This year has been hard. We’ve canceled vacations, visits, and holidays with family. We’ve opted for virtual visits with grandparents and other loved ones. We’ve rearranged rooms to set up in-home work and educational spaces. Birthday parties are by Zoom. For the first time, we are planning a holiday at home rather than traveling to visit family.
Nine months into this pandemic, balancing work, school, and life all from home is still difficult. But I’ll admit that I’ve been fortunate. Both my husband and I have been able to work remotely. My family has remained healthy. My son eventually acclimated to online learning, although there are still struggles. The pandemic has also allowed me to learn a lot about myself. It’s gotten me closer to my husband (and I’ve learned how much of a rockstar he is at his job) and to my kiddo. It’s made me confront what I value in life, in a job, and as a parent.
This fall, I was able to make the tough decision to leave my previous job and take a couple of months to focus on my son, my family, and myself. I baked a lot, got really good at fourth-grade math, went on hikes (and, yes, played video games) with my son, tried a lot of new recipes (some of which I will never make again), and got caught up on some books I’ve been meaning to read.
I know I’m not alone in what I did, as research suggests the COVID-related economic environment is hitting women in the workplace harder, but I was still very fortunate to have this opportunity. I do not regret it.
I was also presented with the opportunity to rejoin the Michigan League for Public Policy as its Fiscal Policy Director. And although starting a new job in the middle of a pandemic is weird, I feel as if I’m returning home.
(Now you know why my name sounds familiar. You’ll probably remember me from my greatest blog hits such as “Taxing Poetic” and “This internet thing is never going to take off,” my love for the EITC, or my constant calls for new progressive revenue streams.)
I’m returning to the League after a short but amazing period in legislative affairs for the Michigan Department of Treasury. I bring with me over a decade of public policy experience, with expertise in state tax and budget, economic development, local government, and workforce issues. I married my high school sweetheart, and together we have a fourth grade son. When I’m not working or with my family, you’ll find me in the kitchen baking.
I’m fortunate to be back in a place that has a mission and vision that I truly believe in. The League’s holistic view of taxes and budget, focus on racial equity, and data-backed, comprehensive approach to addressing economic opportunity are vital to making a better Michigan that works for everyone. I know we will come out of this crisis stronger and more compassionate. Until then, wear a mask, wash your hands, and stay home when you can.
Stay safe. Stay healthy.
Emily Jorgensen joined the Michigan League for Public Policy in July 2019. She deeply cares about the well-being of individuals and families and has a great love for Michigan. She is grateful that her position at the League enables her to combine these passions and work to help promote policies that will lead to better opportunities and security for all Michiganders.
Jacob Kaplan 
Mikell Frey is a communications professional with a passion for using the art of storytelling to positively impact lives. She strongly believes that positive social change can be inspired by the sharing of data-driven information coupled with the unique perspectives of people from all walks of life across Michigan, especially those who have faced extraordinary barriers. 
Rachel Richards rejoined the League in December 2020 as the Fiscal Policy Director working on state budget and tax policies. Prior to returning to the League, she served as the Director of Legislative Affairs for the Michigan Department of Treasury, the tax policy analyst and Legislative Director for the Michigan League for Public Policy, and a policy analyst and the Appropriations Coordinator for the Democratic Caucus of the Michigan House of Representatives. She brings with her over a decade of experience in policies focused on economic opportunity, including workforce issues, tax, and state budget.
Donald Stuckey 
Patrick Schaefer
Alexandra Stamm 
Amari Fuller
Renell Weathers, Michigan League for Public Policy (MLPP) Community Engagement Consultant. As community engagement consultant, Renell works with organizations throughout the state in connecting the impact of budget and tax policies to their communities. She is motivated by the belief that all children and adults deserve the opportunity to achieve their dreams regardless of race, ethnicity, religion or economic class.
Megan Farnsworth joined the League’s staff in December 2022 as Executive Assistant. Megan is driven by work that is personally fulfilling, and feels honored to help support the work of an organization that pushes for more robust programming and opportunities for the residents of our state. She’s excited and motivated to gain overarching knowledge of the policies and agendas that the League supports.
Yona Isaacs (she/hers) is an Early Childhood Data Analyst for the Kids Count project. After earning her Bachelor of Science in Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience at the University of Michigan, she began her career as a research coordinator in pediatric psychiatry using data to understand the impacts of brain activity and genetics on children’s behavior and mental health symptoms. This work prompted an interest in exploring social determinants of health and the role of policy in promoting equitable opportunities for all children, families, and communities. She returned to the University of Michigan to complete her Masters in Social Work focused on Social Policy and Evaluation, during which she interned with the ACLU of Michigan’s policy and legislative team and assisted local nonprofit organizations in creating data and evaluation metrics. She currently serves as a coordinator for the Michigan Center for Youth Justice on a project aiming to increase placement options and enhance cultural competency within the juvenile justice system for LGBTQIA+ youth. Yona is eager to put her data skills to work at the League in support of data-driven policies that advocate for equitable access to healthcare, education, economic security, and opportunity for 0-5 year old children. In her free time, she enjoys tackling DIY house projects and trying new outdoor activities with her dog.
Amber Bellazaire joined the Michigan League for Public Policy as a policy analyst in June of 2019. Her work primarily focuses on state policy and budgets affecting Michigan’s Medicaid programs. Previously, Amber worked at the National Conference of State Legislatures tracking legislation and research related to injury and violence prevention, adolescent health, and maternal and child health. She also brings with her two years of Americorps service. As a full time volunteer, Amber had the opportunity to tutor high school students in Chelsea, Massachusetts and address issues of healthcare access and food insecurity through in-person outreach in Seattle, Washington.
Simon Marshall-Shah joined the Michigan League for Public Policy as a State Policy Fellow in August 2019. His work focuses on state policy as it relates to the budget, immigration, health care and other League policy priorities. Before joining the League, he worked in Washington, D.C. at the Association for Community Affiliated Plans (ACAP), providing federal policy and advocacy support to nonprofit, Medicaid health plans (Safety Net Health Plans) related to the ACA Marketplaces as well as Quality & Operations.
