Earlier today, Governor Granholm issued Executive Order 2009-22 to address the state's budget deficit. The EO was then approved by the Appropriations committees of both the State House and Michigan Senate. The Michigan Chamber of Commerce today issued the following statement in response to that action:

The Michigan Chamber is extremely disappointed that in a time of great need our elected officials have refused to take the action required to make Michigan more economically competitive. It is extremely irresponsible for the Governor and Legislature to rely so heavily on one-time federal monies to fund ongoing operations of state government instead of making the dramatic changes that are needed. Everyday across Michigan job providers are forced to tighten their belts to keep their businesses afloat and they expect elected officials to also make the tough choices. The Executive Order approved today does not go nearly far enough or fast enough to right size our government. It is disheartening that the action taken today is more appropriately viewed as a marketing plan for a tax increase and not a blueprint for economic recovery.

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.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

SOURCE: Michigan Chamber of Commerce

CONTACT: Jim Holcomb, V.P., Business Advocacy of Michigan Chamber of
Commerce, +1-517-371-2100

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