Capitol Connection January 2025
New This Year in the Capitol Connection
The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce (LRCC) Capitol Connection continues to be your go-to source for the latest policy, legislative, and political updates from the LRCC Public Affairs Department.
What's New in 2025?
In addition to our monthly Capitol Connection Newsletter, we’re excited to introduce a dedicated Capitol Connection page featuring:
• Real-Time Updates: Stay informed with the most up-to-date news on policy and legislation impacting the Greater Lansing region.
• In-Depth Insights: Access exclusive content, including analysis, resources, and action items for your business.
• Enhanced Engagement: Easily connect with LRCC’s Public Affairs team to share feedback and discuss the issues that matter most to you.
Check it out now and stay ahead of the curve:
Visit Capitol Connection
2025 Policy Agenda
The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce (LRCC) remains steadfast in addressing issues critical to the business community. Our Policy Committee, made up of 27 Chamber members representing a diverse array of businesses, plays a pivotal role in guiding staff on the LRCC policy agenda. Their insights and expertise ensure our efforts align with the needs of the region’s business community.
Key priority areas for 2025 include:
• Economic Development & Job Creation: Advocating for initiatives that attract investments, spur innovation, and create sustainable employment opportunities.
• Taxation & Regulations: Promoting policies that simplify regulations and maintain a competitive tax environment for businesses.
• Talent & Education: Supporting K-12 education, higher education institutions, and professional trades programs to develop a skilled workforce.
• Infrastructure: Driving investment in transportation networks, energy systems, and broadband connectivity to support regional growth and competitiveness.
• Healthcare Affordability & Accessibility: Encouraging solutions that enhance access to affordable, high-quality healthcare for businesses and employees.
• Public Safety: Prioritizing community safety initiatives that create a secure environment for residents and businesses alike.
• Housing: Addressing housing affordability and availability to ensure the region remains a desirable place to live and work.
This agenda reflects LRCC’s commitment to fostering a vibrant, resilient, and prosperous business climate for Greater Lansing.
2025 Policy Engagement: Focusing on the Significant Issues
In addition to the 2025 policy priorities outlined, the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce (LRCC) is honing in on specific, high-impact issues to ensure meaningful engagement and measurable progress at the federal, state, and regional levels.
Federal Level
• Advocating for the renewal of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: Critical for sustaining economic growth and maintaining a competitive business environment.
State Level
• Advocating for legislative fixes to paid sick leave and minimum wage laws: With significant changes taking effect on February 21, 2025, LRCC is working to mitigate impacts on businesses.
Learn more: Paid Sick Leave & Minimum Wage Update.
• Launching CRISP #3: This comprehensive initiative focuses on continued investment in infrastructure and community revitalization to bolster economic growth and enhance the region’s quality of life.
• Monitoring legislative developments: Proactively addressing any state-level changes that may affect business operations and competitiveness.
Regional Level
• State of the Region Report: LRCC, in partnership with the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP), will launch this report to identify opportunities for enhancing regional competitiveness and economic advancement.
• Strengthening CAPCOG: Continuing to grow and empower the Capital Council of Governments, ensuring the region is well-positioned for future successes through collaboration and advocacy.
• Improving the local regulatory environment: Evaluating processes and proposing solutions to streamline regulations, remove barriers to advance, and reinforce LRCC’s commitment to a pro-growth climate.
Through these targeted efforts, LRCC will address the most pressing challenges facing businesses, ensuring the region remains a thriving hub for economic activity and opportunity.
2025 LRCC Policy Engagement Opportunities
First Friday Public Affairs Call Update
Held on the first Friday of each month, these updates keep Chamber members informed about key policy and advocacy issues impacting their businesses.
Sponsored by ITC Holdings.
Chamber Townhall Roundtable Programs
Exclusive roundtables connect business leaders and elected officials/candidates to discuss pressing issues across federal, state, and local levels. Hosted in the Insurance Capital Board Room.
Sponsored by McKinney & Associates.
Policy and Regulatory Education Series
This series features experts on regulatory issues impacting businesses, with topics such as paid sick leave, minimum wage laws, and other timely concerns.
Sponsored by Foster Swift.
Business Roundtables
Monthly roundtable meetings foster collaboration between business, community, and government leaders to advance regional goals. Locations include:
• Delta Township-Eaton County
• Lansing-Delhi Township
• East Lansing-Meridian Township
• Clinton County
Sponsored by the Hidden Gem Event Venue and Lake Trust Credit Union.
All events and programs can be found at: LRCC Event Calendar