If you are interested in interviewing a Michigan Chamber representative, contact Sara Wurfel, chief communications and marketing officer, at (517) 599-3470 or swurfel@michamber.com.
Soak the rich is the left’s default answer for filling government coffers. And why not? The ultra-wealthy can certainly afford to pay more. But can everyone else afford the consequences of squeezing the golden geese?
(Lansing, Mich. – Jan. 21, 2026) – Seven of Michigan’s leading business organizations today released the following statement in response to a new independent Tax Foundation analysis of a pending 2026 ballot measure that would change Michigan’s Constitution and impose a graduated income tax on filers earning more than $500,000 (single) and $1 million (joint):
“Michigan’s business community supports investing in our state’s future, including education. But how we fund those priorities and outcomes matters. This independent analysis shows the proposed graduated income tax would not stop with a small group of high earners – it would gravely affect small businesses that employ millions of Michiganders and have significant consequences for jobs, wages and our state’s competitiveness. Major tax changes should be evaluated based on real-world facts and impacts, not slogans.
“We all share the goal of stronger schools and brighter futures for Michigan’s kids. But pitting education against job creation, wage growth and investment is a false choice. Undermining the economic engine that generates opportunity across our state weakens the revenue base that supports our schools, families and communities alike.”
— Joint statement from the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, Small Business Association of Michigan, Business Leaders for Michigan, Michigan Manufacturers Association, Grand Rapids Regional Chamber, Home Builders Association of Michigan, and Michigan Realtors.
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LANSING — A graduated income tax ballot proposal would make Michigan’s potential top rate, 9.25%, one of the highest among states and hurt tens of thousands of pass-through businesses, according to an analysis released Wednesday.
The state of Michigan can do better when it comes to raising the bar on K-12 public education, as Business Leaders For Michigan’s Jeff Donofrio, Michigan Chamber of Commerce’s Jim Holcomb, and Marvin Beatty, of Hollywood Casino at Greektown, discuss on this week’s show.
The Michigan Chamber released the following statement from Wendy Block, senior VP of business advocacy, on the third-party Milliman, Inc. report issued by the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) as requested by the State Legislature analyzing the impact of the state’s 2019 auto insurance reforms:
“This new analysis confirms that Michigan’s bipartisan no-fault insurance reforms are delivering real, measurable savings for drivers and employers. The data shows these smart, consumer-focused reforms expanded choice, lowered costs and strengthened the market. While costs have come down, the report also rightly notes that more can – and should – be done to improve auto insurance affordability. Reducing these costs remains critical for Michigan families, talent attraction and retention and our overall economy.”
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Nov. 17, 2025 – Michigan’s next governor will need to turn around the state with unifying and decisive leadership on education, talent and competitiveness, a leading business group says.
Business Leaders for Michigan on Monday is releasing a plan for how the winner of the 2026 gubernatorial election can boost the state’s economic performance and increase prosperity.