Through the oversight of the Government Issues Committee, the Livonia Chamber of Commerce takes an active roll in monitoring public policy and advocating positions to improve the local business climate and the Livonia community. To reflect the opinion of our members the Chamber periodically conducts and posts results from membership surveys on important public policy issues. Additionally, the Chamber also hosts Legislative Roundtables with elected officials and hold candidate debates during elections.

If you are interested in becoming involved in the Chambers Government Issues Committee, please contact the Chamber by e-mail.

Local Public Transportation

With voters opting to discontinue SMART bus service in Livonia, there are plans underway to create a city transit system. Livonia Chamber president Dan West is part of a working group with the City of Livonia to put together the new system.

The new system will include transportation for seniors and disable residents. The group is also working on creating an efficient system that will provide transportation for employees of Livonia-based companies.

Current positions the Livonia Chamber of Commerce is advocating:

Education
Maintain adequate funding for schools and maintain all categorical funding, such as the 20J funding received by Livonia Public Schools.
Hold Harmless Legislation (20J) funding is special funding for Livonia and some other districts that was approved when Proposal A was passed. This promise of funding was part of the reason that districts like Livonia supported Proposal A. The funding allows Livonia and other districts who were investing more in education than the state average at the time Proposal A was passed to continue with that same funding level. Therefore, Livonia receives our full State Aid Foundation allowance.

Taxes
Any type of state tax restructuring should eliminate or phase out the Single Business Tax. The Single Business Tax is considered a value added tax. It is different than a profits tax, in that the value added in the production process, should, in theory, reflect a business activity and therefore be taxed. Michigan is the only state that uses this method of a value added tax. Michigans Single Business Tax ranks as the 4th highest in state corporation taxes per capita and as a percentage of personal income when compared to corporate income taxes in other states. The Single Business Tax creates a disincentive to economic growth in Michigan.

Healthcare
The Chamber supports legislation that creates affordable and accessible healthcare for small businesses. The Chamber will consider price versus service delivered in all proposals that create more affordable healthcare for small businesses.

Elected Public Officials
The following is a list of public policy makers who serve the Livonia community. All elected public officials appreciate receiving input from businesses and individuals regarding issues that impact their business and community.