Policy & Politics

Lawmakers have told Chamber Lobbyists that they want to hear from job providers within their districts; that when they are getting ready to cast a vote on an important issue, it matters to them how people back home feel about the issue.  Lawmakers want to hear from you. So let’s start talking!

What is lobbying?

Simply put, lobbying is just telling a story—YOUR story. Don’t let the word “lobbying” intimidate you.  Lobbying is having a conversation with another person, providing them with your opinion, and persuading them to agree with you.

Why should I lobby?

As a job provider in Michigan, you have a story to tell. You have first-hand knowledge on how government decisions impact you and your employees. Lobbying is your chance to influence the influencers. If you don’t tell the elected officials how policy will impact people in the real world, who will and how will they know?

Does lobbying really make a difference?

YES! Telling your elected officials what you think of legislation, or taking the time to build a relationship makes a significant difference. There are many times when lawmakers are about to take a vote on an important issue, and from the House/Senate chamber floor they make a few phone calls to local job providers in their district to gain their perspective on the legislation. There is no reason why the person receiving the call can’t be you. All it takes is you reaching out and taking that step to build a relationship with your elected official.

Who can lobby?

Anyone. A concerned citizen impassioned about an issue can advocate on that issue. Bring in a few others who are like-minded and share your passion for an issue and you’ve become an effective force.

How much time does it take to lobby?

Lobbying can be very easy and very quick. For example…if you make a phone call to urge a lawmaker to vote a certain way on a bill, it can take less than 5 minutes. If you send an email through the Legislative Action Center on the Michigan Chamber website, that can be done in less than 3 minutes.  It doesn’t take long to have an impact.

The Chamber has lobbyists, why do I need to lobby lawmakers?

Lawmakers need to hear from you. Our Chamber lobbyists have heard time and again from lawmakers that they appreciate their work, but they want to talk to someone from their district. You can tell your story—help them understand not only how it impacts the state, but how it impacts their backyard.

How does my lobbying help the Chamber?

Since its founding in 1959, the Michigan Chamber has worked aggressively to promote conditions favorable to job creation and business growth in Michigan. What better way to promote those conditions to lawmakers then having them hear real stories directly from people back in their district.  Working together makes a difference. 

Michigan Chamber lobbyists are extremely effective at what they do.  Combine your efforts to reach out to lawmakers with the work of Chamber lobbyists, and you have an unstoppable team. We are here to serve you.  The more you engage in the process, the more effective we become. We have all seen how unions make an effective lobbying force. That’s because the lobbying isn’t left to the paid staff. It is the combination of paid staff and individuals passionate about an issue, willing to let their voice be heard.  Lawmakers care how people in their district feel about issues. Your direct communication with lawmakers—through phone calls and emails—reinforces what our lobbyists tell them on a daily basis. Working together as a team brings great success.

How do I even start?
There are many ways you can be involved—from calling your lawmaker and sending an email, to hosting them at your company. The Michigan Chamber wants you to be prepared and has developed Lobbying Steps to Move Michigan Forward.

What if I need more information on an issue?

The Michigan Chamber lobbyists are always willing to talk with you about legislative and policy issues and answer any questions you might have. In addition, the Chamber can provide you background information and talking points on an issue, if that is helpful to you. Don’t ever hesitate to contact us; we’re here for you!