On Tuesday, the Michigan Senate voted out Senate Bill 700, which would prevent the Unemployment Insurance (UI) Agency from pursuing fraudulent unemployment claims that occurred during the pandemic due to administrative errors. This bill was a “red alert” moment for the Chamber, as it was originally written that Michigan would pay the federal government restitution in the tune of over $2 billion from the UI Trust Fund, therefore triggering a tax increase on employers in the state.

Chamber Perspective: The Chamber was present in the lobby for the entire Senate’s session day and served as the lead negotiator in finding a solution that holds employers harmless. The compromise and final version that passed the Senate ensures that if the state is required to repay the federal government for fraudulent claims, it must use sources outside of the UI Trust Fund. 

Left to right: MichAuto’s Paul Corbett and Matt Blunt, President, American Automotive Policy Council

The Chamber and MichAuto continue to advocate in support of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which will undergo renegotiations in July 2026, to safeguard the 13 million American jobs that depend on stable trade with Canada and Mexico.

To advocate for the agreement to be extended and ensure Michigan’s voice is heard, MichAuto’s Director of Government and Community Affairs, Paul Corbett, provided comment in Washington, D.C., on the importance of protecting the industry’s resilience and economic vitality through this process.

Related | Chamber Signs Coalition Letter in Support of the USMCA Agreement