(Mackinac Island, MI)  --  Former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich outlined several plans for improving Michigan's economy as the keynote speaker at the Mackinac Policy Conference.  Gingrich told attendees that the state has to change or continue to, quote, "decay."  His most dramatic call was for Detroit to become a tax free zone for ten years to increase property values and attract new businesses.  Gingrich also said that becoming a right to work state would start Michigan on the path to a turnaround, and suggested government workers at least should be allowed to opt out of unions.  This is the 30th year for the conference, sponsored by the Detroit Regional Chamber. 

-Metro Source