Lansing, Michigan – The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce (LRCC) urges state and local government leaders to use federal COVID-19 relief funds on targeted programs that can transform the region and help Michigan regain its position as a top state for income, jobs, and widely shared prosperity. The federal funds are part of the American Rescue Plan (ARP), which helps communities recover from the impact of the pandemic.
In a letter to local leaders, the LRCC notes that many of the ARP funds to date have been used to backfill areas impacted directly by the Covid-19 pandemic. The LRCC is encouraging state and local leaders to work in a bipartisan fashion to ensure that the remaining funding is used to help the region and state emerge from the global pandemic even stronger.
“The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce strongly urges state and local leaders to take the time needed to ensure that funds are not simply spent,” said Tim Daman, president & CEO, LRCC. “They must use them effectively to transform our region, which will make our community a better place to live, work and thrive.”
The LRCC letter suggests five guiding principles leaders at all levels should follow when investing the remaining stimulus dollars:
- Transformational investments help the region achieve long-term goals and leapfrog other states and regions in education/skills, fostering business competitiveness and growing well-paying jobs.
- Maximize Michigan’s share of stimulus dollars.
- Protect flexible funding and target uncovered gaps, which the LRCC says should fill uncovered Covid health issues, education, and economic gaps after other sources are exhausted.
- Prioritize leverage and avoid unfunded mandates. Governments should seek to leverage private and public sector dollars to achieve larger goals and provide steady returns. Investments should be sustainable and avoid creating recurring tax burdens for residents and businesses.
- Measure outcomes and ensure transparency, including identifying clear goals and metrics and transparency into where and how funds are spent.
“By following these basic guidelines, we believe these dollars can be invested wisely and contribute to sustainable, equitably shared prosperity for our residents, communities, and businesses,” said Daman.
About the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce
The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce works relentlessly to help businesses connect, grow, and thrive. No mid-Michigan business stands alone when they are a member of the Chamber. For 121 years, the Lansing Chamber has served as the voice of the Greater Lansing business community. More information about LRCC and its programs and services can be found online at lansingchamber.org, Facebook, Instagram (@lansingregionalchamber), Twitter (@lansingchamber) and LinkedIn.