News Room
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 5, 2008
CONTACT: Rich Studley
or Jim Holcomb
Michigan Chamber of Commerce
517-371-2100 WITH THE ELECTION OVER, IT’S TIME TO GET BACK TO WORK ON STATE’S ECONOMIC CHALLENGES, SAYS THE MICHIGAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
LANSING, Mich. –
With the 2008 election now behind us, the Michigan Chamber of Commerce
today is calling on Governor Granholm and the State Legislature to return to Lansing next week and get
to work on the economic challenges facing our state.
“Throughout the recent campaign, Michigan
voters expressed their concern about jobs and the economy and there was a
healthy debate on how to move Michigan
forward,” said Rich Studley, President & CEO of the Michigan Chamber of
Commerce. “It’s time for Governor Granholm and state lawmakers to return to Lansing and get back to work on improving Michigan’s business
climate and economic competitiveness.”
“With only a few session days left before the end of the calendar year,
there are four key issues that remain at the top of the Michigan Chamber’s 2008
business agenda,” noted Jim Holcomb, Vice President of Business Advocacy &
Associate General Counsel for the Michigan Chamber. “These agenda items are:
eliminate the Michigan Business Tax surcharge; support greater accountability
and excellence in education; maintain a stable and predictable legal climate;
and improve Michigan’s
transportation system.”
“Before the election, a bipartisan majority of the Michigan Senate voted
in favor of legislation to eliminate the 22 percent surcharge and solve other
problems with the new Michigan Business Tax,” said Tricia Kinley, Director of
Tax & Budget Policy for the Michigan Chamber. “We call upon the State House to
take up these bills – in particular, Senate Bill 1038 – and also pass the
cost-saving reforms to pay for this much needed MBT relief.”
“Earlier this year, the State House passed a bill to water down new
requirements for high school graduation before these standards have been fully
implemented,” noted Jim Sandy, Executive Director of the Michigan Business
Leaders for Education Excellence, a program of the Michigan Chamber Foundation.
“We stand with Governor Granholm and the State Superintendent of Public
Instruction in support of education excellence and urge the Michigan Senate to
reject the House proposal.
“While we are disappointed with the outcome of the Michigan Supreme Court
race, the Michigan Chamber remains strongly committed to maintaining a stable
and predictable legal climate in
Michigan,” said Bob LaBrant, Senior Vice President of
Political Affairs & General Counsel for the Michigan Chamber.
“A bi-partisan state task force will soon issue a comprehensive report on
Michigan’s
transportation needs and alternative methods of funding,” said Studley. “We urge
the House and Senate to give serious consideration to this key economic
development issue.”
The Michigan Chamber of Commerce is a statewide business
advocacy organization representing approximately 7,100 employers, trade associations and local
chambers of commerce. In 2009, the Michigan Chamber will celebrate its 50th
anniversary. The Chamber is only one of four state chambers of commerce in the nation
accredited by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
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