Public Policy

Posted by Lake Superior Community Partnership on June 9, 2015

We talk often about “public policy,” but do we really know what it is?  If you research the true definition, you will find that there isn’t one that is universally accepted.  However, for the purpose of today’s column I will use one I like from Study.com:

“Public policy is the means by which a government maintains order or addresses the needs of its citizens, through actions defined by its constitution. If this definition sounds vague or confusing, it’s likely because a public policy is generally not a tangible thing but rather is a term used to describe a collection of laws, mandates, or regulations established through a political process.”

Sums it up nicely, don’t you think?

So why as an economic development agency are we interested in public policy you ask?  It’s simple.  These policies shape how we do business, where we can do business, the cost of doing business and so on.  Therefore, it is important that we stay on top of any new legislation or changes being proposed to the laws that exist that may affect our clients and partners.

As part of our strategy in this area, the staff at the LSCP regularly engages with decision makers, lobbyists and colleagues to build the essential relationships needed when the time comes to support or oppose proposed legislation.  Our elected officials are not mind readers nor are they experts in every field.  They encourage appropriate feedback from their constituents to help them look at the impact of the proposed legislation from all angles.

So let’s look at a current example of proposed legislation that the LSCP is extremely concerned about, House Bills 4607 and 4608 that reduce the budget of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) by nearly 50%!  These are the very programs and services that we, the boots on the ground economic developers, rely on to do our jobs, not to mention, the communities and businesses that benefit from these tools and successful projects.

Consider the projects you know about in our community that have benefited from the brownfield program?  Community development program?  Pure Michigan Business Connect?  Export assistance?  All will be defunded.

Familiar with the Pure Michigan tourism marketing campaign?  The award winning campaign that drives people and dollars to our community?  This is one of the programs that would be defunded or drastically reduced if these cuts take place.

I am sure you can understand why we oppose HB4607 and HB4608 based on the negative impact they would have on our region.  And, of course, we continue to share our concerns with elected officials across the state.  We also share this information with our partners and stakeholders in hopes of engaging them in this process.  We call it an ACTION ALERT.  An ACTION ALERT gives the background on the legislation, how it will impact our community and what you can do as a business or individual to have your voice heard.  Look at our website www.marquette.org under Connect to Advocacy and Regulatory Affairs for more information.

Lastly, you may be interested in what public policy topics we would engage in.  No problem.  Our Legislative Agenda and Guiding Principles provide a roadmap for our involvement.  Issues outside of these documents are vetted through our Government Relations Task Force with a recommendation going to the board of directors.

Have an issue or concern you believe should be addressed?  Want to weigh in on our recent Action Alert?  Give our office a call at 906.226.6591.

Amy Clickner, CEO, writes a bi-weekly column for the Mining Journal.