WOOD Radio Local News

WOOD Radio Local News

WOOD Radio Local News

 

GR Chamber VP talks about the Great Lakes Growth Coalition

LANSING, Mich. -- The Michigan Chamber of Commerce has announced this week the formation of the Great Lakes Growth Coalition. It will bring together business leaders to combat what the Chamber calls an "alarming" number of anti-job provider policy proposals before the state Legislature.

Andy Johnston spoke about it on West Michigan's Morning News. He is a senior vice president with the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce.

"There's a lot of concerning proposals, from crushing independent contractors in the state to employer mandates to increase regulations, that have a lot of our members really concerned," he said.

The Michigan Chamber says growth in the state's population and economy is jeopardized by some of the policy proposals, including "sweeping mandates on paid leave and energy, coupled with the elimination of workers’ independent contractor flexibility and the ability of Michigan’s 1,800 local units of government to pass their own separate employment laws."

Johnston says there is concern that the Legislature may adjourn early this fall, and implement some prior legislation.

"If that happens, they're going to try to rush to get things done. And that usually doesn't create good policy," he said.

Johnston said there are many positive things that can be worked on, such as housing, child care, talent, and infrastructure.

"Rather than these other proposals that could really create some significant policy changes that could hurt small business (and our) state economy, while we're trying to compete against other states for jobs and talent," Johnston said.

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