Good News! Senate Committee Approves Unemployment Insurance Reform Legislation  

Good News! Last week, the Michigan Senate approved legislation to address the crisis in Michigan's unemployment insurance (UI) system. Senate Bills 483, 484 and 806 reform Michigan's 100-percent-employer-financed UI program by focusing on many underlying issues that negatively impact the success of the system.  These include: strengthening penalties for those who defraud the system, tightening the rules regarding who qualifies to receive benefits, and allowing more employers to seek an exemption for hiring seasonal employees. In addition, the bills attack the $3.2 billion federal debt through bonding. 

This legislation will be reviewed by the House Commerce Committee this week, with a vote in the full House expected next week.  For further information on UI reform, visit the Michigan Chamber Briefing Center, or contact Wendy Block at 517/371-7678 or wblock@michamber.com. 

 

Senate Action Expected This Week on Workers' Compensation Reform  

The Michigan Chamber of Commerce has been working closely with lawmakers to implement much-needed systemic reforms in Michigan's Workers' Compensation Law. House Bill 5002 would stabilize and modernize the law; it is a fair compromise bill, balancing the needs of  injured workers and employers who finance the system.

The Senate Reforms, Restructuring and Reinventing Committee could approve HB 5002 this week, with full Senate action next week. The House approved HB 5002 on November 2. For further information, visit the Michigan Chamber Briefing Center, or contact Wendy Block at 517/371-7678 or wblock@michamber.com.

Governor Vetoes No More Stringent Than Federal Legislation

As a strong advocate for regulatory reform, the Michigan Chamber of Commerce is disappointed with Gov. Rick Snyder's veto of House Bill 4326. This legislation would have dramatically improved Michigan's business climate by preventing state agencies from enacting rules more stringent than the federal government. In addition, this legislation would have made Michigan more competitive with surrounding Great Lakes states by greatly improving Michigan's permitting and rule-making processes. The Michigan Chamber publicly expressed its disappointment with Gov. Snyder's veto in a news release issued last week.   

For further information or an update, contact Jason Geer at 517/371-7673 or jgeer@michamber.com.