The Michigan Chamber’s annual 2025 Chamber Day was an at-capacity crowd in the capital city’s Heritage Hall at the Capitol. Attendees discussed top issues affecting job providers with legislative leaders, were briefed by issue experts on the current dynamics molding our economic and political environments, and forged or renewed connections.
The day started with networking among key policymakers, state department officials and staff at “Donuts under the Dome” before MI Chamber President & CEO Jim Holcomb kicked off the official programming with the importance building a stronger Michigan.
Here’s a recap from each session of the day:
Legal Uncertainty in Times of Change: Highlighting Concerns About Michigan’s Legal Climate
At Chamber Day 2025, a distinguished panel of industry and legal experts explored the growing uncertainty in Michigan’s legal environment. The panel discussion — “Legal Uncertainty in Times of Change: Navigating Michigan’s Shifting Legal Landscape” — focused on recent judicial trends, activism and tactics are affecting businesses, workers and citizens across the state.
What is happening: Having a stable and predictable legal climate is not just legal theory and is important because of:
- Shifting Judicial Philosophies. Recent decisions by the Michigan Supreme Court are reshaping the state’s legal foundation with a trend toward outcomes-based rulings—where justices appear more focused on achieving what they perceive as fair or just rather than adhering strictly to legal texts or contracts. This evolving judicial approach has led to sweeping changes in Michigan law, impacting areas such as minimum wage, paid sick leave, slip-and-fall liability, and premises claims.
- A Surge in Litigation. Michigan is experiencing a noticeable rise in civil litigation. Our experts cited two key drivers: aggressive advertising by plaintiff attorneys and the increasing use of third-party litigation funding—where outside investors finance lawsuits in exchange for a portion of any potential settlement or award. This trend, they warned, incentivizes more lawsuits and contributes to an already burdened court system.
- The Need for Voter Education. Voters need to better informed about judicial candidates, focusing on those who demonstrate a commitment to constitutional interpretation and a respect for the separation of powers. Voters need to remember that a judge’s role is to read and interpret the law—not rewrite it.
Why it matters: As Michigan grapples with these changes, voters, lawmakers, and business leaders need to stay engaged, informed, and proactive in restoring balance and predictability to the state’s legal system, keeping in mind:
- The Broader Economic Cost. Michigan’s evolving legal climate has financial consequences for residents and the broader economy. According to the American Tort Reform Association (ATRA), the average Michigan resident effectively pays a “tort tax” of $1,046 annually due to excessive litigation. Moreover, the state loses more than 97,000 jobs each year as a result—up 16% from the previous year.
- Michigan is Falling Behind. While other states are enacting legal reforms to strengthen their judicial systems and curb abusive litigation, Michigan appears to be sliding backward. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce ranks Michigan’s legal climate 33rd in the nation, and ATRA has recently designated the Michigan Supreme Court as one of the country’s worst “Judicial Hellholes®.”
Unpacking Michigan’s New Political Reality and What Lies Ahead
At this year’s “Pundits and Pollsters” panel – always a fast-paced fan fave – some of Michigan’s capitol insiders dug into the Great Lakes State’s shifting political and policy landscape. They unpacked current state and federal dynamics, voter behavior and sentiment, and what it all signals for the state’s future — including two major contests on the horizon: the 2026 open U.S. Senate seat and gubernatorial race.
A few of their insights:
- 2026 races: Big stakes, open fields. Looking ahead to 2026, Michigan’s political scene seems wide open. With U.S. Sen. Gary Peters retiring, candidates from both parties are positioning for one of – if not THE – the most competitive Senate race in the country. Similarly, the race for governor — with term limits ending Gov. Whitmer’s time in office — is generating early interest. Expect high-profile names, significant outside spending and a test of how the national mood translates to Michigan voters. Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan’s bid as an independent candidate also promises to create a big question mark — from can it be done to potential impacts on traditional R and D candidates.
- The legislative chessboard. With Republicans flipping control of the Michigan House this past election cycle, Speaker Matt Hall now presides over a chamber central to the state’s policy direction. While Democrats maintain control of the Senate and executive branch, the new dynamic forces a shift in strategy for both parties. Panelists noted Hall’s political savvy and potential to be a key dealmaker – or a leading figure in partisan resistance, depending on how legislative negotiations unfold.
- Bipartisanship or gridlock? The current split government creates both obstacles and opportunities. Some panelists were cautiously optimistic that Michigan could see productive compromise on core issues like road funding, pointing to the earned sick time and minimum wage negotiations at the beginning of the year as examples of constituent-driven consensus. There was also skepticism, with warning that 2026 campaign positioning could increase partisan brinkmanship sooner rather than later.
- Business and economic implications. For Michigan’s business community, the panel underscored the importance of staying engaged as policies around roads, employment law and taxation evolve. With potential changes – everything from federal tax provisions and state regulatory frameworks – advocacy and coalition-building will be critical.
The bottom line: Michigan is entering a pivotal time, shaped by open races, divided government, economic uncertainty, ongoing polarization, and evolving concerns. For Michigan businesses, the next two years will require strategic foresight and active engagement to influence the direction of our state’s political and economic landscape – one that understands the critical role job providers play in building a vibrant Michigan for all.
- The Michigan Chamber is focused on making that happen by driving smart policy and amplifying the voice of business, helping members stay informed and involved.
The Negotiator’s Playbook: Keys to Effective Policymaking and Partnership
At this year’s final panel, “The Negotiator’s Playbook,” a lineup of former legislators, a seasoned lobbyist and current legislative leadership, pulled back the curtain on what it really takes to make deals in today’s divided political world. They shared practical advice on navigating polarization, building consensus and ensuring Michigan’s business community stays at the table.
A few of their thoughts:
- Trust is the currency of deal-making. Even when you’re on opposite sides, trust — built by keeping your word and delivering on commitments — remains essential. Without it, nothing sticks.
- Civility isn’t just polite — it’s powerful. Respect across party lines fosters real dialogue. Confidentiality in conversations builds credibility. Maintaining relationships, even through disagreement, is a game-changer.
- Empathy is paramount. Understanding another person’s perspective is critical — not to agree, but to truly grasp where they’re coming from. It’s the foundation of constructive negotiation.
- Honesty goes further than pretending. “I don’t know” is an acceptable answer, and it’s better to admit uncertainty than to mislead or miscalculate.
- Bipartisanship isn’t dead — it’s just quiet. Despite the headlines, cross-party collaboration happens more often than most think. But it thrives on confidentiality and mutual respect.
- Early engagement is key. Don’t judge or assume. Start conversations early, keep communication open and approach every interaction with a willingness to listen.
- Collaboration isn’t optional. With Michigan facing serious challenges, the question isn’t whether we can work together — it’s whether we can afford not to.
The bottom line: Effective policymaking in Michigan demands more than just strong opinions — it requires trust, respect and a willingness to work across the aisle. That’s how Michigan’s business community stays in the conversation — and at the table.
And special thanks again to our generous sponsors — Verizon, Amazon, CVS Health, Corteva, Walmart, TikTok, Frankenmuth Insurance and Bellwether Public Relations— for their support, as well as our panelists and moderators for sharing their time and talents.
For questions about Chamber Day, contact Becky Burtka.