LANSING — The Michigan Chamber of Commerce today announced legislative priorities for 2013-2014, including advocating for consumer-driven health care options, improving our state’s tax climate, and developing jobs. These priorities were developed by the Chamber’s policy committees with input from over 500 business leaders from across the state and were unanimously approved two weeks ago by the Michigan Chamber’s 84-member Board of Directors.
“The Michigan Chamber represents over 6,400 job providers throughout the state who are strongly committed to moving Michigan forward by advancing this agenda to improve Michigan’s economic competitiveness,” said Bill Parlberg, chair of the Michigan Chamber’s Board of Directors and president & COO of Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth. “The Chamber’s legislative priorities for 2013-2014 are intended to focus policy makers’ attention on the economic challenges facing our state and to offer pro-jobs solutions.”
“Michigan Chamber members and staff are determined to play a constructive role in shaping Michigan’s future,” noted Michigan Chamber president & CEO Rich Studley. “We are dedicated to a future that includes more and better jobs for Michigan families; more efficient state and local government for taxpayers; and stronger communities with a better quality of life for every resident of our great state.”
“Our efforts to move Michigan forward do not end simply by identifying problems,” commented Jim Holcomb, vice president of Business Advocacy & General Counsel for the Michigan Chamber. “Over the next 12-18 months, we will recognize lawmakers who support job creation and business growth and also hold lawmakers accountable who fail to support Michigan’s job providers on key economic issues.”
The Michigan Chamber’s 2013-2014 legislative priorities target six high-priority issue areas:
- Encourage transportation investment
- Protect employer rights in the workplace
- Advocate market-friendly, consumer-driven health care options
- Maintain a sound legal climate
- Reinvent the regulatory system & promote the wise use of natural resources
- Further improve our state’s tax climate
The Michigan Chamber’s 2013-2014 legislative priorities are available on the Michigan Chamber’s website by following this link.
Prior to the August 2014 primary election, the Chamber will publish its 2013-2014 Legislative Voting Record: A Competitiveness Scorecard for Michigan. This publication will provide detailed information regarding the voting record of every State Senator and State Representative on these priorities and other key economic issues that emerge.
