Reforms & Regulations: All the Ways the MRLA Works for You in Lansing
By: John McNamara, MRLA VP of Government Affairs | March 2025
In January, Michigan’s 103rd legislature officially gaveled into session and wasted no time getting to work. For the first time in nearly 20 years, Michigan has a divided government, with the Michigan House of Representatives controlled by Republicans and led by Speaker Matt Hall (R-Richland) and the Michigan Senate controlled by Democrats and led by Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids).
As the sole advocate for the hospitality industry in Lansing, the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association (MRLA) has been working for over 100 years to stop bills that burden your business and to support laws that make Michigan a place where hospitality businesses can thrive. Below you will find a preview of the key priorities for the MRLA and the Michigan Legislature over the next two years:
As the sole advocate for the hospitality industry in Lansing, the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association (MRLA) has been working for over 100 years to stop bills that burden your business and to support laws that make Michigan a place where hospitality businesses can thrive. Below you will find a preview of the key priorities for the MRLA and the Michigan Legislature over the next two years:
Establish Road Funding
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Every Michigander knows the slogan: Governor Gretchen Whitmer made fixing the roads a cornerstone of her initial campaign and re-election efforts, and it is important to recognize that safe roads are also the cornerstone of a dependable tourism industry, encouraging residents and visitors alike to travel to restaurants, resorts, and other destinations in Michigan. Current estimates that Michigan needs to generate an additional $3.9 billion per year to fix and maintain Michigan’s roads and bridges. In 2020, Whitmer issued $3.5 billion in bonds for deferred maintenance and modernization with a primary focus on highways.
However, funds are running out. There are three options to continue to improve infrastructure in Michigan. The first, raising revenue, was tried and failed. Another round of bonding or reprioritizing existing funds within the state budget is a second option to be considered. For a third option, the Michigan House of Representatives under Speaker Matt Hall (R-Richland) has released a plan that would raise $3.1 billion in funds without raising taxes. This is achieved by dedicating $2.2 billion from corporate income taxes, offset by diverting from other state funds and initiatives, and $945 million from all revenue from taxes paid at the pump to road funding. The Michigan Senate has yet to release a proposal on how to address the issue of funding; however, Governor Whitmer recently called for bipartisan compromise in her ‘Road Ahead’ address and will likely offer more details at a later time. |
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Invest in the Hospitality Industry Today and Tomorrow
Thanks to significant investments by the Michigan House and Senate in previous years, the MRLA secured funding for the Hospitality & Tourism Management and ProStart programs, led by the Michigan Hospitality Foundation. These training programs continue to grow across Michigan and provide new professional opportunities for students considering careers in hospitality.
The tangible benefits include days of heated competition at the Michigan ProStart Competition, an annual showdown for students displaying their skills in categories like Pasta, Cake Decorating, Management, Tabletop Design, Knife Cuts, and Knowledge Bowl, as well as immersive, behind-the-scenes experiences with some of the state’s finest lodging operations and resorts, including an exclusive tour of Crystal Mountain.
But the intangible benefits of these programs are the possibilities opened up to hundreds of students, who get inspired every day about a career in Michigan’s hospitality industry. We look forward to continuing to partner with the legislature to continue to grow these critical programs.
The tangible benefits include days of heated competition at the Michigan ProStart Competition, an annual showdown for students displaying their skills in categories like Pasta, Cake Decorating, Management, Tabletop Design, Knife Cuts, and Knowledge Bowl, as well as immersive, behind-the-scenes experiences with some of the state’s finest lodging operations and resorts, including an exclusive tour of Crystal Mountain.
But the intangible benefits of these programs are the possibilities opened up to hundreds of students, who get inspired every day about a career in Michigan’s hospitality industry. We look forward to continuing to partner with the legislature to continue to grow these critical programs.
Advance Our Current Workforce
It’s no small ask to transition a server or bartender to management. During the pandemic, many employees had to make this transition overnight and without training. To support these leaders who are already stepping up and committed to the industry, MRLA established the Hospitality Training Institute of Michigan (HTIM) to provide them with the high-quality training to advance their skillsets, grow operational knowledge, and develop attributes necessary to advance careers in the hospitality industry.
Due to a partnership with the legislature, the HTIM has graduated over 1,181 students who are equipped to lead the industry for decades to come. We look forward to working with the legislature to continue to encourage this affordable and flexible option to advance careers, support our teams, and strengthen the industry’s workforce.
Due to a partnership with the legislature, the HTIM has graduated over 1,181 students who are equipped to lead the industry for decades to come. We look forward to working with the legislature to continue to encourage this affordable and flexible option to advance careers, support our teams, and strengthen the industry’s workforce.
Reform Regulation of Short-Term Rentals
The MRLA recognizes the critical role that short-term rentals play in Michigan’s tourism ecosystem. Their presence will only continue to grow, and as that happens, the MRLA aims to level the playing field between short-term rentals and traditional lodging facilities in critical and balanced ways.
For example, MRLA will be actively seeking amendments to already introduced legislation that will establish tax parity, create a registry of all short-term rentals, strengthen platform accountability, and limit the number of short-term rentals that can be owned per community.
For example, MRLA will be actively seeking amendments to already introduced legislation that will establish tax parity, create a registry of all short-term rentals, strengthen platform accountability, and limit the number of short-term rentals that can be owned per community.
Prohibit Government Overreach
Last session, the MRLA successfully stopped mandates such as predictive scheduling and hotel room smoking inspections.
However, the above is only a preview of what we expect to come. Lawmakers concoct new ideas for legislation on a daily basis - some have the potential to be productive while others are clear impediments to Michigan’s hospitality industry.
And, unfortunately, there are never-ending examples of the government thinking they know best for your business.
That’s why the MRLA is here. The MRLA is your voice in Lansing, ready to push back and speak up for your business so you can place your focus where it should be: creating incredible hospitality experiences and supporting your communities, guests, and teams.
We look forward to working for you and your business, as we have for the past 104 years, to champion advancements that strengthen the industry and oppose those that will hamper the progress and prosperity of the hospitality industry
However, the above is only a preview of what we expect to come. Lawmakers concoct new ideas for legislation on a daily basis - some have the potential to be productive while others are clear impediments to Michigan’s hospitality industry.
And, unfortunately, there are never-ending examples of the government thinking they know best for your business.
That’s why the MRLA is here. The MRLA is your voice in Lansing, ready to push back and speak up for your business so you can place your focus where it should be: creating incredible hospitality experiences and supporting your communities, guests, and teams.
We look forward to working for you and your business, as we have for the past 104 years, to champion advancements that strengthen the industry and oppose those that will hamper the progress and prosperity of the hospitality industry
After relentless advocacy for our industry, the MRLA has successfully and proudly secured a legislative solution that preserves Michigan’s tip credit and smooths out rigid aspects of paid leave mandates. Read here for more information.
