The Institute for Public Policy and Social Research (IPPSR) at Michigan State University is launching the Michigan Legislative Exchange (MILE): a first-in-the-nation, state-level, systematic approach to building trust across the political aisle. MILE is modeled after the successful American Congressional Exchange, launched in 2018 to advance bipartisanship among members of the U.S. Congress. Building on lessons learned from Congressional exchanges, this program will facilitate district-to-district relationships and understanding among Michigan state lawmakers.
Guiding principles:
- Trust must intentionally be built across the aisle as a precursor to solving problems.
- Legislators must listen to one another and understand what issues motivate and concern their colleagues.
- A shared experience based on close personal interactions helps bring state legislators together, identify shared values and goals, and find ways to work together on behalf of the people of Michigan.
Why?
Emerging from a divisive and polarized election season, the state of Michigan is currently characterized by a divided government and political parties increasingly at odds. Left unchecked, bitter gridlock and political acrimony will continue and the legislature will struggle to be productive.
How?
MILE will pair two legislators from opposite political parties to visit each other’s districts, with special emphasis on bringing together districts that differ in areas such as geography, culture, politics, or community demographics.
MILE will aspire to dignify these differences, define common problems across communities, and identify shared interests and goals.
MILE trips will typically last 12-36 hours. Itineraries will be designed by IPPSR, in collaboration with the host legislator to showcase unique experiences, industries, businesses, and community leadership in their district.
Itineraries may include, but are not limited to, tours, roundtable conversations, meetings with local civic and community leaders and shared meals. Experiences such as these help legislators better understand the economic, social, political, and cultural make-up of a district. MILE will nurture authentic connections, relationships, and trust across differences.
MILE goals
1. Identifying policy issues of local, regional and state importance that legislators may be able to work on together and find bipartisan solutions.
2. Encouraging and fostering deeper connections, relationships and trust between legislators and key civic and community leaders across the state of Michigan.
3. Learning and hearing about local challenges and opportunities that may not be as well-known or understood in different parts of the state
Why IPPSR?
IPPSR is dedicated to applying research to pressing public policy issues and building problem-solving relationships between the academic and policymaker communities. IPPSR is uniquely suited to host the MILE program alongside its other highly successful education programs, including the Michigan Political Leadership Program and the Legislative Leadership Program.
IRRSR brings together a wide network of policymakers, policy experts, government professionals, and scholars to discuss and confront the most pressing issues for society today. A leading institution in the areas of social science research and public policy education, IPPSR is prepared to facilitate lasting relationships among Michigan legislators as they travel together and learn from one another.
Next Steps
IPPSR has vetted MILE with civic and community leaders, organizations, educational institutions, philanthropy, and businesses as well as received enthusiastic support from current and former state legislators. With start-up funding from two family foundations, we are identifying project partners, and actively seeking financial support from individuals, non-lobbying organizations/foundations in Michigan to sustain the MILE. Funding will provide support staff, travel costs and food, collateral materials, and communications needs.
On April 23, we announced our first legislative pairings; those exchanges will take place in the first half of 2025. IPPSR aspires to conduct a total of eight exchanges in 2025 and more in 2026.
Advisory Board
- Dave Dulio, Director, Center for Civic Engagement, Oakland Univ.
- Brian Calley, President & CEO, Small Business Association of Michigan; Lt. Governor (2011-18), MI House (2007-2011)
- Paul Hillegonds, Former Speaker of the House (1993-96), MI House (1979-96)
- Donna Lasinski, VP, Michigan Future, Inc.; House Minority Leader (2021-23), MI House (2017-2023)
- Dennis Muchmore, Govt. Relations & Regulatory Advisor, Honigman; former Chief of Staff
- Gov. Rick Snyder
- Cami Pendell, Senior Director of Strategy, Mackinac Center for Public Policy Rachel Richards, Director of Fiscal Policy & Government Relations, Michigan League for Public Policy
- Ken Sikkema, MI House (1987-1989), MI Senate (1999-2006), Majority Senate Leader (2003-06)