On Feb. 26, MichAuto Executive Director Glenn Stevens Jr. and Detroit Regional Chamber Strategic Advisor Terry Rhadigan filled in as the guest hosts of WJR 760 AM’s “Focus With Paul W. Smith” show, which broadcast live in Lansing prior to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s State of the State address.
Hear what the guests had to say below.
Chamber President and Chief Executive Officer Sandy K. Baruah shared his thoughts on Michigan’s role in the automotive industry, especially the need for Detroit’s companies to be ready on a global scale. He also discussed the impact that tariffs could have on the state’s signature industry.
“Americans and Michiganders have been so concerned about the cost of eggs . . . adding an additional $3,000 to the price of a car is not going to help Michigan’s economy or Michigan workers.”
Ahead of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s State of the State address, State Budget Director Jen Flood previewed some of this year’s budget priorities. One highlight Flood shared was the state’s investment in education, including a record investment of $10,000 per student. She also provided insight into the impact of the federal budget on Michiganders.
“42% of our state budget is federal funds – which fund critical programs like Meals on Wheels, Head Start, keeping people in their homes, emergency preparedness, and homeland security.”
As Chief Strategist and Chief Executive Officer of Harbor Strategies Group, John Sellek and Harbor Strategic assists citizens, non-profits, corporations, candidates, and officeholders seeking to educate and persuade their target audiences. During his segment, Sellek shared his thoughts on Mayor Mike Duggan running as an independent candidate for Michigan governor.
“[Duggan]’s accomplished so much in his time. … as a write-in, if someone’s going to figure it out, it’s going to be him.”
Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt serves Michigan’s 20th Senate District, which includes portions of Allegan Berrien, Kent, and Van Buren counties. During his segment, he shared his hopes on what will be discussed at the 2025 State of the State address, such as Michigan’s postsecondary education attainment efforts and permitting and licensing processes.
“[Investment capital] is not coming here because we put up too much resistance. You see that with permitting. I see that time and time again with people who want to grow … and invest here in the state. … I hope what I hear is not just window dressing.”
President and Chief Executive Officer of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce Jim Holcomb shared during his segment that he hoped to hear Governor Whitmer address key issues like education, roads, and Michigan’s talent and workforce issues. He also shared his concerns on an increase in business taxes:
“I don’t want to hear some of the rhetoric that businesses do not pay their fair share or that business is an impediment to growth. I think the job providers in this state are providing for families and building communities, and strengthening our state. I want to figure out how we can support them and how we can keep moving forward.”
During his segment, Sen. Kevin Hertel (D–St. Clair Shores) shared the importance of bipartisanship in creating effective policy for Michigan. He cited the government’s recent work to improve and amend the Earned Sick Time Act as an example.
“We placed the policy first…I think we got to a place that everyone will be able to operate their small business in a successful way…putting the people first.”
Sen. Dan Lauwers (R-Brockton) and Rep. Ranjeev Puri (D-Canton) joined Stevens and Rhadigan to represent the Michigan Automotive Caucus, which also includes co-chairs Sen. Darrin Camilleri (D-Brownstown Twp.) and Rep. Curt VanderWall (R-Ludington).
Puri shared the importance of the automotive industry – not just to the state, but to him personally. Lauwers echoed the call for bipartisanship in creating good policy for Michigan, joining other panelists in sharing the recent success of passing the Earned Sick Time Act amendments.
“I have a deep fondness for the automotive industry and what it means for the state of Michigan. It’s actually why I ran for office – I wanted to see our state more focused on the ways we can protect this industry we hold so precious.”
“The only way we’re going to get work done is by working in a bipartisan fashion. . . It took some late nights . . . to find that common ground and find a solution. I think that’s what’s going to happen going forward.”
Acuitas Principal Sarah Hubbard is known as one of the leading legislative strategists working in Michigan government relations and has been recognized by Inside Michigan Politics. As a University of Michigan Regent, she also cited the importance of “taking the university where the employers are” as the university builds its new campus in Downtown Detroit.
“The university is keenly focused on innovation and investing in it for our region and for the betterment of our business community.”