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In This Issue:

  • 2021 Policy Priorities and Positive Outcomes
  • In the News

2021 Policy Priorities and Positive Outcomes 

While 2021 remains just as unique and unpredictable as 2020, the LRCC’s government relations team has been serving its essential role of supporting and advocating on issues important to you. Below you will find the policy priorities along with key areas of success our team has had on your behalf at the federal, state, and local levels of government:

Jobs & the Economy

  • Supported and aided the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) and other entities providing federal, state, and local COVID-19 relief grants and loans to small businesses.
  • Supported the Winning Michigan Jobs legislation to retain and grow businesses and create good-paying jobs.
  • Supported the enhanced economic development incentive legislative package to strengthen the state’s economic competitiveness and compete for and win transformational projects.
  • Supported legislation to provide $409 million in federal/state funding in aid for Michigan small businesses impacted by COVID-19.

Talent & Workforce Development

  • Secured $100 million for the Going PRO Talent Fund (Up from $28 million in 2020).
  • Secured $100 million for Futures for Frontliners & MI Reconnect wraparound services.
  • Supported $100 million for the Office of Global Michigan Immigration & Refugee Support.
  • Supported the MI Tri-Share Child Care Pilot Program.
  • Supported the Michigan Global Talent Attraction, Retention and Recovery Plan.
  • Supported Holt, Okemos, and Waverly Community Schools bond proposal to update infrastructure, safety and security, innovation and learning environments. 

Regional Infrastructure

Supported the $1 trillion federal infrastructure bill package. Michigan will receive $10 billion

  • $7.3 billion for federal-aid highway apportioned programs.
  • $1 billion in public transportation.
  • $563 million for bridge replacement and repairs.
  • $100 million in broadband coverage.

$275 million in regional infrastructure improvements investment in 2021

  • Completion of the Forest | Collin Roads improvement and safety modernization.
  • Completion of $3.3 million Aurelius Road bridge replacement over I-496.
  • I-96 to Airport Road | $73 million investment & 927 jobs.
  • Continue to support Michigan Avenue Corridor improvements between the Michigan State Capitol Building and Michigan State University campus.

Economic Development Projects Supported by the LRCC

  • Supported and secured state grants for 15 local projects through the Michigan Enhancement Grant program.
  • Sparrow Health System capital improvement plan – $800 million.
  • Downtown Conversion Boost.
  • Supported the City of Lansing Small Business Façade Improvement Program.
  • Delta Crossings (Delta Township) – $200 million mixed-used development.
  • Amazon Distribution Center (Delta Township).
  • Redevelopment of the historic Clara’s Train Station.

Healthcare Accessibility & Affordability

  • Continued to encourage and educate employers and employees on COVID-19 vaccines through the RELAUNCH Greater Lansing Task Force. 
  • Requested Gov. Whitmer administration support procuring and paying for COVID-19 tests for employers through a grant program or other method.
  • Supported the Sparrow Health System free-standing emergency department (Meridian Township).
  • Supported the Sparrow Health System expanded outpatient offices across the Greater Lansing region.
  • Supported McLaren Greater Lansing requests for mental/behavioral health partnership with state of Michigan for McLaren Greenlawn campus.  

Regulations | Local Government Financial Health

  • American Rescue Plan Monitoring: Ensuring federal COVID-19 relief funding is spent wisely.
  • Opposed the Build Back Better federal plan, specific to tax structure changes that would negatively impact corporate and small businesses.
  • Supported new social districts in downtown Lansing, Old Town and REO Town to assist restaurants and bars.
  • Supported restoration for tax parity between large C corporations and smaller “pass-through” businesses.
  • Opposed federal and state mandates that were an overreach of government authority into private industry operations.

2021 LRCC Policy Priorities and Positive Outcomes PDF

In the News

Tim Daman, president and CEO, LRCC joined WILS Morning Wake-up with David Akerly to talk about how the pandemic has affected the Greater Lansing business community over the course of this past year and the pros and cons of General Motors coming to Delta Township. Listen here.