Legislation passed today by the Democratically-controlled Michigan House of Representatives is a blatant attempt to line the pockets of personal injury lawyers at the expense of Michigan citizens, says the Michigan Chamber of Commerce.

"By repealing Michigan's lawsuit abuse protections, the supporters of House Bills 4316-18 are ensuring that Michigan becomes a lawsuit magnet," said Wendy Block, Director of Health Policy & Human Resources for the Michigan Chamber.

"Legislators were faced with a clear choice this afternoon: Support good-paying, high-tech jobs and patient access to life-saving medications or support personal injury lawyers and frivolous lawsuits," noted Jim Holcomb, Michigan Chamber Vice President of Business Advocacy & Associate General Counsel.

"Although we are disappointed that this legislation passed the House, we applaud the leadership of House Republicans for leading the opposition against this anti-patient, job-killing legislation," Holcomb continued.

"Michigan cannot afford to abandon current law, which is being modeled by other states. We should build upon our good public policy, not dismantle it," Block concluded.

The Michigan Chamber of Commerce is celebrating its 50th year as a statewide business organization and represents about 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. www.michamber.com

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SOURCE: The Michigan Chamber of Commerce

CONTACT: Wendy Block or Jim Holcomb, +1-517-371-2100

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