Your Fight, Our Fight
The following are highlights of some 2019-2020 key legislative issues and the actions
the Michigan Chamber took on behalf of our members.
Employer Rights
Reform Work Search Requirements for Unemployment Benefits
SB 812
The Michigan Chamber supported legislation to make reasonable modifications to Michigan’s work search requirements, to promote getting claimants off unemployment benefits quicker and saving the 100% employer-financed system millions of dollars.
Public Act 83 of 2020
Provide Unemployment Insurance Relief Related to COVID Claims
SB 886 and SB 604
The Michigan Chamber supported legislation to specify that employers’ unemployment accounts will not be charged for COVID-19 related claims. The legislation also expanded the ability for employers to take advantage of the state’s Work Share program, which helps employers avoid layoffs by reducing hours and having employees collect partial unemployment benefits to make up a portion of their lost wages.
Public Acts 229 and 258 of 2020
Fund an Unemployment Benefit Extension for Workers Displaced by COVID-19
SB 748
The Michigan Chamber supported legislation to provide state funding for an additional six weeks of unemployment insurance (UI) benefits for claimants filing for benefits between Jan. 1 and March 31, 2021. The appropriation was made by the Legislature in recognition of the strain the COVID-19 pandemic has placed on the 100 percent employer-financed UI Trust Fund and because many claimants are on the unemployment rolls due to government shutdown orders.
Governor vetoed after legislative approval
Repeal Right to Work Law – BLOCKED
HB 4033 and HB 4034
The Michigan Chamber opposes repeal of Michigan’s Right to Work Law, which ensures workplace fairness and equality by giving every employee the ability to decide for themselves if joining or financially supporting a union is the right choice for them.
Blocked in committee
Increase Minimum Wage – BLOCKED
SB 233
The Michigan Chamber opposes efforts to increase the minimum wage to $16 per hour. Michigan already has one of the highest minimum wage rates in the country. Any further increases would make Michigan uncompetitive in the race for jobs and force many employers to cut back staffing hours, increase prices or reduce other investments in employees or the business.
Blocked in committee
Mandatory Overtime Pay – BLOCKED
HB 5036 and SB 542
The Michigan Chamber opposes efforts to increase the salary threshold under which employees must be paid overtime for hours over 40. This proposal takes the salary threshold too high ($54,964), too fast and comes on the heels of a significant increase of the federal overtime threshold.
Blocked in committee
Legal Reform
COVID-19 Liability Protections for Businesses
HBs 6030-32 and SB 1258
The Michigan Chamber led the charge on common sense legislation, to assure that employers in all sectors who take reasonable steps to follow public health guidelines will be protected against needless lawsuits. The legislation also would protect companies who have stepped up to produce critically needed personal protection equipment (PPE).
Public Acts 236-38 and 339 of 2020
COVID-19 Medical Malpractice Liability
SB 899
The Michigan Chamber supported legislation to provide temporary and limited liability protections for health care facilities who stepped up during unprecedented times, to aid Michiganders during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bill vetoed by Governor Whitmer
Education and Workforce Readiness
Promote Upskilling of Displaced Workers to Address Employer Needs
HB 5576, HB 5580 and SB 268
The Michigan Chamber supported the creation of the “Michigan Reconnect Program,” which provides grants to displaced workers, to attain a post-secondary degree or certification. Across Michigan, employers are struggling to find the skilled workforce they demand, to remain successful. Through the Michigan Reconnect Program, job seekers can gain the skills they need to fill the jobs employers have available.
Public Acts 68, 69 and 84 of 2020
Provide Resources for the GoingPro Talent Fund
HB 5396
The Michigan Chamber supported fully funding the GoingPro Training Program. The GoingPRO program provides job training grants to businesses, to support training for current and new employees in high-demand, skilled trades industries. The GoingPro program has proven to be successful in responding to the talent needs of Michigan employers and deserves continues financial support.
Public Act 166 of 2020
Environment
Anti-Business Environmental Regulation – BLOCKED
SB 1154-Blocked
The Michigan Chamber believes businesses should be protected from burdensome regulations and oversight. In 2018 the Chamber successfully fought for changes that would make it easier for the business to comply with environmental regulations and contaminant cleanups in a safe and transparent manner. This bill attempted to strike out those requirements.
Blocked in Committee
Tax Policy
Graduated Income Tax – BLOCKED
HJR S
The Michigan Chamber opposes any attempt to repeal Michigan’s constitutionally protected flat rate income tax in exchange for a graduated income tax. Our state’s flat rate income tax is applied equally to all income earners, whereas a graduated income tax would apply increasingly higher tax rates to individuals with increasing income levels. A graduated income tax punishes success, discourages investment and diminishes the entrepreneurial spirit.
Blocked in committee
Artificially Inflating Property Taxes – BLOCKED
HB 4025, HB 4047, SB 26 and SB 29
The Michigan Chamber opposes any measure to manipulate the property tax system to yield higher taxes. Any attempt to artificially inflate property values and prevent taxpayers from appealing unfair valuations runs contrary to a fair and equitable property tax system.
Blocked in committee
Small Business Tax Increase – BLOCKED
HB 4781
The Michigan Chamber opposes doubling the tax on small businesses.
Blocked committee
COVID-19 Related Financial Relief
HB 5761, HB 5810, SB 935-7 and SB 943
After Governor Whitmer started forcing business closures and severe occupancy restrictions via executive order, the Michigan Chamber immediately began pursuing several proposals to offer financial relief to impacted businesses. Largely in the form of tax deferments, the Chamber recognized the need to provide a hand up (not a handout) to those job providers who need it most.
Governor vetoed after legislative approval