The Detroit Regional Chamber has joined a statewide coalition supporting Buy Michigan legislation, which will give Michigan companies an opportunity to grow their businesses, in turn creating more jobs in local communities.
Learn more about the legislation in the announcement below.
DETROIT, Mich., Aug. 22, 2023— The Detroit Regional Chamber is the latest organization to join a diverse coalition of business, labor, and local governments supporting Buy Michigan, legislation that would provide local businesses one more opportunity to offer a better deal for taxpayer-funded state contracts that would otherwise go to out-of-state vendors.
“Buy Michigan not only demonstrates a commitment to our state’s economic growth but also exemplifies a business-friendly approach that can lead to a stronger, more resilient economy. This legislation will help keep dollars and jobs in Michigan, creating a ripple effect that will positively impact our local communities,” said Detroit Regional Chamber Vice President of Government Relations Brad Williams. “We ask our representatives in the House and Senate to pass this legislation so our businesses are better positioned for growth and success.”
S.B. 316 and S.B. 317, also known as Buy Michigan, would require the Michigan Department of Technology, Management, and Budget (DTMB) to give Michigan-headquartered companies one last chance to make a better, final offer on state business where the current best bidder is an out-of-state company. The legislation, sponsored by Sens. Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-Bay City) and John Damoose (R-Harbor Springs), is designed to keep more state tax dollars working to strengthen Michigan’s local economies and help to create more and better-paying jobs.
The Detroit Regional Chamber joins several entities across the state supporting Buy Michigan, including: Small Business Association of Michigan, AFSCME, Michigan Chamber, Lansing Regional Chamber, Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber, Detroit City Council, The Commissions of Wayne County, Oakland County, Macomb County, and Genesee County.
This broad-based coalition all understand the net-positive impact passing this legislation would have on Michigan-headquartered companies as it would give them access to an additional seven-day window to resubmit a bid for a state contract if the lowest bidder on the contract is an out-of-state company. If the Michigan-based company re-bids and that bid is lower than the out-of-state company’s original bid, then the Michigan company would be awarded the contract. While Buy Michigan gives Michigan-based businesses a crucial advantage, it still preserves the State of Michigan’s ability to choose the most qualified bidder, ensuring taxpayers get the highest quality of products and services at the best price.
In addition to Sens. McDonald Rivet and Damoose, Buy Michigan is co-sponsored by a group of Democratic and Republican state senators, including Senators Sean McCann, Dayna Polehanki, Paul Wojno, Mary Cavanagh, Sam Singh, Mallory McMorrow, Rosemary Bayer, Stephanie Chang, Sue Shink, Sylvia A. Santana, Kevin Hertel, Joseph N. Bellino Jr.
S.B. 316 and S.B. 317 have been referred to the Regulatory Affairs Committee for further consideration.
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