The Michigan Chamber of Commerce today issued the following statement from Chamber President & CEO Jim Barrett in response to a union organized picket at the Chamber's headquarters in Lansing:

"It's unfortunate that House Democratic Leader Dianne Byrum, trial lawyers and unions want to roll back hard fought legal reform measures.

"The first phase of their plan is a direct attack on the pharmaceutical industry to undermine the U.S. Food & Drug Administration's lawsuit defense. The second phase is an attack on all regulated entities and professions with the introduction of a bill to expand the Michigan Consumer Protection Act. Other industries and businesses should be concerned because their products and services may be next if Rep. Byrum and her union and trial lawyer friends succeed.

"It's ironic that legislators, trial lawyers and unions take actions to discourage businesses from investing and creating job opportunities in Michigan at a time when our 6.6 percent unemployment rate is among the highest in the U.S., and Michigan is suffering what many describe as 'a single state recession' while our nation's economy continues to show strong growth.

"The Michigan Chamber's mailings were a direct response to radio ads that were run in select House districts about legal reform in Michigan. Our mailings were intended to set the record straight and to explain the importance of this issue on Michigan's economy. We will continue an aggressive campaign to ensure that Michigan's legal reforms are preserved.

"We're pleased to be a part of a growing, broad-based coalition that includes: Detroit, Grand Rapids and Ann Arbor Chambers; NFIB; SBAM; Home Builders; The Life Insurance Association; Insurance Institute of Michigan; PhRMa; Michigan Health & Hospital Association; Michigan State Medical Society; Michigan Optometric Association; Michigan Business & Professional Association; Michigan Food and Beverage Association; Michigan Association of Health Plans; Michigan Dental Association; and Michigan Concrete Paving Association."

The Michigan Chamber is a statewide business organization which represents more than 6,500 employers, trade associations and local chambers of commerce. The Michigan Chamber was established in 1959 to be an advocate for Michigan's job providers in the legislative, political and legal process.

SOURCE: Michigan Chamber of Commerce

CONTACT: Jim Barrett or Wendy Hofmeyer of Michigan Chamber of Commerce,
+1-517-371-2100

Web site: http://www.michamber.com/