LANSING, Mich., Feb. 4, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Michigan Chamber of Commerce today announced legislative priorities for 2015-2016. These priorities were developed by the Chamber's policy committees with input from over 500 business leaders from across the state and were unanimously approved on January 27, 2015 by the Michigan Chamber's 84-member Board of Directors.

"The Michigan Chamber represents over 6,700 job providers throughout the state who are strongly committed to moving Michigan forward by advancing this agenda to further improve Michigan's economic competitiveness," said Michigan Chamber President & CEO Rich Studley. "The Chamber's legislative priorities for 2015-2016 are intended to focus lawmakers' attention on public policy initiatives to encourage job creation and business growth."

"Michigan Chamber members and staff will continue to play a constructive role in shaping Michigan's future," noted Jim Holcomb, Senior Vice President for Business Advocacy & General Counsel for the Michigan Chamber. "We are dedicated to an economic future that includes more and better jobs for Michigan families; more efficient state and local government for taxpayers; and stronger communities with a better quality of life for every resident of the Great Lakes State."

The Michigan Chamber's 2015-2016 legislative priorities target eight high-priority issue areas:

• Ensure employer access to a skilled workforce;
• Protect employer rights in the workplace;
• Advocate market-friendly, consumer-driven health care options;
• Maintain a sound legal climate;
• Secure Michigan's energy future;
• Improve Michigan's regulatory climate;
• Make Michigan one of the 10 best tax climates in the U.S.; and
• Drive the debate about the need to reform and modernize America's entitlement programs

The Michigan Chamber's 2015-2016 legislative priorities are available on the Michigan Chamber's website at www.michamber.com/priorities. For specific questions on high-priority issue areas, please contact:

Education & Workforce Readiness, Employer Rights, Health Care, Legal Reform
Wendy Block at wblock@michamber.com or (517) 371-7678

Energy Policy, Environmental Regulation
Jason Geer at jgeer@michamber.com or (517) 371-7673

Michigan's Tax Climate
Tricia Kinley at tkinley@michamber.com or (517) 371-7669

America's Entitlement Programs
Rich Studley at rstudley@michamber.com or (517) 371-2100

Prior to the August 2016 primary election, the Chamber will publish its 2015-2016 Legislative Voting Record: A Competitiveness Scorecard for Michigan. This publication will provide detailed information regarding the voting record of every State Senator and State Representative on these priorities.

The Michigan Chamber is a statewide business organization representing approximately 6,700 employers, trade associations and local chambers of commerce. The Michigan Chamber represents businesses of every size and type in all 83 counties of the state. Michigan Chamber member businesses provide jobs to 1.5 million residents. The Michigan Chamber was established in 1959 to be an advocate for Michigan's job providers in the legislative, political and legal process. It is one of only six state chambers accredited by the U.S. Chamber and one of only four state chambers accredited with distinction.

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SOURCE Michigan Chamber of Commerce