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Detroit Policy Conference addresses state population decline

Seal of the State of Michigan
State of Michigan
Seal of the State of Michigan

Despite abundant natural splendor, Michigan is having a hard time finding people who want to live here.

Fueled by industry and the high-paying union jobs of the auto industry Michigan used to be a destination. Now, the state’s population growth is underperforming the national average.

Billionaire John Rakolta was the co-chair of the Governor’s Growing Michigan Together Council. He says the state’s education – and tax structure – needs rebuilding.

It isn't about new taxes it's about the fact that the state of Michigan is broken.”

There are 10s of thousands of jobs open in Michigan… but the report shows that most of them fall below the median income making them less desirable. Rakolta suggested that the state should welcome immigrants as a way to fill those jobs.