Calling it “Yet another example of the Executive Office turning a blind eye to the plight of businesses in our state,” Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber President & CEO Arthur Havlicek says simply, “Whitmer’s vetoes are bad for business.”
When the governor line-item vetoed multiple relief initiatives from the Legislature’s COVID Recovery plan Havlicek says she chopped off access to resources that “struggling area businesses desperately needed.”
Among the cuts were:
- $150 Million to stabilize the Unemployment Trust Fund
- $300 Million in a Property Tax Relief program
- $55 Million in an Unemployment Insurance Relief Program
- $16.5 Million for an on-premise Liquor License Relief program
- $22 Million for a Food Establishment License Relief program
- $11.5 Million for a License and Inspection Fee Relief program
Havlicek contends, “These were targeted relief efforts that our Chamber advocated for and strongly supported,” and argues, “To see them vetoed after wide bipartisan support in the Legislature is yet another example of the Executive Office turning a blind eye to the plight of businesses in our state.”
In her veto letter, Governor Whitmer cited a provision that would curtail authority to act without legislative approval as a primary reason for eliminating funding. Havlicek, however, said her emergency powers had nothing to do with the funding for businesses.
In fact, Havlicek says, “The simple truth is none of the small business-related relief programs were tie-barred to any limitation of executive authority – and that was by design.” Furthermore he says, “There’s no valid excuse to have eliminated these funds. It has been three months since the Federal Government allocated nearly $5 billion in relief funds to Michigan and now, we have to wait even longer for that money to get where it’s needed most.”
Giving credit where credit is due, Havlicek also says, “I do want to express my appreciation to our local legislators for supporting these proposals and for even trying to override the Governor’s veto,” adding, “I’m confident they understand the importance of these dollars to our local community and will work find a new path forward.”
In the meantime, Havlicek says the Chamber will be working with other municipal and community leaders to apply pressure on the state to distribute those funds.
The Chamber leader concludes, “Time and again, public pressure has been what moves the needle for this administration. If we put our shoulder to the wheel at the local level, perhaps Lansing will listen.”
