Detroit Regional Chamber > Advocacy > Chamber Response: Impact of Secretary of State’s Ruling on Legislative Attendance at the Mackinac Policy Conference

Chamber Response: Impact of Secretary of State’s Ruling on Legislative Attendance at the Mackinac Policy Conference

March 11, 2025

A recent ruling from the Secretary of State’s office impacts legislators’ ability to attend the Mackinac Policy Conference, saying the tickets are impermissible gifts under Michigan’s lobby law.

View the Chamber’s statement on the ruling below.

Sandy Baruah

“While the Michigan Secretary of State’s office has ruled against a 40+ year Michigan tradition of the Mackinac Policy Conference simply providing registration to elected officials to ensure their accessibility at Michigan’s premier convening of civic, business, and philanthropic leaders, the Detroit Regional Chamber respects the decision. The Chamber will, of course, follow the law and is grateful that established processes allow additional public comment on this matter. The Chamber looks forward to the possibility that additional public comment will impact the Secretary of State’s decision on this matter.”

– Sandy K. Baruah, President and Chief Executive Officer, Detroit Regional Chamber