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March 5, 2026

Special Friends Edition

This Week's Highlights

Policy Options to Hedge the Worsening Human Costs of Online Sports Betting
New podcast: Flat Revenues Could Challenge Budget Choices for Detroit Mayor Sheffield
Research Council Testimony Before House Appropriations Subcommittee on School Aid
State Budget Webinar: Where We Were, Where We’re At, and Where We’re Going

Policy Options to Hedge the Worsening Human Costs of Online Sports Betting

Many states, including Michigan, have legalized online gambling and sports betting in the last decade, leading to the industry's proliferation and significant economic impact, including tax revenues.

While state-level economic considerations are in the news, the impact of online gaming and sports betting at the individual level is also worth evaluating, independent of any role they might play in the upcoming budget cycle. Given some of the negative impacts arising from the proliferation of online gambling and sports betting, the state should consider policies aimed at blunting some of the harmful consequences of this aspect of modern life.

IN A NUTSHELL

-- Online sports betting has grown into a multi-billion dollar industry in Michigan over the last six years.

-- Problem gambling behaviors have increased due to ubiquitous sports betting apps, leading to financial harm, health issues, and safety concerns.

-- Policymakers have options to mitigate the harm caused by gambling addiction while also respecting people’s rights to engage with sports betting as an entertainment product.

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Flat Revenues Could Challenge Budget Choices for Detroit Mayor Sheffield

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Detroit, like many Michigan cities, counties, and townships, is looking at relatively flat revenue growth as it begins to craft its budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1.

Guy chats with Detroit Bureau Director Doug Ortiz and Research Council President Eric Lupher about the Detroit February revenue estimating conference (REC) and what it portends for Mayor Sheffield’s first executive budget.

It is a good sign that there is talk of some level of tax reform coming from Lansing. Detroit and many local governments throughout Michigan will be watching.

All Podcasts

Michigan’s Budget: Where We Were, Where We’re At, and Where We’re Going

In a webinar for Warner Norcross + Judd LLP, Senior Research Associate Bob Schneider provided context for Michigan’s recent economic history, outlined the changes proposed in Governor Whitmer’s FY2027 budget recommendations, and described what the next few years may look like if trends continue.

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On Tuesday, March 3, Research Director Craig Thiel presented to the House K-12 Budget Subcommittee regarding Michigan's use of a weighted-student funding (WSF) model to distribute state aid to school districts. A WSF model provides additional dollars (using per-student funding "weights") to districts serving low-income, special education, and English learner students, recognizing the additional costs they incur to educate these students to state standards. Craig shared information about the history of WSF, recent funding increases for low-income students, and an assessment of Governor Whitmer's recent K-12 state budget proposal.

Hearing and Slides