18 MiMfg Magazine October 2020
manufacturers . While almost every candidate will tell you they support manufacturers , the chasm between talk and action is expansive . For new candidates in open seats , we utilize a candidate survey mechanism . This year ’ s survey asked all House candidates nine questions covering the spectrum of our priorities , including economic development incentives , opposition to the expansion of unemployment benefits , support for achieving the lowest effective tax rate for manufacturers compared nationally and internationally , support for career and technical education , opposition to healthcare mandates , blocking regulations that exceed federal standards , increased legislative oversight of the regulatory process , increased liability protections during the COVID-19 crisis and exempting PPE from sales and use tax .
This year MMA is endorsing 66 candidates : 57 Republicans and 9 Democrats , which includes 51 incumbents and 14 candidates in open seats , have received the MFG-Endorsed seal ( see page 19 for more detail ).
The Bottom Line
Elections have consequences and the continued viability of your business it is at stake . We must be able to count on the state as a partner in our global competitiveness and pro-manufacturing officials can
Small changes in state policy have big impacts on small companies , whether we are talking about sales taxes on newly required personal protective equipment or education policies to focus on career technical skills for manufacturers . We need promanufacturing policymakers .
— Paul Aultman , President , Vantage Plastics
ensure that partnership . In the face of ongoing obstacles posed by the global pandemic , this election means more than most and you can help ensure a government that understands the needs of the 21 st century global manufacturing industry . MMA has developed a number of resources to help you learn about the manufacturing issues that matter , find important election details and identify and support pro-manufacturing candidates . 6
Mike Johnston is MMA ’ s Vice President of Government Affairs . He may be reached at johnston @ mimfg . org or 517-487-8554 .
MFG Legislative Day 2020
MMA members played ball with Lansing ’ s heavy hitters by advocating for Michigan manufacturing at Jackson Field ( formerly Cooley Law School Stadium ) in Lansing in September .
Event highlights included :
• An update on workplace regulations and economic stimulus efforts by Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity Director Jeff Donofrio
• State budget dynamics with Senate Appropriations Committee members Senators Jim Stamas ( Chair ), Wayne Schmidt , Curtis Hertel ( Minority Vice Chair ) and Jeff Irwin
• A discussion on workforce and talent issues with Senator Ken Horn
• Insights into state and federal elections from renowned pollster Ed Sarpolus
• Face-to-face discussion with legislative leaders and policymakers
• Honoring the 2020 Legislators of the Year , Senator Ken Horn and Representative Jason Wentworth
Get more MFG Legislative Day highlights on MMA ’ s Facebook page @ MIManufacturers