Michigan Policy Forum Explores Democracy and Economic Inequality
Policy experts gathered to examine how economic inequality creates barriers to democratic participation as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN — The Michigan League for Public Policy hosted its annual forum on Tuesday, examining how economic inequality creates barriers to democratic participation as the United States prepares to commemorate 250 years since the Declaration of Independence.
The 2026 public policy forum focused on fulfilling the promise of American democracy, with speakers and panelists addressing the nation’s history of systemic exclusion and exploring how those previously barred from power can reshape the system.
Natalie Foster, co-founder of the Economic Security Project, delivered the keynote speech, drawing from U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limón’s “A New National Anthem” to illustrate hidden aspects of American history.
Poetry and Historical Truth
“She talks about how it is always, always, about wars and bombs,” Foster said, referring to Limón’s work. “And then she asks about the stanzas that we never sing: The third stanza. The one I had to Google to ensure that’s really what it was. The one that mentions, quote, ‘no refuge can save the hireling and the slave.'”
Foster explained that Limón’s poem suggests every national song contains unsung verses with “something brutal snaking underneath us as we blindly sing the high notes.” Rather than advocating for abandoning traditional symbols, Limón calls for creating new anthems that acknowledge complete historical truths.
Economic Policies and Democracy
Foster outlined how economic policy over the past 45 years has shaped democratic participation. “You could call it trickle-down economics, or Reaganomics or neoliberalism,” Foster said. “It has three core tenets: total faith in the market, zero faith in government and each of us left grasping for our bootstraps.”
The forum examined connections between economic inequality and democratic access, exploring how financial barriers can limit civic participation. Speakers discussed strategies for expanding democratic engagement among communities that have historically faced exclusion from political power.
Systemic Reform Discussions
Participants addressed how individuals from groups previously denied equal political participation can work to transform existing systems. The discussions centered on practical approaches for creating more inclusive democratic processes.
The Michigan League for Public Policy’s annual forum regularly brings together policy experts, community leaders and advocates to examine pressing social and economic issues affecting the state. This year’s emphasis on democratic participation reflects ongoing national conversations about voting access, representation and civic engagement.
The timing of the forum, coinciding with preparations for the nation’s 250th anniversary, provided context for examining how far democratic ideals have progressed and what work remains to ensure equal participation for all citizens.
