Something big is about to happen. It has been hotly anticipated, long-awaited and is sure to please fans and followers when it comes out later this month.
No, I’m not talking about The 2019 Kids Count in Michigan Data Book (although I probably should be!). Avengers: Endgame will be hitting theaters on April 26th and has the superhero-obsessed breaking presale ticket records and planning their costumes for the big night.
From Black Panther to Wonder Woman, super-flicks have become a summer staple, with millions flocking to cool theaters to watch good triumph over evil in ever-more visually stunning ways. After Avengers will come Dark Phoenix, Spider-Man: Far From Home and The New Mutants to round out the season.
Here at the League, we know that there are real, everyday superheroes across the state. We lift up the work of those superheroes and try to put our own abilities to the test for Michigan’s kids and families. We even have a bit of our own super-motto, which may or may not also be our guest WiFi password – “data for good.”
Like many advocates across the state, we rely on accurate and reliable data to push for positive change. That’s why two recent news stories have us worried.
An independent assessment of the state’s Child Welfare Information System (MiSACWIS) revealed “persistent and significant defects” that are hurting caseworkers and the families and children they serve. Users in all 83 Michigan counties have relied on MiSACWIS since 2014 for investigation and case management of abuse and neglect claims, foster care management, and other services. The assessment found that workers have reported being unable to save information and correct errors, document and close cases in a timely manner and make or change the placement of a child. Even more troubling, the report found that system errors are impacting data quality and delaying necessary services for families.
While the independent report recommended an entirely new system, the Department of Health and Human Services has until June 27 to decide what to do next. According to data for fiscal year 2017, almost 250,000 children were in investigated families, with over 41,000 confirmed victims of abuse or neglect. There were 11,209 children in out-of-home care due to abuse and/or neglect, and the number of children involved in the child welfare system have been increasing in recent years. Services and care for these children are at stake, and an immediate and comprehensive fix to this system is necessary.
In education news, this month eighth-graders will take the PSAT 8/9 instead of the M-STEP test for English Language Arts and math. Testing for M-STEP only began in 2015 with four years of data collected so far. Little progress has been made, with over two-thirds of eighth-graders still not meeting proficiency in math statewide. By changing the test after such a short time, though, it becomes more difficult to track whether or not our education system is improving for students. We need consistent data from year to year to be able to identify problems and possibilities.
It really is simple— in order to use “data for good” we need access to “good data.” Many of my days are focused on making sure the numbers we provide through Kids Count are both accurate and reliable over time so that advocates have the best information to push for change. These efforts only go so far if they are hindered by bad policies.
We at the League will continue to watch out and advocate for the best interest of Michigan kids, including around data collection and reporting. We need to make sure our data collection systems are working correctly, fixing problems instead of contributing to them. We need transparency in how we collect and report data, with the goal to measure our progress honestly.
Our kids are counting on us—just like we count on Captain Marvel, the Black Panther, and Spider-Man—to use our powers for good.
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.
