Advocacy Update
Posted by Amy Clickner on June 22, 2012
One of the four major devotions of the Lake Superior Community Partnership is to provide a powerful legislative voice for programs and policies that strengthen our regional economy. We’ve always referred to our role as “the legislative eyes, ears and voice” for Marquette County business by tracking bills, educating our partners, and communicating our position to legislators on issues that are of concern to the business climate of Marquette County. Sometimes these issues can be at a State or Federal level, having a direct or indirect impact on our area.
For example, in March of 2011, the LSCP Board of Directors voted unanimously to support the proposed International Trade Crossing, allowing for a second international crossing between Windsor, Ontario and Detroit. Our board based its decision on three main factors:
1) The need for a healthy Detroit, and its impact on a healthy Michigan.
2) The importance of Canadian – U.S. trade to our local economy. 1,600 Marquette County jobs are directly attributed to this trade relationship.
3) The ability to use investment dollars as a Federal match for transportation dollars.
In making this decision the board researched the issue, including hosting the Consul General of Canada to speak and answer questions. Decisions regarding legislative advocacy are not taken lightly, as their impacts can be far reaching. On this particular issue, we joined voices with the Northern Michigan Regional Chamber Alliance (NMRCA), which represents 14-counties and over 6,500 businesses in northern Michigan speaking with a unified voice, increasing our impact in advocacy.
A little more than a week ago, Governor Snyder announced an agreement with Canada that lays the groundwork for the New International Trade Crossing (NITC) to move forward. The NITC is projected to provide a modern, strategically located bridge to help enhance the $70 billion-a-year trade relationship between Michigan and Canada. If your business currently exports or is interested in learning more, contact our office and speak to one of our business specialists, or visit the “Exporting Assistance” page on our website at Marquette.org.
According to the Governor’s office, the NITC will generate thousands of short and long-term jobs on both sides of the border, open new trade markets, strengthen economic security and ease traffic congestion. While the New International Trade Crossing will be built in Detroit, the bridge will have an impact on businesses in our region who currently or could potentially export their products.
Another issue the LSCP continues to follow very closely is the proposed severance tax on non-ferrous mining. State geologist Hal Fitch, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development director Keith Creigh, and deputy legal counsel and senior policy adviser for Governor Snyder Valerie Brader were at the County board meeting last Tuesday to answer commissioner’s questions. Chairwomen Deb Pellow ran an effective, productive meeting while she and fellow commissioners did a great job of bringing critical questions and issues to the table. As the community that bears both the risk and reward of the Eagle mining project, they made it very clear that they will settle for nothing less than what makes them “whole.” State representatives agreed that this is only the beginning of communications that need to continue to take place on the issue.
The LSCP continues to stand with the County board on this issue, and we will continue to monitor and participate in conversations as needed to keep our partners locally and regionally abreast of the progress of the proposed legislation.
For more information on the Lake Superior Community Partnership’s government relations activities, visit our Government Relations page at https://marquette.org/business-resources/government-relations. If you have an issue important to you, let us know at lscp@marquette.orgor find us on Facebook.
