Citizens Research Council of Michigan

06/12/2026

For the full 6-minute conversation: www.crcmich.org/podcast

06/01/2026

🎙️🎙️🎙️🏴󠁵󠁳󠁭󠁩󠁿📜 The most recent pod in our Con-Con 2026 series, Article V - Executive Branch. The series examines the articles of the Michigan Constitution before voters are asked this November to approve a constitutional convention, a vote that must take place every 16 years.

You can find all past podcasts from this series and more here: https://crcmich.org/podcast
You can find the written series here: https://crcmich.org/publications/2026con-con-2

Our podcast continues to surge, surpassing the industry median by more than 5%. Hosted by Emmy-award-winning broadcast journalist Guy Gordon, each episode breaks down complex policy issues into clear, accessible conversations.

If you appreciate what we do to help make Michigan a better state, please take a moment to show that support here: https://crcmich.org/donate

06/01/2026

💰✏️📝Noteworthy bits & bobs Items from the House, Senate and Governor’s School Aid Budget Proposals

https://crcmich.org/podcast/items-of-note-from-the-house-senate-and-governors-school-aid-budget-proposals

06/01/2026

💰✏️📝 More noteworthy bits & bobs Items from the House, Senate and Governor’s School Aid Budget Proposals

https://crcmich.org/podcast/items-of-note-from-the-house-senate-and-governors-school-aid-budget-proposals

05/22/2026

In honor of Memorial Day, we invite you to join us in taking time to remember and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our country and preserve our freedom.

Please note that our office will be closed on Monday, May 25th, in observance of Memorial Day. We will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, May 26th, and will respond to any messages received during the closure as promptly as possible.

Wishing you a respectful and meaningful Memorial Day.

05/15/2026

A decision from the US SUPREME COURT on what is just compensation when a foreclosed property is sold by a county to recover to delinquent property taxes, interest, and fees is expected in Pung v. Isabella County this summer.

(link to full pod in comments)

The central question is whether the calculation of just compensation under the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution should be based on a tax auction sale price, or the fair market value of the foreclosed property.

Changes to Michigan’s tax foreclosure process should be made to address the issues raised by Pung v. Isabella County: expand homeowner education, ease the claims process for surplus proceeds, improve the transparency and competitiveness of tax auctions, and review the impact on property owners and local governments of the existing interest rate and penalty structure for delinquent taxes.

05/06/2026

The US Supreme Court will soon rule on a Michigan case that will be critical to watch: Pung v. Isabella County. SCOTUS will opine on what constitutes "just compensation" to a former homeowner whose home was taken and sold to recover delinquent property taxes.

Citizens Research Council of Michigan wrote about this last week: https://crcmich.org/more-changes-on-the-horizon-for-michigans-property-tax-foreclosure-process

While Pung v. Isabella County’s specific case did not stem from housing unaffordability, most tax foreclosures do. Last week, The Wall Street Journal noted that U.S. foreclosure filings reached a six-year high in Q1, rising 26% from a year ago due to rising homeowner costs.

Property taxes, insurance, and HA dues can add up, straining homeowners' ability to keep up with property tax payments - potentially triggering the tax foreclosure process. The impact of the Pung decision on Michigan's tax foreclosure process could be critical.

We also recently sat down to talk about this huge problem with WLNS Sheri Jones on "Impact Michigan" at WKAR - Public Media from Michigan State University, along with the Michigan State Housing Development Authority and the Michigan Municipal League.

An issue now before the U.S. Supreme Court could disrupt Michigan’s tax foreclosure process and the impact the system has on compelling timely property tax payments. The case concerns Michigan’s tax foreclosure system and how homeowners are compensated when a property is taken and sold to satisf...

05/01/2026

We are celebrating 110 years of independent research all year long.

Thank you to everyone who has supported this milestone and helped keep trusted, nonpartisan analysis accessible across Michigan.

If you have not yet joined the celebration, there is still time. Make your $110 anniversary gift or become a monthly donor to support what comes next.

crcmich.org/donate

05/01/2026

This May, during Mental Health Awareness Month, we are highlighting an important distinction: the difference between mental health and mental health conditions.

Many people think these terms mean the same thing, but they don't. Understanding the distinction can help us take better care of ourselves and support others more effectively.

Here is the difference:

💚Mental health is universal - Everyone has mental health. It includes your emotional, psychological, and social well-being and affects how you think, feel, and act in daily life.

💚Mental health conditions are specific - These are diagnosable disorders like depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). More than 50% of people will receive a mental health diagnosis at some point.

💚Good mental health and mental illness can coexist - Many people living with mental health conditions have periods of strong mental well-being through treatment, support, and self-care.

💚Poor mental health does not always mean mental illness - You can experience poor mental health due to stress, burnout, grief, or life transitions without having a diagnosable condition.

💚Simple ways to care for your mental health - Find coping skills that work for you. These could include journaling, deep breathing, moving your body, or spending time with loved ones.

💚Professional support is available - Therapy can benefit anyone, not just those with diagnosed conditions.

Support for mental health is a critical Michigan public policy issue that the Citizens Research Council has covered extensively. You can find our work here: www.crcmich.org -- write "mental health" in the search engine.

If you need support, please reach out to a health care professional. Help is available, and you're not alone.