Advocacy News – Jan. 27, 2023
This week, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivered her fifth State of the State (SOTS) address in front of a joint session of the Michigan Legislature – again in person after two years of virtual addresses. Behind her was Michigan’s first Black Speaker of the House, Rep. Joe Tate (D-Detroit), and first woman Majority Leader in the Senate, Sen. Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids).
What was her focus?
Like most SOTS addresses, there weren’t a lot of specifics, more of a general vision and priorities for the year, and a brief look back at what’s been accomplished. She outlined a few key themes, including “Lower MI Costs” to tackle the impact of inflation and rising costs and to “Make it in Michigan,” to focus on growing jobs, talent and economic development. She also centered on what she dubbed personal freedoms and taking steps to reduce gun violence.
So, what are the takeaways for Michigan Chamber members and the state’s business community?
The governor highlighted a few specific items that are Michigan Chamber priorities:
- Expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) – A smart, sustainable increase in the EITC would benefit workers, communities and businesses alike.
- Read more background in this coalition letter and our legislative memo.
- Updating the Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act (ELCRA) to include protections for sexual orientation and gender identity. This is important to ensure nondiscrimination and inclusion as well as attract and retain a skilled workforce.
- Read more background in this business coalition letter.
- Calling for bipartisan solutions and both sides of the aisle coming together. Pragmatic problem solving that focuses on issues rather than partisan labels has been a longstanding tenet of the Michigan Chamber. Given the very slim margins the Democratic majorities have in both the House and Senate, this cooperation will be crucial.
- Advancing economic development in a sustainable, ongoing way. Ensuring strategic, consistent programs that are also transparent and sustainable is essential to ensuring Michigan can be economically competitive and fiscally responsible.
But … there were several things there weren’t addressed and that raise wariness given some of the legislative proposals already introduced, including repealing Michigan’s landmark Right to Work law and more.
As President & CEO Jim Holcomb noted: “We caution against pursuing major swings in public policy that would disrupt Michigan’s economic recovery or competitiveness … We must continue focusing on doing the things that make our state ready and open for growth and prosperity.”
The bottom line and what’s next.
The Michigan Chamber looks forward to working with both the Governor and Michigan Legislature in the year ahead.
We will be focused on pragmatic, bipartisan solutions that help address the most pressing needs of our state’s job providers and protect them against unintended consequences while building a stronger Michigan for all.
Read our full MI Chamber statement on the Governor’s SOTS address.
Watch the full 2023 SOTS address or get more information here.
For questions or more information, please contact Leah Robinson at lrobinson@michamber.com.