Shaping Michigan’s Economic Future Through the 2026-2027 State Budget |
As Michigan’s Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Senate, and House begin negotiations for the fiscal year 2026-2027 state budget, securing investments in talent, infrastructure, and economic development is paramount. Where Michigan stands: With Michigan ranking 40th nationally in per capita income and the Detroit Region facing lagging population growth, the 2027 budget must prioritize policies that foster a competitive business climate and build a resilient workforce. As budget negotiations ramp up after May 15 during the Consensus Revenue Estimating Conference (CREC), the Detroit Regional Chamber urges legislators to keep these priorities in mind. Read on for an in-depth analysis from the Chamber’s Public Policy and Business Advocacy team on the key priorities, like dual enrollment, site readiness, and the Going PRO program, that must be addressed in the 2027 budget. |
Statement: The Chamber and MichAuto Applaud the Bipartisan Bill to Ban Vehicles Made by Chinese Companies and Protect the American Automotive Industry |
Yesterday, Sandy K. Baruah, Chamber President and Chief Executive Officer, and Glenn Stevens Jr., Executive Director of MichAuto and the Chamber’s Chief Automotive and Innovation Officer, issued the following statement in response to the Connected Vehicle Security Act of 2026. “Senators Slotkin and Moreno deserve credit for tackling this complicated issue in a bipartisan fashion that reflects the urgency of the situation. Taking action to protect our domestic automotive industry from vehicles made by Chinese companies is especially critical for Michigan as well as all those Americans whose livelihoods, companies, and communities depend on it. Certainly, at this early stage, many may find fault in some aspects of this legislation, but the Chamber and MichAuto applaud the direction and will support the effort as it weaves its way through the legislative process.” |
New Chamber Polling Gives Insight on the August Primary Races and the Pursuit of Common Ground |
In advance of the 2026 Mackinac Policy Conference, the Detroit Regional Chamber released polling of likely voters in key Democratic and Republican primaries in August. Conducted by the Glengariff Group, Inc., this Chamber polling will help drive the conversation about where the races stand as the Chamber continues to support bipartisanship, compromise, and the pursuit of common ground to advance the Detroit Region and Michigan. |
Advancing Southeast Michigan Together Through Collaboration |
Pictured left to right: Lamont Yoder, Oakland County Executive David Coulter, Carol Cain, Wayne County Executive Warren Evans, Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel, Sandy K. Baruah |
During a moderated discussion led by CBS Detroit and Detroit Free Press’s Carol Cain at the Detroit Regional Chamber’s 2026 Meet Southeast Michigan County Leaders event, county executives from Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne counties discussed their shared challenges and responsibilities, which are key to shaping Southeast Michigan’s future. While each county faces distinct pressures, the conversation underscored a common reality that the Detroit Region’s success depends on coordinating leadership across infrastructure, economic development, and quality of life. |
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| Discussion on the House Republicans’ property tax proposal began in earnest with the majority caucus touting it as a revenue-neutral way to address the housing and affordability crisis. The plan would cut $5 billion in property taxes and reduce utility bills by $1 billion statewide. Read more. |
HB 5805 and HB 5807 would create a housing opportunity tax credit program to encourage the development of low-income buildings and allow insurers to claim the housing opportunity tax credit that the insurer is eligible to claim for a qualified project. Read more. |
A debate over budget stability preceded a party-line vote in the Michigan Senate on a $63 billion omnibus budget bill for departments and agencies covering the upcoming fiscal year. Read more. |
Stricter regulations governing social media access for minors were passed by the Michigan Senate with some bipartisan support following divided testimony over whether the proposed changes would effectively address a problem driving mental health issues among children. Read more. |
Beyond the Bill is a rotating segment that features a Republican or Democrat Michigan Legislator for Chamber members to get to know on a more personal level and highlight their legislative priorities for Michiganders. This week, the Chamber is spotlighting Michigan State Rep. Doug Wozniak, who shared his priorities for the state and a look into the 59th district. |
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