Policy Initiatives
The Detroit Regional Chamber has numerous ongoing initiatives advocating for the region as a whole as well as the business community. Here are the top 10 initiatives the Chamber is currently emphasizing.
1. Invest in Infrastructure
Continue to support user fee-based increases for transportation infrastructure, support for the Regional Transit Authority, construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, and efforts by federal officials to increase federal investment in all forms of infrastructure, not simply transportation.
2. Create a Talented Michigan
Make college affordable for all students, increase funding for successful programs such as the Skilled Trades Training Fund, and create robust, healthy communities in which talented individuals want to reside.
3. Make Michigan an Economic Development Powerhouse
Maximize Michigan’s built-in advantage in automotive R&D, advanced manufacturing and next-generation mobility. Compete with states that offer incentives for transformational investments in brownfield sites and high-wage job creation, and promote our role in national defense.
4. Promote Healthy Local Governments and School Districts Partnership
Support efforts to reform a benefit system that balances financial responsibility with the desire to attract top talent. Promote partnership with state government and appropriate public policies to ensure revenues are sufficient to meet the needs of unique communities.
5. Develop an Education System Worthy of Michigan’s Citizens
Support the Michigan Merit Curriculum and Common Core. Implement provisions of the Every Student Succeeds Act that include thoughtful accountability for school districts and tools to adequately measure and compare the growth in Michigan’s classrooms to peer states.
6. Make Michigan a Welcoming State
Pursue policies that create a welcoming environment, support efforts to expand high-skilled immigration, and create high-skilled immigration zones in urban areas transitioning from economic stress.
7. Advocate for Reliable and Affordable Energy
Continue to support federal energy legislation that modernizes the grid, prevents unnecessary regulation and provides reliable and affordable energy that allows for economic growth.
8. Support a Government That Works for Business
Support efforts to codify the regulatory progress of Gov. Rick Snyder’s administration and regulatory reform at all levels of government. Support policies that avoid duplicative regulation and continue to promote taxpayer-friendly reforms in the Michigan Department of Treasury.
9. Support Criminal Justice Reform
Support “presumptive parole” policies that ensure those sentenced to prison no longer serve exorbitantly long terms, while related cost savings are allocated to public safety and other efforts to reduce criminal activity.
10. Keep Michigan Healthy
Protect expanded coverage in Michigan that encourages and incentivizes patient use of primary care providers continue to oppose coverage mandates, and push for policies that encourage transparency in health care.
