Advocacy News – Dec. 30, 2025
As we close out 2025 and look toward 2026, one thing is clear: the environment facing Michigan employers continues to grow more complex. Policy decisions have become less predictable, complicating long-term planning for employers while economic pressures persist and technology continues to accelerate change.
Through it all, the Michigan Chamber stayed deeply grounded in its mission: protecting, connecting and strengthening Michigan businesses. While challenges remain, 2025 also delivered tangible results because members engaged, spoke up and worked together to ensure the business perspective was heard.
Why it matters: Economic conditions, political dynamics and rapid technological changes are reshaping Michigan’s business climate in real time.
- Policy decisions made today – on taxes, regulation, education and workforce development – carry long-term implications for our state’s investment opportunities, job creation and competitiveness. In an environment defined by uncertainty and speed, getting these decisions right matters more than ever.
Our promise: That is why the Michigan Chamber will continue to be clear-eyed, constructive and relentlessly pro-business and pro-free enterprise in our advocacy – ensuring policymakers understand the real-world impact of their decisions and reinforcing the essential role Michigan’s job providers play in supporting families, communities and long-term economic growth.
- Businesses are not an abstract concept – they are the people, investments and opportunities that make Michigan work.
How we responded: In 2025, the Michigan Chamber focused on disciplined and strong advocacy where it mattered most, building durable coalitions, elevating business voices in policy conversations and delivering practical value to members navigating real-world challenges. Together, those efforts translated into the following outcomes for Michigan employers in 2025:
2025: KEY OUTCOMES FOR MICHIGAN EMPLOYERS
- Protected employers and Michigan’s competitiveness. The Chamber elevated thousands of business voices in legislative and regulatory debates, shaping or stopping dozens of proposals that would have added cost, complexity or legal exposure for employers. This included leading efforts to scrutinize and push back on sweeping ballot proposals and “Decline to Sign” initiatives – helping employers and voters understand the fine print, unintended consequences and economic risks embedded in several 2026 proposals.
- Delivered practical resources and tools for employers. As workforce mandates shifted or intensified, the Michigan Chamber expanded its role as a trusted, hands-on resource. This included direct support on thousands of business and policy questions, timely guidance on earned sick time and minimum wage requirements and access to a growing suite of compliance tools and education – from MiBiz360 webinars and downloadable toolkits to special access to legal and HR assistance experts.
- Employers needing assistance wishing to share feedback are encouraged to reach out or complete our quick form here (just scroll to page bottom) – we’re here to help.
- Connected and convened Michigan’s business community
The Chamber continued to serve as a unifying force for Michigan’s business community – bringing employers, associations and subject-matter experts together to collaborate on shared challenges and priorities.
- This included launching the Michigan Alliance for Legal Reform, a statewide coalition formed in response to member-identified concerns about escalating liability risks and the need for a fair, balanced and transparent legal climate. Your voices continue to shape the solutions.
- Invested in leadership and the next generation. Through leadership development programs and civic education initiatives, the Chamber helped strengthen Michigan’s long-term talent and leadership pipeline – supporting women leaders today while engaging middle school students who will shape the state’s future workforce and communities.
- Earned Michigan’s “Most Effective Membership Organization” recognition again – now 20 years running. This distinction reflects the credibility of members and the impact of your real-world perspectives on policymakers.
LOOKING AHEAD TO 2026
2026 will be one of Michigan’s most consequential years in recent history. With every statewide office on the ballot, an open U.S. Senate seat, and all 148 legislative seats up for election, the business community must be engaged, informed and aligned.
Our priorities:
- Boost student achievement to build tomorrow’s workforce. To ensure Michigan’s economic future, we must dramatically elevate educational outcomes so every student graduates with the hard skills, soft skills and problem-solving abilities they need to succeed and employers need to grow. Our K–12 system can – and must – perform better for Michigan kids. With reading scores stuck in the bottom five nationally since 2019, a ranking of 44th in 4th-grade reading, and bottom third in 8th-grade math, it’s time for a bold shift.
- Stop one-size-fits-all workforce-related mandates. This includes further increases in the minimum wage, new paid leave requirements, restrictions on the use of independent contractors, and more.
- Oppose tax proposals that weaken competitiveness. This includes ensuring that facts matter and fighting efforts to impose a graduated income tax that disproportionately harm small businesses and make Michigan an outlier with the 7thhighest tax rate in the country (and highest in the Midwest).
- Advance legal reform. In partnership with the Michigan Alliance for Legal Reform, we will pursue legislative changes that reduce excessive litigation and help reinstate Michigan as home to a fair and balanced legal climate.
- Grow talent pathways and modern workforce solutions. This includes expanding our MiBiz360 talent and HR programming, strengthening employer tools and accelerating programs that help businesses attract, retain and train workers.
- Prepare for America’s 250th anniversary through expanded civic engagement. The National Civics Bee will grow again in 2026, inspiring more middle school students to see themselves as future informed leaders.
- Enhance leadership skills and connections. Taking the MI ATHENA series on the road with a new three-day conference at beautiful Crystal Mountain to bring talented leaders together for intentional networking and educational opportunities.
As we head into the New Year, the Michigan Chamber remains committed to effective, pragmatic problem solving and to the belief that Michigan thrives when its businesses do. Your insights, your engagement and your leadership are critical to helping us shape 2026.
Thank you for your membership, for standing with us and for helping build a stronger Michigan for all.