MiMfg May 2021 | Page 24

Your MMA Government Affairs Team at Work
24 MiMfg Magazine May 2021

MFG Voice

Mike
Johnston Caroline Liethen David Worthams Vice President of Director of Environmental Director of Human Government Mike Johnston Affairs & Regulatory Dave Greco Policy David Resource Worthams Policy

Your MMA Government Affairs Team at Work

MMA Continues Work to Shore Up UITF
To prevent increases in employer taxes , MMA has worked doggedly to bolster the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund ( UITF ), which continues to be plagued with fraudulent unemployment claims related to the COVID-19 pandemic . The state estimates that $ 150 million was improperly paid in fraudulent claims in the past year , accelerating the depletion of the UITF , which is 100 percent funded with employer tax dollars and pays for unemployment benefits .
The Legislature has passed three separate sets of MMA-supported appropriations bills that would backfill the UITF with $ 150 million to address the claims improperly paid when the Unemployment Insurance Agency ( UIA ) relaxed fraud prevention efforts in favor of paying claims quickly . Each bill has been vetoed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer .
MMA continues to work with legislative leaders and the Unemployment Insurance Agency ( UIA ) to ensure the integrity of Michigan ’ s unemployment program , to bolster the beleaguered UITF and to prevent increases in state unemployment taxes .
MMA Urges Strategic and Bold Investment of $ 14 Billion in Federal Aid
MMA President & CEO John Walsh joined with the presidents of the six major trade associations representing Michigan businesses to urge Governor Gretchen Whitmer and legislative leaders to work together across party and jurisdictional lines to ensure that the nearly $ 14 billion coming to Michigan as a result of the American Rescue Plan Act ( ARPA ) transforms the state through long-range investments that spur growth for residents and businesses .
MMA and the broader business community are advocating that funding should be highly targeted , with the highest priority given to investments that help achieve longterm goals and leapfrog other states and regions in education / skills , fostering business competitiveness and , ultimately , growing well-paying jobs for years to come . The group also called for transparency on how the funds are spent and avoidance of new tax burdens on residents and businesses .
“ The ARPA provides much needed support for our citizens , the state and our local governments , as well as a tremendous opportunity to stabilize
Get More ! Join an MMA Policy Committee or subscribe to weekly MFG Voice e-newsletter for the latest updates . Learn more at mimfg . org . our economy and grow jobs in Michigan ! Spent wisely with a longterm focus on infrastructure , the economy and job growth , funds from the ARPA can provide a massive investment with benefits that will last for years to come ,” said Walsh . “ The MMA is proud to stand with the business community in working with the Whitmer Administration and the Michigan Legislature to remain focused on the best use of the funds for all Michiganders . The greatest risk will be the failure to act strategically and with bold measures that can truly transform our economy .”
House Passes Bipartisan Plan Limiting Health Care Cost-Cutting Tools
The House has passed a number of bills that aim to control consumer health care costs but , in practice , threaten to increase the cost of employer-provided health care by shifting costs through governmentimposed cost controls and health care mandates . MMA opposes the legislation and many members weighed in with their representatives to attempt to block the well-intended but misguided bills .
Efforts to educate the Legislature on the unintended effects of the bills in this 15-bill legislative package now shift to the Senate . MMA will continue to work aggressively to oppose health insurance mandates and shifting costs to employers as they continue to recover from the global pandemic .
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