LANSING, Mich., Feb. 1, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The Michigan Chamber of Commerce today announced legislative priorities for 2013-2014. 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 23, 2013 by the Michigan Chamber's 84-member Board of Directors.

"The Michigan Chamber represents over 6,400 job providers throughout the state who are strongly committed to moving Michigan forward by advancing this agenda to improve Michigan's economic competitiveness," said Bill Parlberg, Chair of the Michigan Chamber's Board of Directors and President & COO of Zehnder's of Frankenmuth. "The Chamber's legislative priorities for 2013-2014 are intended to focus policy makers' attention on the economic challenges facing our state and to offer pro-jobs solutions."

"Michigan Chamber members and staff are determined to play a constructive role in shaping Michigan's future," noted Michigan Chamber President & CEO Rich Studley. "We are dedicated to a 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 our great state."

"Our efforts to move Michigan forward do not end simply by identifying problems," commented Jim Holcomb, Vice President of Business Advocacy & General Counsel for the Michigan Chamber. "Over the next 12-18 months, we will recognize lawmakers who support job creation and business growth and also hold lawmakers accountable who fail to support Michigan's job providers on key economic issues."

The Michigan Chamber's 2013-2014 legislative priorities target six high-priority issue areas:

• Encourage transportation investment;
• Protect employer rights in the workplace;
• Advocate market-friendly, consumer-driven health care options;
• Maintain a sound legal climate;
• Reinvent the regulatory system & promote the wise use of natural resources; and
• Further improve our state's tax climate

The Michigan Chamber's 2013-2014 legislative priorities are available on the Michigan Chamber's website at www.michamber.com/priorities.

Prior to the August 2014 primary election, the Chamber will publish its 2013-2014 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 and other key economic issues that emerge.

The Michigan Chamber of Commerce 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.

SOURCE Michigan Chamber of Commerce