Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 29, 2026
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Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association Statement Urging $3 Million In Pure Michigan Supplemental
LANSING, MICH. – Today, Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association Director of Government Affairs Jack Trebtoske testified before the Michigan House Oversight Committee on how the Canadian wildfire smoke has negatively impacted tourism and hospitality in the state.
“The MRLA is respectfully urging the Legislature to pass a supplemental budget allocating $3 million for Pure Michigan funding due to the Canadian wildfire smoke causing billions of dollars of negative economic impact in July.
The Anderson Economic Group estimated that Michigan lost over $4 billion in earnings across industries from the fires in 2026 alone. In recent years, several critical, revenue-generating summer days have been spent indoors to avoid breathing in hazardous wildfire smoke from Canadian wildfires which leads to canceled weekend trips, outdoor events or dinner on a restaurant patio and ultimately unrecoverable revenue loss for our hospitality industry.
The MRLA believes adding $3 million for Pure Michigan funding is the right step toward correcting the economic threat posed by annual wildfires.”
“The MRLA is respectfully urging the Legislature to pass a supplemental budget allocating $3 million for Pure Michigan funding due to the Canadian wildfire smoke causing billions of dollars of negative economic impact in July.
The Anderson Economic Group estimated that Michigan lost over $4 billion in earnings across industries from the fires in 2026 alone. In recent years, several critical, revenue-generating summer days have been spent indoors to avoid breathing in hazardous wildfire smoke from Canadian wildfires which leads to canceled weekend trips, outdoor events or dinner on a restaurant patio and ultimately unrecoverable revenue loss for our hospitality industry.
The MRLA believes adding $3 million for Pure Michigan funding is the right step toward correcting the economic threat posed by annual wildfires.”
About the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association (MRLA) is the recognized leader of Michigan's hospitality industry, providing essential services to the foodservice and lodging community. Founded in 1921 as the Michigan Restaurant Association and now known as the MRLA, the Association represents over 5,500 Michigan foodservice and lodging establishments. The industry plays an integral role in Michigan's economy, employing more than 450,000 people and creating nearly $44.6 billion in annual sales. For more information, visit www.mrla.org and www.detroitrla.org.
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