Advocacy News – Nov. 2, 2022
This Michigan Chamber of Commerce looks out for members and broader or unintended policy consquences for our businesses, communities and families at every turn, whether that is through the legislative process or proposed rules and changes from the executive or judicial branches of our state.
This week, that includes proposed amendments to Administrative Order 2020-17 and Michigan Court Rule (MCR) 4.201 before the Michigan Supreme Court. These changes would ultimately make permanent processes that were put into place under the COVID-19 pandemic. This proposed permanence further exacerbates the availability, or lack thereof, of affordable housing in our state by requiring a two-hearing minimum to solve disputes between landlord and tenants, delaying when a residence can be occupied. The full, official MI Chamber comments are below:
“This memo is to voice the Michigan Chamber of Commerce’s concerns regarding proposed changes and potential permanence of Administrative Order No. 2020-17 and Michigan Court Rule 4.201. Making these processes permanent, which were put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic, is both untimely and harmful because it would further exacerbate Michigan’s affordable housing market and the success of landlords across the state.
We urge the Michigan Supreme Court to take a close look at the proposed changes, many of which were only utilized and needed due to the unprecedented global pandemic. Specifically, we ask for the reconsideration of the two-hearing minimum. This minimum was originally intended to provide more flexibility for landlords to receive reimbursement funds from the federal government to prevent eviction, as eviction was characterized as a public health concern. However, this process no longer serves that purpose and now only delays traditional practices and compounds various issues regarding housing.
The Michigan Chamber is the unified voice of approximately 5,000 members, employing over a million Michiganders, trade associations and local chambers of commerce of every size and type in all 83 counties of the state. Within our diverse membership, there is shared concern around the lack of available and affordable housing, as well as the need for policies that allow businesses to operate without undue government interference and regulation.
Now more than ever, Michigan must remain competitive with other states by ensuring that Michigan statutes, regulations and processes do not negatively impact the already and seemingly ever-present housing crisis. Michigan simply cannot afford to adopt practices that may perpetuate this issue further and make it more difficult for current and future Michiganders to find housing.”
For questions or more information, please contact Leah Robinson at lrobinson@michamber.com.