"The right to criticize government is also an obligation to know what you are talking about."

-Lent Upson, first director of Citizens Research Council

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June 10, 2026

Highlights:

• New Council Report: Michigan Constitution Series: Article VI-Judicial Branch
• New Limited Series Podcasts: Facts from the Front Porch
• Save the Date: Annual Public Policy Dinner, September 30

The Michigan judicial system comprises a supreme court, a statewide court of appeals, county or multi-county circuit and probate courts, and county or municipal district courts. The 1963 Constitution created “one court of justice,” meaning that all courts are organized under the Supreme Court and operate under its rules and procedures.

If Michiganders vote to approve a Constitutional Convention in the November general election, deliberations on Article VI would likely focus on court organization, the selection process for judges, the process for reviewing judicial conduct, judicial pay, and trial court funding.

This is the ninth in a series of 15 papers providing information to Michigan voters ahead of the November ballot question on whether to hold a constitutional convention (con-con).

In a special limited series of the #FactsMatter podcast – Facts from the Front Porch – Guy Gordon and Eric Lupher sit down with Dr. Bill Pink, President of Ferris State University, for a timely, wide-ranging discussion of university governance, Michigan’s population and economic challenges, and the state’s talent pipeline. The podcast was recorded during the Mackinac Island Public Policy Conference.

Dr. Pink, who is also a Research Council Trustee, reflects on the value of Michigan’s appointed university boards, noting that Ferris has benefited from “rock stars as board members” selected through a thoughtful gubernatorial appointment process that considers competencies, geography, and alumni balance. He adds that appointed members tend to focus on service to the institution rather than on “self-promotion and political careers.”

Pink emphasizes that this process results in strong governance, rooted in balanced expertise and alumni representation, which helps keep GVSU focused on student success.

Their discussion then turns to Michigan’s long-term economic and population challenges. As the state slips from 19th to 40th in personal income and struggles to grow its population, Pink stresses that Michigan didn’t arrive at this point overnight and won’t reverse course quickly. The state must stop “starting over” every time leadership changes. He warns against letting major reports “sit on a shelf” and urges future leaders to build on, rather than discard, the work of the Growing Michigan Together Council.

Find all #FactsMatter podcasts on SoundCloud, Apple, Spotify, Amazon or wherever you get your podcasts. LIKE and SUBSCRIBE!

State school board opposes help for private and public school students, Michigan Capitol Confidential (June 8)

Michigan Senate race: Is it true that no jobs were created after SOAR spent $2.5 billion? PolitiFact (June 4)

Tax Man Has Detroit On The Ropes As Mayor Floats Deep Cuts, Hoodline (June 1)

Detroit’s debt problem has a revenue solution we’re ignoring, Detroit Metro Times (May 29)

Report: State must prepare for Medicaid work requirements now to reduce number of people who lose coverage, State Affairs (May 29)