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In This Issue:

  • 2023 Policy Priority Focus Areas
  • Working Families Tax Cut Passed by the State Legislature 
  • LRCC Supports Expansion of Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act 

2023 Policy Priority Focus Areas

The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce (LRCC) serves as the voice of business for the Greater Lansing region. Our public affairs team is focused on leading advocacy efforts to strengthen the business environment in our region and enhance our community while keeping you connected and advocating on your behalf. 

Below are the 2023 policy priority focus areas that the LRCC’s public affairs team will be engaged in throughout the year:

  • Economic Development & Job Creation 
  • Talent and Education (K-12, higher education, professional trades)
  • Regional infrastructure
  • Healthcare accessibility and affordability 
  • Public Safety                                                           
  • Taxation | Government Regulations          
  • Housing                        

As we continue to work relentlessly on the policies impacting your business, please get in touch with our public affairs team if you have specific issues that you want our staff to review. Contact Steve Japinga, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs, LRCC, at sjapinga@lansingchamber.org or517-853-6467.

Working Families Tax Cut Passed by the State Legislature 

A significant expansion to Michigan’s Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) was passed by the Michigan House last week. 

HB 4002 would expand Michigan’s EITC to 30 percent upon becoming law, helping Michigan’s working families with a historic tax cut. House Bill 4002 would apply retroactively, providing the tax cut to filers for the 2022 tax year, immediately helping hardworking Michigan families dealing with the effects of high inflation. In practical terms, that takes the average current benefit from $150 to $750 for Michigan’s working families.

The LRCC joined more than 230 groups from around Michigan to support a major increase in the state’s Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), including influential state business, religious, health and social services organizations. This aligns with the Chamber’s policy priority focus on Taxation.  

Background: The EITC is a refundable Federal Credit established in 1975 by Michigan’s own President Gerald Ford, with support from both Democrats and Republicans. It was later expanded by President Ronald Reagan. The Michigan EITC was started in 2006 with bipartisan support. Today, eligible taxpayers get 6 percent of their federal EITC payment through the Michigan EITC. HB 4002 and SB 3 would raise that to 30 percent.

Benefits only go to working taxpayers and phase out at higher incomes, ending at $57,414 for a couple with three dependents.

More than 730,000 Michigan households received the state EITC in 2019 – impacting nearly one million Michigan children – putting nearly $110 million back into Michigan’s economy. Both HB 4002 and SB 3 would boost that by $460 million to an estimated $570 million.

LRCC Supports Expansion of Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act 

The LRCC has joined several of our business organization partners from across the state urging the Governor and the Michigan Legislature to amend the Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act (ELCRA) to include protections for sexual orientation and gender identity. 

This is a business issue. A highly talented and diverse workforce is key to moving our state forward. Attracting and retaining a skilled workforce goes beyond competitive wages and benefits. More and more individuals seek communities and states that value diversity and inclusion. Over 70% of young Michiganders say that a state’s social policies impact their decision to accept employment. This amendment supports Michigan businesses as they compete for the best and the brightest talent and retain our local graduates. This aligns with the LRCC’s policy priority focus on Talent and Education (K-12, higher education, and professional trades). Read the Michigan Business Community Letter below.

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