Advocacy News – Sept. 25, 2026
What’s happening: The Michigan Chamber’s advocacy team was in Washington, D.C. this week, meeting with the state’s congressional delegation, representatives from the Trump administration and other policy leaders on Capitol Hill to discuss issues critical to Michigan employers and the state’s economy.
Why it matters: Decisions made in Washington have a direct impact on Michigan employers, workers and communities. The Chamber is ensuring the voice of Michigan businesses is represented as federal policymakers tackle major economic, trade and infrastructure issues.
On the agenda:
- Tariffs and trade: Michigan’s manufacturing-intensive economy is particularly exposed to changing tariffs and trade policy. The Chamber emphasized the need for policies that strengthen U.S. competitiveness while minimizing unnecessary costs and disruptions for businesses, workers and consumers.
- Transportation and infrastructure: With key federal surface transportation programs set to expire Dec. 11, the Chamber stressed the importance of long-term, reliable infrastructure investment that supports Michigan’s economy, freight movement and mobility.
- Economic competitiveness: Michigan continues to face significant competitive headwinds, including lagging educational achievement (45th worst of our 50 states), economic performance (43rd worse) and household income (trailing the U.S. average significantly). Discussions focused on federal and state policies that can help attract investment, create jobs and improve Michigan’s long-term economic trajectory.
- Workforce + regulatory certainty: The team also discussed workforce development, permitting and other regulatory challenges affecting employers’ ability to invest, grow and compete.
- Diesel prices and exports: Global supply disruptions are putting added pressure on diesel prices and Michigan businesses and consumers. While some have proposed temporarily banning U.S. diesel exports to provide relief, the Chamber cautioned that restricting global supplies could trigger additional price shocks and make matters worse. The focus should be on federal and state solutions that lower diesel costs without creating further market disruptions.
Bottom line: Michigan needs a strong voice in federal policy discussions. Building relationships with Michigan’s congressional delegation, administration officials and other policymakers helps ensure employers’ priorities are understood – and Michigan’s interests are represented as consequential decisions take shape in Washington.