Government Affairs: Share Your Stories at Capitol Day
By: John McNamara, MRLA VP of Government Affairs | March 2024
Last year ushered in historic changes at Michigan’s Capitol. For the first time in forty years, Democrats controlled both chambers of the legislature and the top three statewide elected offices: secretary of state, attorney general, and governor.
They quickly got to work, tackling issues ranging from sweeping energy reforms to localized excise taxes on accommodations, and in turn the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association (MRLA)quickly pivoted to forge new partnerships, pitch new solutions, and advocate for our industry’s needs. While last year did present some challenges, the MRLA celebrated even more successes and kept predictive scheduling mandates, local preemption laws, and plastic bag taxes and bans at bay, while also locking down laws allowing cocktails-to-go, funding for the Hospitality Training Institute of Michigan, and key limitations to proposed tax hikes for Michigan hotels.
Those of you who attended the annual MRLA Capitol Day last year, traveling to Lansing to share your on-the-ground insights with elected officials, played a key role in helping to achieve these victories and safeguard the wellbeing of our industry. But 2024 is a new year
Those of you who attended the annual MRLA Capitol Day last year, traveling to Lansing to share your on-the-ground insights with elected officials, played a key role in helping to achieve these victories and safeguard the wellbeing of our industry. But 2024 is a new year
Nothing replaces the power of real-life testimony, actual stories, and knowledgeable insights from those who know the issue best and are impacted most.
In 2024, we enter an environment that once again presents new uncertainties. In December, two representatives left the Michigan House of Representatives to become local mayors, and the House is now deadlocked along party lines with 54members on each side of the aisle, making the decision-making process incredibly arduous and actual voting minimal. With very few votes happening in the House, the Michigan Senate’s activity will likewise be jammed. Special elections are scheduled for April to replace the two House members, but the loss of these months of session could dramatically water down the legislature’s priorities, with fewer routes to pass industry favorable bills and fewer chances to block harmful bills out of touch with the daily realities of Michigan’s business and hospitality community.
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Throwing another wrench in the legislative plans, a federal court has ruled that 13 voting districts are unconstitutional and must be redrawn, potentially disrupting the legislative landscape for both the ‘24 and ‘26 elections and upsetting the balance of power. This could also set up a lame duck session where all bills – no matter how flawed – will be on the table. The MRLA is determined to ensure its members are at that table – not on it.
In the political arena, you have to expect the unexpected. This year more than ever, we are prepared to face a plethora of possibilities both positive and negative, andhe MRLA is honored to be the force fighting for you and your business at the Capitol. But we are stronger with stories - our stories. |
Nothing replaces the power of real-life testimony, actual stories, and knowledgeable insights from those who know the issue best and are impacted most.
This is why we invite you to join us on May 8th for Capitol Day 2024. This annual event invites you to Lansing to discuss the concrete impacts of proposed legislation on Michigan businesses. At Capitol Day, you learn the rundown of legislative updates and information, get trained in advocacy, and connect with industry leaders from all over the state. You also get the chance to meet your elected officials face-to-face to inform them about how the decision they make impacts your livelihood. As your sole representative, the MRLA is your microphone in Lansing, fighting to have your voice amplified and heard. This Capitol Day, we invite you to stand with us, front and center, and take the stage.
Register yourself and your team to join us in Lansing at mrla.org/events.
