For Immediate Release

Contact: Selma Tucker, Director of Marketing and Communications
Public Sector Consultants
(517) 484-4954

LANSING, Mich.―Public Sector Consultants Inc., Michigan’s premier public policy research firm, is offering its expertise on statewide issues ranging from early childhood education to energy policy for Gov. Rick Snyder’s State of the State Address on January 16.

“It has been our privilege to work on many of the developing issues in Michigan public life,” said PSC Senior Vice President Julie Metty Bennett. “We are eager to hear what the governor proposes to help set the agenda in this election year.”

PSC has a staff of more than 30 focused on three primary issue areas: education, environment and energy, and health and human services. The firm has consulted with and done research for practically every state department, numerous nonprofit and philanthropic entities, and businesses across Michigan.

“It’s no secret that the first decade of the new century has been difficult for Michigan’s families,” added Jeff Williams, PSC’s chief executive officer. “The governor and legislators have a challenge ahead in reviewing what are sure to be numerous requests and proposals to handle the unexpected additional state revenue in the coming year.”

Metty Bennett, Williams, PSC President Peter Pratt, and Senior Policy Fellow Ken Sikkema are available for media interviews leading up to, during, and after the governor’s speech. Biographies and areas of expertise for the four are included below.

“PSC is uniquely positioned to assist the media in their public service role of reporting on complex policy matters. The firm’s leadership and staff are eager to help inform a vibrant public debate that leads to a better Michigan,” said Pratt

If you are interested in speaking with one or more PSC staffers, contact Marketing and Communications Director Selma Tucker at (517) 484-4954 or [email protected].

Jeff Williams ([email protected]) is chief executive officer of Public Sector Consultants. He oversees the company’s finances, personnel (more than 30 employees and numerous affiliated consultants), client relations, and research projects. He has been with the firm since 1991. Williams completed an undergraduate degree with honors in International Relations from Michigan State University. He holds a master’s degree in Technology and Public Affairs from the University of Minnesota.

Areas of expertise: Education budgets; deficit elimination plans; Emergency Managers in schools; federal impact on state finances; higher education policy; use of data in public policy; election results; voting access (redistricting, gerrymandering, early voting rules).

Ken Sikkema ([email protected]) is a senior policy fellow at Public Sector Consultants. His areas of concentration at PSC include public finance, environment, and energy policy. Prior to joining the firm, Sikkema served in the Michigan House of Representatives for six terms and in the Michigan Senate for two terms. In the House, he served as majority floor leader from 1995 to 1996 and as the Republican leader from 1997 to 1998. In the Senate, he served as the Senate majority leader from 2002 to 2006. Sikkema is a cum laude graduate of Harvard University with a BA in History. He received his MBA, with distinction, from the University of Michigan School of Business Administration.

Areas of expertise: Michigan politics; legislative procedure; utility and energy policy; voting access.

Peter Pratt ([email protected]) is president of Public Sector Consultants. In this role, and as an owner of the firm, he oversees strategy and human resources. He also manages the Health Division, conducts research and writes policy reports and program evaluations, facilitates coalitions, conducts focus groups, and provides strategic policy counsel to nonprofit health and human services organizations.  He has been with the company since 1986. Mr. Pratt is a frequent speaker and writer on a broad range of health care policy topics, including national health care reform. Before joining PSC, he taught at Michigan State University. He attended the University of Michigan, earning a BA, MA, and PhD in English.

Areas of expertise: national and state health care policy; Affordable Care Act (Obamacare); health insurance access and costs; early childhood education and development.

Julie Metty Bennett ([email protected]) is a senior vice president at Public Sector Consultants. An owner of the firm, Bennett leads the firm’s Environment and Energy Division and studies energy, water quality, solid waste management, land use, community and economic development, and natural resource management issues. She also is manager of the Great Lakes Fishery Trust, and holds a senior role with Michigan Saves, a nonprofit dedicated to aiding Michigan residents with energy efficiency costs. She holds a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies in Social Science, with a concentration in Environmental Policy and a second major in Political Science, and an MS in Resource Development, with specialization in Environmental Toxicology, both from Michigan State University.

Areas of expertise: recycling; Michigan bottle law; renewable energy policy (PA 295); natural resources policy (Asian carp); energy efficiency policy; complex financial instruments (credit default swaps, etc.).

Public Sector Consultants is Michigan’s most respected, connected, and dedicated research and program management firm, with specialties in governance and regulation, health care, education, energy, and environmental policy. PSC is committed to providing objective research and sound solutions to the public and private sector.

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