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BUILD THE BRIDGE

One of the keys to a strong economy and good paying jobs is the ability to move products at the speed of business. This involves having adequate border crossings with our best trade partner, Canada, connecting Michigan companies to the global marketplace.

Sixty percent of all Michigan trade – $44 billion a year – is with Canada. One in seven West Michigan jobs are tied to trade with Canada, and a significant number of our membership does business with Canada every day.

The New International Trade Crossing (NITC) is a project that will not only strengthen the trade relationship between Canada and the United States, it will allow Michigan to draw on billions of dollars in federal transportation funds to pay for needed upkeep of our roads statewide.

The NITC will be privately constructed and operated. The proposed public/private partnership will create no new debt and no new taxes for Michigan taxpayers.

Efficiency: The NITC will provide a freeway-to-freeway connection that will virtually eliminate the costly back-ups and delays that cost Michigan businesses millions of dollars each year.

Need: A new bridge will allow the state to meet the demands of trade with Canada well into this century. The Ambassador Bridge is 82 years old and needs to be re-decked. This project will reduce the capacity of this vital border crossing.

Financing: The Canadian government is contributing up to $550 million into the project to pay Michigan’s share – the project will not cost Michigan taxpayers a dime. Any cost over-runs will be the responsibility of the Canadian Government. The New International Trade Crossing will generate up to $2.2 billion in federal matching highway funds that will be spent on road projects throughout the state.

Jobs: The new crossing will put more than 10,000 Michigan workers to work.

Free Enterprise: One of the arguments against the New International Trade Crossing is that it is an example of Government competition with a private enterprise. As advocates of free enterprise, this is not something we take lightly. However, the role of Government is to build infrastructure - roads and bridges.

NITC TALKING POINTS | NITC OVERVIEW

Your senator needs to hear your support for the bridge.

CONTACT YOUR ELECTED OFFICIAL TODAY

Local Elected Officials
Muskegon County Elected Officials
Muskegon County Board of Commissioners

State Representatives
Marica Hovey-Wright
Holly Hughes
Goeff Hansen

Federal Elected Officials
Contact Senator Carl Levin or Debbie Stabenow
Contact Congressman Bill Huizenga

Tips for Testifying

If you represent a group of individuals or an organization, choose only one person to present the group's viewpoint and bring others along as supporters.
Prepare testimony and/or suggested amendments in advance. Read the bill carefully and any available analyses. If necessary, do research and make sure that all of your facts, background materials and figures are accurate. Consult with others to determine the scope of the issue and clarify what you, or the group, want to cover in your testimony.
Prepare a clear and concise written statement which has been thoroughly proofread for errors. Review it with others who share the same interest.
If you wish to speak, you will need to fill out a card indicating your interest to testify before the committee. The index size cards will be available on nearby tables or circulating. Fill out the card and hand it to the committee clerk or the chairman of the committee. This will enable the chair to properly address you when called and will also serve as a record as to whether you are in support or opposition of the legislation. You may also submit a card indicating that you DO NOT wish to speak but would like your support or opposition to be placed on file.
When you testify, identify who you are. If you represent a group, give the name of the group. In your opening remarks, state whether you are testifying in support of or in opposition to the proposal or bill. Relate your group's or your own experience or views directly related to the issue.
Sample introduction: Good afternoon Mr. Chairman and committee members. My name is John Doe. I am the Owner of... . On behalf of the Muskegon Chamber’s 1,100+ business members, I would like thank you for the opportunity to express our support for HB 4160.
Keep your testimony short and to the point. It is best to offer highlights at the hearing and request permission to place your complete position and supporting materials in the record. Anything you present in writing will be placed in the committee members' files and will be available to them at any future meetings. If possible, have copies of testimony available for committee members and staff.
Avoid emotional speeches and propaganda. Your role is an important one; don't abuse it. Getting emotional and pitching propaganda is the surest way to invite a hostile reaction and alienate the very committee members you are trying to persuade.
If you are asked a question, keep a cool head. Don't be afraid to stop and think for a minute to answer the question properly. If you don't have the answer, never guess. Instead, request permission to file a detailed response at a later date.
Remember, without the support of the committee involved, the bill or proposal that you are interested in may never make it to the floor to be voted on. Even if you decide not to testify, your attendance at a hearing and personal correspondence with committee members and your own legislators are very important in influencing the decision-making process.