The Michigan Chamber of Commerce announced today that Valde Garcia, currently a Republican State Representative from St. Johns, has received its endorsement for election to the 26th Senate seat. Earlier this week, business leaders who are members of the Chamber's PAC Board of Directors voted to endorse Valde Garcia for State Senate.

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"Rep. Garcia is a productive and pro-business lawmaker. As a State Representative, Garcia has consistently voted to encourage job creation, promote economic growth and ease the tax burden on working families," said Jim Barrett, Michigan Chamber President & CEO. "We are proud to endorse him in his bid for the 26th Senate seat and are confident he will be an outstanding State Senator."

During the regular 1999-2000 legislative session, Rep. Garcia scored 95% on the Michigan Chamber's Job Providers Index by supporting business on 21 out of 22 key roll call votes on a wide range of economic issues. Garcia's excellent voting record with the Chamber continued through the 2000 Lame Duck Session where he scored 80% by supporting business on 4 out of 5 key roll call votes.

Garcia is also a leader on economic development. As Chair of the House Economic Development Committee during the 1999-2000 session, Rep. Garcia provided strong leadership on a wide range of key business climate issues. For example, under his leadership, the Economic Development Committee approved legislation to: provide for brownfield redevelopment; allow new communities to become eligible for renaissance zones; create certified technology parks and extend the sunset on Single Business Tax credits for youth apprentice programs.

"In addition to his strong leadership on economic development and an outstanding voting record, Garcia's employment experience with the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) and his endorsement by the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce were important and positive factors we considered in making this decision," added Bob LaBrant, the Chamber's general counsel and senior vice president of political affairs.

There is a vacancy in the 26th Senate district which includes the counties of Clinton, Shiawassee and Livingston in mid-Michigan as a result of Senator Mike Roger's election to the U.S. House of Representatives in November 2000.

The special primary election will be held on Tuesday, February 27 and the general election will take place on March 20, 2001.

"Job providers in the 26th Senate district and across the state look to the Michigan Chamber as a leading voice on business issues," said Rep. Garcia. "I am pleased to have their endorsement and confidence."

The Michigan Chamber of Commerce is a statewide business organization which represents approximately 7,000 employers, trade associations and local chambers of commerce. The Michigan Chamber was established in 1959 to be an advocate for Michigan job providers in the legislative, political and legal process.

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SOURCE: Michigan Chamber of Commerce

Contact: Bob LaBrant, Senior V.P., Political Affairs and General Counsel
of Michigan Chamber of Commerce, 517-371-2100

Website: http://www.michamber.com/