Legislative Priorities

2012 Annual Survey Results

Workforce development is the clear frontrunner of the Chamber's 2012 advocacy agenda.

The 2012 Government Affairs survey polled members on issues from taxation to tourism and education to the environment. A representative portion of the membership responded to the survey offering their opinions on high priority issues. These results help us to prioritize our 2012 legislative agenda and serve as the voice of Muskegon business.

2012 – Top 6 Priority Issues
1. Attracting and retaining an educated workforce - 65%
2. The cost of health care - 65%
3. Prevention of invasive species in the Great Lakes - 62%
4. Downtown Redevelopment – 59.6%
5. Developing educated/qualified workers - 59.5%
6. Promote Muskegon County as a place for workers to live – 59.3%

With three of the six priorities above revolving around workforce development, it is clear where our focus needs to be this year! Staff and business volunteers are meeting with elected officials to share the business priorities members have outlined.

2011 – Top 5 Priority Issues
1. Attracting and retaining an educated workforce - 62.5%
2. Restructure business tax - 61.5%
3. Prevention of invasive species in the Great Lakes - 60.4%
4. Align public sector benefits with the private sector & state budget reform and reductions - 57.8%
5. The cost of health care to employers - 55.9%

2010 – Top 5 Priority Issues
1. Protecting the Great Lakes from Invasive Species
2. Elimination of the Michigan Business Tax Surcharge
3. Alternative Energy Research and Development
4. Repeal of the Michigan Business Tax
5. Transportation Infrastructure Funding

Thank you to everyone who took the time to take the survey.