28 MiMfg Magazine May / June 2022
MFG Voice
Mike
Johnston Caroline Liethen David Worthams Vice President of Director of Environmental Director of Government Mike Johnston Affairs & Regulatory Dave Greco Policy David Employment Worthams Policy
Your MMA Government Affairs Team at Work
Calling All Food Manufacturers !
The MMA Food Manufacturers Policy Committee , which works to address the unique challenges faced by Michigan ’ s food and beverage manufacturers , will host an inperson meeting and networking lunch on Wednesday , 5 / 25 / 22 , at MMA headquarters in Lansing . Join Committee Chair Ben Zorn , Director of Operations for Koeze Company in Grand Rapids , and MMA ’ s Caroline Liethen to connect with fellow industry leaders and discuss common challenges , best practices and available resources . Contact Caroline , at liethen @ mimfg . org , to reserve your seat today !
Eaton and MMA Welcome House Tax Policy Chair to Marshall Proving Grounds
Eaton , an MMA member since 1931 , hosted Michigan House Tax Policy Chair Matt Hall for a tour of their Marshall Proving Grounds and discussion of Eaton ’ s “ Everything as a Grid ” approach to reinventing the way power is distributed , stored and consumed .
Pictured left to right : Eaton Test Track and Facilities Manager Scott Kennedy , MMA ’ s Mike Johnston , Representative Matt Hall , Marshall Lab Manager Kylar Dailey , Eaton Manager of Public Affairs Nick D ’ Angelo
Access Manufacturing Sustainability Resources
Manufacturers seeking to improve energy efficiency , reduce carbon emissions and explore renewable energy technologies have resources available to lead the way toward making their enterprises cleaner and greener while maintaining their competitiveness .
MMA and the Nature Conservancy of Michigan recently partnered to produce a four-part webinar series providing manufacturers with practical insights into voluntary actions toward sustainability that can result in a multitude of benefits — including attracting and retaining skilled workers .
Industry leaders in manufacturing sustainability initiatives , including Capital Steel & Wire , Ford Motor Company , General Motors and Hemlock Semiconductor Operations shared their strategies and insights , the Director of the Michigan Department of Environment , Great Lakes , and Energy collaborated on policy initiatives and experts from the University of Michigan , Foresight Management , the Great Plains Institute , National Association of Manufacturers and Waste Management provided information about resources available to manufacturers of all sizes .
Watch on-demand in the MMA Online Learning Center at mimfg . org .
Get More ! Sign up for an MMA Policy Committee or weekly MFG Voice e-news subscription at mimfg . org .
Unemployment Tax Hike Averted
Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed into law Public Act 61 of 2022 , legislation that saw broad bipartisan support in the Legislature to dedicate $ 100 million to support Michigan ’ s Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund ( UITF ). The UITF is entirely funded by employer tax dollars and has been hard-hit by record unemployment claims and fraud during the pandemic . This $ 100 million appropriation is in addition to the $ 150 million deposited in 2021 to support the fund and stave off employer tax hikes to cover elevated claims levels .
UIA Work Search Supply Shortage Flexibility Bill Wins House Committee Approval
Senate Bill 791 ( Ken Horn , R- Frankenmuth ), which MMA helped author to address problems caused by computer chip supply shortages , continues to move through the State House , was approved by the Michigan House Commerce & Tourism Committee and will allow manufacturers to protect their highly trained employees from being hired away during times when production slows or stops due to a supply shortage . The bill has received unanimous votes at every legislative step thus far and we expect the bill to be signed by the Governor .