Current Issues
The Lansing Regional Chamber continually works to make Michigan the best place to do business, especially in the Greater Lansing region. Each year, we survey our members on public policy issues that matter most to them. As a result of the most recent survey, the Lansing Regional Chamber government affairs team will focus on these issues in 2022:
- Economic development and job creation
- Talent & Education (K-12, higher education, professional trades, etc.)
- Infrastructure
- Government regulations
- Housing
- Healthcare accessibility & affordability
We listen carefully to members and turn member input into action through relentless advocacy. Our goal is to improve Michigan’s economic competitiveness and our region. Our legislative priorities are intended to help focus policymakers’ attention on Michigan's economic challenges and offer pro-business solutions to these problems.
Working for You
The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce takes positions on several proposals at the federal, state, and local levels of government that impact the business community and our economy. Guided by those policy priority focus areas, data, and member feedback, our decisions are guided by the Lansing Regional Chamber Policy Committee and Board of Directors. Check out the links below to see how the Lansing Regional Chamber is working for you.
Congress: In addition to our focus on local and state policy issues, we are committed to making sure your voice is heard in Washington by working with the Michigan Congressional Delegation.
- U.S. Chamber Coalition Letter on Creating Helpful Incentives for the Production of Semiconductors (CHIPS) for America Act
- National Association of Manufacturers Letter on urging Congress to reverse tax change that threatens the manufacturing industry.
- National Association of Manufacturers Letter on urging Congress to include robust Miscellaneous Tariff Bill with full retroactivity in final legislation that combines the United States Innovation & Competition Act with the American COMPETES Act.
- Lansing Regional Chamber Support Letter for HR 3807, Restaurant Revitalization Fund
- National Association of Manufacturers letter on supply chains regarding the American COMPETES Act.
State Legislature: Every legislative session, we take positions on bills that stand to impact the business community and our economy. We work closely with our state senators and state representatives in the Capitol Caucus to make sure we are all working collaboratively for our region.
- Greater Lansing Regional Partners Support for Downtown Lansing, Inc. Funding to Governor Whitmer & Capitol Caucus members
- CAPCOG - Lansing Regional Chamber Support Letter to State Legislature Outlining Regional Request Priorities
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Local Government: The Lansing Regional Chamber works closely with our local governments to ensure that we are the best place to do business in our state.
- LRCC Letter to Local Municipalities on ARPA Funds
- LRCC Support Letter to East Lansing City Council to Extend Social Districts (Policy: Economic Development & Job Creation, Regulations)
- LRCC Support Letter to Lansing City Council for Brownfield #80 – Pleasant Grove & Holmes (Policy: Economic Development & Job Creation, Housing, Healthcare Accessibility)
- LRCC Support Letter to East Lansing City Council on ATESTEO (Policy: Economic Development & Job Creation)
Upcoming Ballot Questions
The Lansing Regional Chamber reviews and weighs in on ballot questions that affect our region’s employers and workforce. Please find the following ballot questions that are up for consideration in our region.
*Please note that staff will update this section of the Advocacy page if the Lansing Regional Chamber takes a stance on any ballot issues.
- MAY 3, 2022 Election
- Lansing Public Schools ZERO MILL Increase Bond
- August 2, 2022 Election
Lansing Regional Chamber Policy Committee
The Lansing Regional Chamber Policy Committee exists to both guide and advance LRCC legislative priorities. The LRCC Policy Committee reviews issues pertaining to the current priorities and works to encourage members to engage in action.
Campaigns
The Lansing Regional Chamber Policy Committee receives requests to review, discuss, and act on several legislative issues as well as joining coalitions to support policy initiatives. Below are the current campaigns that the LRCC supports:
- HousingDrives
- HousingDrives is a housing assessment of urban, rural, and suburban communities throughout our region. The project’s goal is to identify the diverse housing needs of current and future Greater Lansing residents, and then learn what the region can do to address those challenges and opportunities to ultimately create housing that is attainable for all walks of life. For more information, visit Tri-County | Regional Housing Assessment (mitcrpc.org)
- Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Coalition
- The Earned Income Tax Credit is a federal tax credit available to people who work but have low incomes. The credit helps workers’ pay for things like transportation costs or childcare and other daily necessities, and because the credit is refundable, money is put back into local economies. The EITC Coalition seeks to expand the tax credit.
- Letter
- Michiganders for Fair Lending (Statewide)
- Michiganders for Fair Lending is a bipartisan coalition of organizations, leaders, and community members from all corners of the state, including faith leaders, veterans, community groups, civil rights advocates and more. These diverse interest groups are united in their quest to end predatory lending practices by reducing interest rates on payday loans.
- Michiganders for Fair Lending Fact Sheet
- Michiganders for Fair Lending FAQ