unused time to avoid carryover requirements.
• Exempting small businesses from the requirements of the Act.
• Clarifying which employees are eligible for this benefit.
• Allowing for time to be used in one-hour increments unless the employer has a different policy.
• Allowing employers to appropriately manage their absence control policies and deal with abuses.
• Supporting tipped wage employees by preserving the tipped wage credit.
Sen. Victory Working With State Officials, Local Farmers On Bird Flu Outbreak
Sen. Roger Victory met last week with officials from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development regarding the news about highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) being detected at six Ottawa County poultry farms over the past month.
“This is an extremely serious situation, and thankfully, everyone involved — from the state to the local farmers — are doing everything they can to protect poultry in West Michigan,” said Victory, R-Hudsonville.
“I will continue to work with all parties to help get this outbreak under control and ensure our farmers have the tools and resources to protect their flocks.”
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, over 344,000 birds have been impacted in Ottawa County in the six most recent outbreaks at Michigan commercial farms. Ottawa County is the state’s top county for commercial turkey farming, raising 70 percent of the state’s turkeys.
HPAI can be spread directly by infected wild birds or animals or indirectly through any item that has been exposed to the virus, which has been detected in various species of mammals, including Michigan dairy cattle.
To contain the spread of the virus, if a farm detects one sick bird, the facility’s entire flock must be depopulated or killed.
For more information, visit https://www.michigan.gov/mdard/animals/diseases/avian/avian-influenza.
“This is an extremely serious situation, and thankfully, everyone involved — from the state to the local farmers — are doing everything they can to protect poultry in West Michigan,” said Victory, R-Hudsonville.
“I will continue to work with all parties to help get this outbreak under control and ensure our farmers have the tools and resources to protect their flocks.”
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, over 344,000 birds have been impacted in Ottawa County in the six most recent outbreaks at Michigan commercial farms. Ottawa County is the state’s top county for commercial turkey farming, raising 70 percent of the state’s turkeys.
HPAI can be spread directly by infected wild birds or animals or indirectly through any item that has been exposed to the virus, which has been detected in various species of mammals, including Michigan dairy cattle.
To contain the spread of the virus, if a farm detects one sick bird, the facility’s entire flock must be depopulated or killed.
For more information, visit https://www.michigan.gov/mdard/animals/diseases/avian/avian-influenza.
