What do Tuesday’s election outcomes mean for Southwest Michigan’s economy? Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber of Commerce president and CEO, Arthur Havlicek, said people are already seeing the positives, and it’s not necessarily about any particular person or party.
“The first word that comes to mind is relief. Not so much that one particular candidate won, but that this election is finally behind us. And I say that because the markets and the economy value certainty, and the lead-up to this election has been anything but certain. Simply knowing who the winner is makes life easier for both businesses and consumers and increases confidence,” said Havlicek.
Asked about the shared power in Lansing – given the State House will be controlled by Republicans starting in January, Havlicek said that, too, is positive for the business climate.
“I think it’s actually going to be a good thing. The trifecta, as they call it, that was previously in power in Lansing was pretty aggressive in pushing through some policies that have been pent up over the last couple decades. And to be frank, businesses have been reeling from it.”
Havlicek said the immediate action businessowners want to see from state lawmakers is a solution to the paid sick leave/tip credit elimination and minimum wage increases set to go into effect starting in February 2025.
“We are really, really adamant that the paid sick leave policy needs to be changed from the original language in the ballot initiative. And that has to be done before the end of the year because it takes effect in early February. And so when a new legislature is sworn in, they’re simply not going to have enough time to push through and negotiate what we think would be quality legislation.”
Havlicek added that the Legislature should also finish the data center legislation – providing competitive sales tax relief for businesses willing to invest millions in server farms in our region, bringing with them high-paying jobs and related economic activity.
Long term, Havlicek says the new dynamic of the State Legislature does not change the Chamber’s goals or engagement strategy.
“We refer to ourselves as the ‘sane center.’ We work in a nonpartisan fashion with both sides of the aisle to just try to get through common sense priorities for both businesses and consumers alike.”
Havlicek said the Chamber has been effective at working with the Democrat-controlled House and with Representative Joey Andrews, who will retain his seat.
“We’ll be able to do the same with the Republican-controlled House, as well. So, it really doesn’t change what we’re going to advocate for or how we advocate for it.”
