The Michigan Chamber of Commerce today announced its legislative priorities for 2009-2010. These priorities were developed by over 500 business leaders from across the state and approved on January 29th by the Michigan Chamber's 84-member Board of Directors.

"The Michigan Chamber represents over 7,000 job providers who are committed to moving Michigan forward by advancing this agenda to improve Michigan's economic competitiveness," said Doug Bouma, Chair of the Michigan Chamber's Board of Directors and CEO of Bouma Corporation/Bouma Construction in Grand Rapids. "The Chamber's legislative priorities for 2009-2010 are intended to focus policy makers' attention on the economic challenges facing our state and to offer pro-jobs solutions to those problems."

"While we are currently in the middle of a difficult economic downturn, Michigan Chamber members and staff are strongly committed to playing a constructive role in shaping Michigan's future," noted Michigan Chamber President & CEO Rich Studley. "We are dedicated to a future that includes a modernized government focused on efficiencies and effectiveness to help employers and employees thrive and achieve a better quality of life for all citizens of this great state."

"Our efforts to move Michigan forward do not end simply by offering solutions," commented Jim Holcomb, Vice President of Business Advocacy & Associate General Counsel for the Michigan Chamber. "Whenever possible, we will work across party lines with elected officials in both legislative chambers to shape good public policy, and we will hold lawmakers accountable when they stray."

"The voting record of State Senators and State Representatives on these priorities and other key issues that may emerge over the next two years will become the Chamber's 2009-2010 Legislative Voting Record: A Competitiveness Scorecard for Michigan," explained Bob LaBrant, Senior Vice President of Political Affairs and General Counsel for the Michigan Chamber. "Any legislator seeking re-election to the same office who has a 75 percent or better voting record with the Michigan Chamber will be eligible to receive an earned endorsement for election in 2010."

The Michigan Chamber's legislative priorities are not an exhaustive list of the Chamber's position on every important issue that might be considered over the next two years. Rather, they are a communication to the Legislature, administration, news media and general public highlighting what Chamber members believe state government should or should not do within the legislative and regulatory arena to encourage job creation and economic growth.

The Chamber's 2009-2010 legislative priorities address eight issue areas: budget and tax policy; energy and telecommunications; environmental quality; health care reform; lawsuit abuse; protecting employer rights in the workplace; transportation investment; and workforce development and student achievement. These priorities are available on the Chamber's web site at: www.michamber.com. A printed booklet of the Michigan Chamber's legislative priorities will be available later this month. For a copy of the booklet, contact Betty McNerney, Director of Communications at (517) 371-7663 or via email at: bmcnerney@michamber.com .

The Michigan Chamber of Commerce is celebrating its 50th year as a statewide business organization, now representing more than 7,000 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. It is only one of four state chambers of commerce in the nation accredited by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

SOURCE: Michigan Chamber of Commerce

CONTACT: Rich Studley or Jim Holcomb, both of Michigan Chamber of
Commerce, +1-517-371-2100

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