Institute for Public Policy and Social Research (IPPSR)

Institute for Public Policy and Social Research (IPPSR) The Institute for Public Policy and Social Research specializes in public policy, political leadership and survey research at Michigan State University.

Our Programs:

Public Policy Issues & Education
Staff within IPPSR's education area work with MSU faculty members to develop research-based policy education initiatives, events, and publications. The annual IPPSR policy forum series is a signature venue for exchange between policy leaders and other decision makers about research on timely issues. Legislative Leadership Program
Sponsored in conjunc

tion with MSU Extension, this program links scholars, legislators, and practitioners in a discussion of public policy issues and the policy making process. LLP kicks off every two years shortly after state elections with a multi-day session for newly elected state legislators on current public policy issues. LLP sponsors ongoing informal meetings among faculty and legislators to further discuss policy issues and relevant research. Michigan Political Leadership Program
This scholarship-funded certificate program is designed for those seeking greater involvement in the public policy process, particularly while serving in public office. Successful applicants participate in a curriculum that provides a solid foundation in practical politics, public policy analysis and process, personal leadership development, and effective governance. Support is provided by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation, as well as Michigan associations, corporations, labor organizations, MPLP alumni, and individuals. Survey Research:

IPPSR's Office for Survey Research provides survey and data services for public, nonprofit, and private sector organizations, including the university community. More than 40,000 telephone interviews and self-administered mail questionnaires are conducted annually. State of the State Survey
A statewide survey of 1,000 Michigan adults, SOSS provides current information about citizen opinions on critical issues such as education, the environment, health care, crime, victimization and family violence, giving and philanthropy, governmental institutions, and specific community concerns. Conducted quarterly, surveys are meant to provide non-partisan information to policy leaders, lobbyists and advocacy groups.

IPPSR Director Matt Grossmann shows why neither party is fiscally responsible in the latest Niskanen Center podcast.
09/03/2026

IPPSR Director Matt Grossmann shows why neither party is fiscally responsible in the latest Niskanen Center podcast.

Headlines showed U.S. debt passing the $40 trillion mark and bond market jitters. But addressing the debt’s quick rise is not a top priority for either party. Were they ever fiscally responsible or were they just paying lip service? And why has it moved even further down the agenda? Derek Epp f...

Detroit Free Press: New poll shows Democrats leading in races for governor, U.S. Senate
09/02/2026

Detroit Free Press: New poll shows Democrats leading in races for governor, U.S. Senate

Michigan State University's long-running State of the State Survey shows Jocelyn Benson with a significant lead over John James.

IPPSR Director Matt Grossmann joined Michigan Matters to speak about the election and MPLP, along with MPLP Director Ton...
09/02/2026

IPPSR Director Matt Grossmann joined Michigan Matters to speak about the election and MPLP, along with MPLP Director Tonya Schuitmaker.

Michigan entrepreneurs Bob Thompson and his wife, Ellen Thompson, h...

MSU Poll Shows Democrats Lead, Republicans Coalesce Behind RogersOpen configuration optionsEast Lansing, Mich., Septembe...
09/01/2026

MSU Poll Shows Democrats Lead, Republicans Coalesce Behind Rogers
Open configuration options
East Lansing, Mich., September 1, 2026 – The Institute for Public Policy and Social Research at Michigan State University (IPPSR) released the latest iteration of the long-running State of the State Survey. Conducted by the Office for Survey Research at Michigan State University (OSR), the poll showed that Democrats currently lead in both the race for Governor and the race for Michigan's open Senate seat. The poll shows Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson in a significant lead in her bid for the governor's office, leading Congressman John James 49% to 39% among registered voters and 52% to 43% among likely voters . However, the same poll shows a much closer race for Michigan's U.S. open Senate seat, with Dr. Abdul El-Sayed leading former Congressman Mike Rogers 48% to 44% among registered voters and 50% to 45% among likely voters.



Another interesting finding shows a growing generational split within the electorate. Progressive Democrat El-Sayed continued to enjoy strong support among younger voters, ahead of the more traditional democrat Benson among likely voters under age 45. However, El-Sayed trails Benson among older voters.



"Rogers is running ahead of James, with more success among independents. But El-Sayed is not really underperforming Benson; he's just relying on a younger coalition," said IPPSR Director Matt Grossmann in review of the results.



In terms of support, El-Sayed's Muslim faith may be an issue for many voters, with 37% saying they are less likely to support a candidate who is Muslim.



President Trump remains unpopular with Michigan voters, with 55% saying his endorsement made them less likely to support a candidate, while only 27% said it made them more likely to support a candidate.



OSR and IPPSR conducted interviews for the survey between August 10 and 20, 2026. 1,000 interviews were conducted with Michigan adult residents using a YouGov online panel. Respondents were recruited via a web-based panel and matched to a sampling frame of Michigan adults. The unweighted bases are 1,000 overall, 913 registered voters, and 779 likely voters under this definition. The State of the State Survey has been conducted continuously since 1994. This round of SOSS will be released to the public at the end of February 2027.

Dr. Matt Grossmann joined Michigan Matters, along with Tonya Schuitmaker, to discuss the upcoming election and MPLP. MM ...
08/27/2026

Dr. Matt Grossmann joined Michigan Matters, along with Tonya Schuitmaker, to discuss the upcoming election and MPLP.

MM airs twice this Sunday- 530am-CBS Detroit
Then again 9;30 am Sunday-CW Detroit 50.

The roundtable talks politics, civility and issues that will resonate this fall in various elections.

08/24/2026

Do you aspire to run for office? Enhance your leadership skills? Applications for our 2027 program are now available. Deadline to apply is October 2nd. For more information, contact Linda Cleary at [email protected] or (517) 353-0891.

IPPSR Director Dr. Matt Grossman spoke with WILX News 10 about the 2026 elections.
08/20/2026

IPPSR Director Dr. Matt Grossman spoke with WILX News 10 about the 2026 elections.

The Michigan Political Leadership Program is hosting an alumni engagement series Wednesday featuring a panel discussion on the 2026 general election.

07/22/2026

Rudy Hobbs and Tonya Schuitmaker, MPLP Co-Directors

07/08/2026

Address

Berkey Hall
East Lansing, MI

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+5173556672

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