Lansing, Mich. — Business Leaders for Michigan (BLM), the state’s business roundtable, issued the following statement after the Michigan House of Representatives passed today the Good Jobs for Michigan package (Senate Bills 242-244):
“We applaud the legislature for their bi-partisan support in passing this legislation which puts Michigan in a position to compete for some of the good paying jobs that have been going to other states,” said Doug Rothwell, BLM President and CEO. “This is clearly a win for Michigan families and Michigan communities as more people working in good paying jobs is not only good for them but good for Michigan.”
Rothwell noted, “The legislation would not have been possible without the vision of bi-partisan bill sponsors, Sens. Jim Stamas (R-Midland), Wayne Schmidt (R-Traverse City), and Steve Bieda (D-Warren) in drafting this legislation last year and their willingness to advance it again this year. Further, House Tax Policy Committee Chair Jim Tedder (R- Clarkston) created an environment to hear from all voices on this issue which included a very diverse coalition of supporters who understood the need to fill a critical gap in Michigan’s business attraction toolkit so our state could compete for large, game-changing projects.”
“There were numerous champions in the House and Senate in both chambers and a broad coalition of more than 65 local, regional and statewide community, business and labor organizations behind this effort — because of their efforts Michigan can compete for and win more good jobs for our workers and families, resulting in a stronger economy and more robust neighborhoods and communities,” said Rothwell.
“We look forward to working with the House and Senate leadership on these and other policy changes that will make Michigan a Top Ten state for jobs, personal incomes and a stronger economy.”