Leading Lawmakers Talk Budget, Taxes and Term Limits at Annual Chambers Legislative Dinner

A crowd of 240 Chamber officials and business leaders from across Michigan heard leading state lawmakers talk about prospects for state budget and tax reform, prospects for bi-partisan cooperation and the future of term limits during the annual Chambers of Commerce Legislative Dinner held on March 24 in Lansing. The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce (LRCC) hosted the event, which was held in conjunction with the Michigan Association of Chamber Professionals Annual Conference.

"This was one of the largest crowds we've ever had for the Legislative Dinner which reflects the high level of interest and concern around the state surrounding the fiscal condition of state government and the need for real reforms," said Kristin Beltzer, LRCC senior vice president, Government Relations and Public Affairs.

Attendees at the event heard a lively panel discussion featuring Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop (R-Rochester), House Minority Leader Kevin Elsenheimer (R-Bellaire), and East Lansing Democrat Mark Meadows. The panel was moderated by Tim Skubick, host of Michigan Public Television's popular Off the Record program.

There were few areas of agreement between the panel of lawmakers. However, one area of discussion eventually resulted in a legislative compromise involving funding for the Pure Michigan advertising campaign. A shortfall in legislative support for the program threatened to cancel ad plans for the upcoming summer travel planning season. Lawmakers at the Legislative Dinner had clear differences over how to fund the program. However, the day after the Dinner, state lawmakers were able to agree on an appropriation which allowed the campaign to go forward.