PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
By: Polly Reber

The 2010 General Election dramatically changed politics in Lansing.  The Republican sweep in the elections changed control of the Michigan House of Representatives from Democrat to Republican; added to the Republican majority in the Michigan Senate, giving them a super-majority; and put a Republican in the Governor’s office for the first time in 8 years. 

In January 2011, Governor Snyder set an ambitious agenda to go about what he called “reinventing Michigan.”  Thus far he has worked with the legislature to accomplish both a balanced budget in near record time, and the elimination of the dreaded Michigan Business Tax (MBT).  And this was the first time in eight years that MDVA members were not fighting against proposed tobacco tax increases and proposed vended products tax increases!

There is still much to be done to address Michigan’s challenges; many of the state’s issues are not without controversy, and the state budget situation continues to look bleak in the near term.  MDVA continues to work hard in Lansing to educate legislators on our issues and create important relationships with key leaders in state government.  The MDVA Day at the Capitol is a critical component of our success:  the Governor’s Chief of Staff, the Lt. Governor, the Senate Majority Leader, and the Speaker of the House all spoke at our event this year.

MDVA is recognized as one of the most influential small business associations in the state.  But MDVA’s success is only possible through the active involvement of every one of our members.  Please continue to call, write, email, and meet with your state Senator and Representative. Please send your MDVA PAC checks. And please continue your active involvement in the Michigan Distributors & Vendors Association.