News Room
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 6, 2009 CONTACT:
Wendy Block
Director of Health Policy & Human Resources
Michigan Chamber of Commerce
(517) 371-7678 (office)
(517) 927-5135 (cell) STATE CANNOT AFFORD COSTLY UNEMPLOYMENT
EXPANSION PASSED BY THE
MICHIGAN HOUSE, SAYS MICHIGAN CHAMBER
LANSING, Mich. – The Democrat-controlled Michigan House of
Representatives today passed legislation to permanently expand Michigan’s 100
percent employer-financed unemployment system in an effort to accept one-time
dollars from the federal government (HBs 4785-86). Representatives of the
Michigan Chamber of Commerce today issued the following statements in response
to that action:
Statement from Wendy Block, Director of Health Policy
& Human Resources:
“Today, House Republicans stood with Michigan businesses in
support of job creation and retention while House Democrats pushed through a
job-killing proposal (HBs 4785-86) to increase unemployment insurance taxes on
Michigan employers at a time when they can least afford it.”
“House Democrats took the easy and short-sighted route to $138
million in one-time federal money, while turning their backs on the job
providers who will be left to foot the bill of the $69.7 million per-year
expansion of the 100 percent employer-financed unemployment insurance system.”
“The Democrats’ action today will permanently increase costs
and further strain the unemployment system and the ability of the state to
fulfill its commitment to those who are currently eligible for unemployment
benefits.”
Statement from Jim Holcomb, Vice President of Business
Advocacy & Associate General Counsel:
“While we recognize the appeal of money is alluring, the
federal funding that is currently on the table is not a ‘gift’ from Congress.”
“The recession is a national issue and the Obama
administration and Congress should immediately distribute funds to Michigan
without economically damaging special conditions and help the state deal with
its highest-in-the-nation unemployment rate.”
The Michigan Chamber of Commerce is celebrating its 50th year
as a statewide business organization and represents about 7,000 employers, trade
associations and local chambers of commerce. The Michigan Chamber was
established in 1959 to be an advocate for Michigan’s job providers in the
legislative, political and legal process. It is only one of four state chambers
of commerce in the nation accredited by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 5, 2009
CONTACT:
Jim Holcomb
V.P., Business Advocacy
Michigan Chamber of Commerce
517-371-2100
MICHIGAN CHAMBER DISAPPOINTED WITH GOVERNOR GRANHOLM AND STATE LEGISLATURE FOR
FAILING TO ENACT REAL SPENDING REFORM
LANSING, Mich. – Earlier today, Governor Granholm issued
Executive Order 2009-22 to address the state's budget deficit. The EO was then
approved by the Appropriations committees of both the State House and Michigan
Senate. The Michigan Chamber of Commerce today issued the following statement in
response to that action:
The Michigan Chamber is extremely disappointed that in a time
of great need our elected officials have refused to take the action required to
make Michigan more economically competitive. It is extremely irresponsible for
the Governor and Legislature to rely so heavily on one-time federal monies to
fund ongoing operations of state government instead of making the dramatic
changes that are needed. Everyday across Michigan job providers are forced to
tighten their belts to keep their businesses afloat and they expect elected
officials to also make the tough choices. The Executive Order approved today
does not go nearly far enough or fast enough to right size our government. It is
disheartening that the action taken today is more appropriately viewed as a
marketing plan for a tax increase and not a blueprint for economic recovery.
The Michigan Chamber of Commerce is celebrating its 50th year
as a statewide business organization and represents about 7,000 employers, trade
associations and local chambers of commerce. The Michigan Chamber was
established in 1959 to be an advocate for Michigan’s job providers in the
legislative, political and legal process. It is only one of four state chambers
of commerce in the nation accredited by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
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