Advocacy News – Aug. 22, 2023
As the legislature prepares to return to Lansing post-Labor Day and resume regular session days, details about possible agendas and priorities are slowly emerging.
What’s happening: Governor Whitmer’s “What’s Next Address,” Aug. 30, will prove instructive. The Michigan Chamber is expecting the Governor to call for fall action on things like energy mandates, economic development and infrastructure — and we are hearing it’s increasingly possible that a paid leave proposal could make the list.
What might be considered: On paid leave, no one seems sure what the Governor might call for. One option might be to call on the Legislature to preempt litigation pending at the Michigan Supreme Court and replace Michigan’s existing law with more expansive proposal (similar to what was proposed for the 2018 ballot). Another, even more concerning alternative, would be to call for action on legislation (Senate Bill 332/House Bill 4574) to create an expansive, 15-week paid leave insurance program financed through a new payroll tax on employers and, in some instances, employees. It’s estimated the program could cost businesses $1 billion or more per year.
Go deeper:
- Read more about the 15-week paid leave proposal — and top reasons the Chamber opposes — HERE.
- Learn more about the ongoing paid leave and minimum wage litigation HERE.
- Learn more about the energy proposals HERE and what the Senate’s bills do HERE.
- Read more about the Legislature’s first six months of 2024 and what else might be on the horizon HERE.
- Learn more about the Governor’s Aug. 30 address HERE.
Tell us what you think: Contact the Chamber’s Wendy Block any thoughts or questions you may have.