With Election Day in the rear view, preparations for a new administration and new majority in Michigan’s legislature have already begun, and the Detroit Regional Chamber Public Policy and Business Advocacy team is monitoring it all. Below, view key developments and insight into what comes next for the business community.
What a New Majority in the Michigan House Means
With the new House Republican majority, the business community can expect an improved ability to halt damaging laws that could adversely affect businesses. This includes potential local labor regulations, actions by trial attorneys that could increase home insurance costs, and unsustainable elements of earned sick time regulations. Additionally, the Chamber is looking forward to collaborating with the new majority on securing permanent road funding and reinforcing long-term economic development initiatives.
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New Leadership
Current House Republican Leader Matt Hall was elected to lead the Republican caucus as Speaker of the House next term. Speaker-elect Hall led the team that picked up the four seats that helped move Republicans into the majority.
On the Democratic side, current Speaker Joe Tate announced he would not run to lead the Democratic caucus next term. The Chamber is grateful to Speaker Tate for his partnership especially during his time as Speaker and commitment to championing issues important to Chamber members.
House Democrats elected Rep. Ranjeev Puri as leader for the next term. Democrat Leader-Elect Puri has been a friend of the Chamber and is a co-chair of the Michigan Automotive Caucus, with which the Chamber’s MichAuto program is closely engaged.
Lame Duck Priorities
Lame duck is now underway, and the Chamber is advancing priorities including passing implementation language to mitigate the negative impacts of the Earned Sick Time Act.
Additionally during lame duck, the Chamber is focused on an economic development package that includes:
- Extending the SOAR program
- Securing an R&D tax credit
- Establishing a payroll tax credit
This economic development package should include investments in housing and transit.
The Chamber remains vigilant in preventing efforts that could harm Michigan’s business climate through this lame duck period and into the new term. Contact the Public Policy and Business Advocacy team with any questions.
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