Michigan Chamber Endorses Gov. Snyder's Proposal to Build New International Trade Crossing

After carefully considering the arguments for and against the bridge project, on Sept. 20, the Michigan Chamber's Board of Directors voted to support Governor Snyder's proposal to build a New International Trade Crossing (NITC). The Michigan Chamber strongly supports the Administration's plan to reinvent Michigan and recognizes how the new bridge between Detroit and Windsor can offer great benefits to our state's economic future. 

In addition to supporting the NITC, the Board of Directors also voted to reaffirm the Michigan Chamber's support for a comprehensive statewide transportation investment plan. The Chamber recognizes that well-maintained road infrastructure is critical to the success of manufacturing, agriculture and tourism. Now is the time to make these transportation investments to help revive our economy and continue to make Michigan a competitive state for business.  

As the Legislature begins to look at transportation issues in earnest this fall, the Michigan Chamber will actively fight to ensure our state improves the condition and performance of Michigan's transportation system. Click here to read the legislation (Senate Bills 410 and 411) on building a bridge from Detroit to Windsor. 

For any questions on the recent Board action, please contact Jim Holcomb, Senior Vice President Business Advocacy & Associate General Counsel at 517/371-7696 or jholcomb@michamber.com.

State House Considers Much-Needed Workers' Compensation Reforms

This week, the Michigan House of Representatives will consider much-needed reforms (House Bill 5002) to Michigan's Workers' Compensation Act. The goal of these changes is to update, reform and modernize key areas of the law, which will provide increased certainty for employees and employers, keep workers' compensation premiums affordable for job providers and generally make Michigan more economically competitive. 

 
For too long, the workers' compensation law has depended upon what judge hears a case, creating inconsistency, confusion and ambiguities resulting in high premiums for job providers. This disarray is exactly what plaintiffs and personal injury attorneys' desire: higher confusion and higher costs to employers. HB 5002 would put an end to the flip-flopping. It is in the best interest of workers and employers alike because it provides increased clarity and certainty to common disputes job providers are often forced to spend thousands of dollars litigating.
 
In August, the state announced the pure premium advisory rates for worker's compensation insurance dropped by an average of 7.4 percent. The goal of HB 5002 is to address problems with the Act, which do not reflect nearly 100 years of legal, economic and medical developments. By updating and modernizing the Act, we believe the Legislature can help continue the downward trend in premium costs.
 
For further information, or an update, contact Wendy Block at 517/371-7678 or wblock@michamber.com.

State Launches Employer Ombudsman Office to Address Unemployment Insurance Issues

In an effort to provide the state's employers with better service and resolution of unemployment insurance tax and benefit issues, the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency has launched a new Office of the Employer Ombudsman (OEO). This single, responsive point of contact for employers is intended to provide a faster, more efficient resolution of employer UI concerns. Employers may ask questions, express concerns and communicate with the OEO via phone or email at 1-855-484-2636 or OEO@michigan.gov. The Office will be open from 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M., Monday through Friday. 

As always, you may also work through the Michigan Chamber to address your UI concerns and problems by contacting Wendy Block, Director of Health Policy and Human Resources at 517/371-7678 or wblock@michamber.com.