Michael Rogers, vice president of communications for the Small Business Association of Michigan, talks with Dr. Charles Ballard, professor of economics at Michigan State University, about the shape of the state's economy and the impact on upcoming public policy decisions. Ballard is an expert in all areas of economics including microeconomics, tax and expenditure policy, state and local public finance, taxation, and poverty and income distribution. Ballard also directs MSU's quarterly State of the State Survey, which measures Michigan's consumer confidence and approval ratings of political leaders.