LANSING, Mich., June 23, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Michigan Chamber of Commerce today released its 2015-2016 Legislative Voting Record for the State House. The purpose of this voting record is to provide the business community and other interested parties with a measure of how current members of the State House voted on a wide range of economic issues important to Michigan's job providers.

The 2015-2016 Legislative Voting Record for State House lawmakers includes 15 key roll call votes on important business climate issues such as: election reform, health insurance, human resources, legal reform, tax policy and transportation investment.

"The Michigan Chamber is mission-driven and member-focused in our approach to business advocacy," said Michigan Chamber President & CEO Rich Studley. "This voting record documents how House lawmakers voted on legislative priorities developed by Chamber members and approved by our Board of Directors."

"We are pleased to report that 21 members of the State House consistently cast their votes in support of jobs, taxpayers and economic growth," added Studley. "We are very pleased to note that State Representative Laura Cox went the extra mile to earn a perfect 100 percent score on the Chamber's 2015-2016 Legislative Voting Record and receives special designation as a "Champion of Commerce."

"Each of the incumbents receiving earned endorsements have demonstrated through their votes on key issues a strong commitment to free enterprise, personal responsibility and limited government," noted Jim Holcomb, Senior Vice President for Business Advocacy & General Counsel for the Michigan Chamber. "Returning these individuals to Lansing will help keep Michigan's economy moving forward."

The Michigan Chamber's 2015-2016 Legislative Voting Record serves as the basis for campaign endorsements for incumbent legislators. Any incumbent legislator seeking re-election to the same office who scores 75 percent or better on the Chamber's Competitiveness Scorecard receives an earned endorsement.

The following 21 State Representatives are seeking re-election and have received an earned endorsement from the Michigan Chamber: Tom Barrett (R-Potterville); Lee Chatfield (R-Levering); Triston Cole (R-Mancelona); Laura Cox (R-Livonia); Gary Glenn (R-Larkin Township); Joe Graves (R-Argentine Township); Gary Howell (R-Lapeer); Larry Inman (R-Williamsburg); Tim Kelly (R-Saginaw); Dan Lauwers (R-Brockway); Tom Leonard (R-DeWitt Township); Eric Leutheuser (R-Hillsdale); Aaron Miller (R-Sturgis); Brett Roberts (R-Charlotte); Jason Sheppard (R-Temperance); Jim Tedder (R-Clarkston); Lana Theis (R-Brighton Township); Rob VerHeulen (R-Walker); Roger Victory (R-Hudsonville); Michael Webber (R-Rochester Hills); and Mary Whiteford (R-Casco Township).

State Rep. Laura Cox will receive special recognition from the Michigan Chamber for achieving a perfect 100 percent score on the Chamber's 2015-2016 Legislative Voting Record. "She is a true Champion of Commerce," noted Studley.

Five lawmakers seeking re-election earned a score of 90 percent or higher on the Chamber's 2015-2016 Voting Record. "We commend these five lawmakers for demonstrating an exceptional commitment to pro-jobs, pro-taxpayer, business-friendly policies," said Holcomb. They are: Tom Barrett, Lee Chatfield, Triston Cole, Joe Graves, and Tom Leonard. Each earned a score of 93 percent.

The Michigan Chamber's 2015-2016 Legislative Voting Record is available on the Chamber's website at www.michamber.com/votingrecord.

The Michigan Chamber is a statewide business organization representing approximately 6,800 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. The Chamber was established in 1959 to be an advocate for Michigan's job providers in the legislative, political and legal process.

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SOURCE Michigan Chamber of Commerce