On February 27, ABC of Michigan was the only statewide association to give testimony and answer questions in front of the House Labor Committee in opposition to card check organizing. An excerpt from MIRS news reported the following:
“The ‘card check’ proposal, however, dominated today's discussion, with Republican lawmakers and a representative from the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of Michigan arguing that creating such an easy avenue for unionization opens up workers to intimidation from union organizers.
"The right of the American worker to freely and voluntarily join with their co-workers and organize or join a labor union free of coercion or intimidation is a fundamental right that should never be infringed upon," said ABC Executive Vice President Chris Fisher "This resolution stomps all over that right by opening the door to coercion, intimidation, fraud and abuse by eliminating the principle of a secret ballot election."
In the most successful effort of its kind for ABC, the ABC of Michigan grassroots campaign to stop Governor Granholm’s 2% tax on services, including nearly $350 million in new construction services taxes has resulted in letters from all over the state to elected officials. These letters can be faxed, emailed or mailed to YOUR elected officials to stop this anti-business tax. To find out more, or to add your name to the list of over 160 letters sent to Lansing, visit the ABC of Michigan Grassroots Action Center online at so you can stand up and be counted!
The 2007 ABC of Michigan Legislative Day was a tremendous success this year with more attendees than ever participating. There were also a record number of lawmakers present with 30 members of the Michigan House and Senate attending the exclusive ABC member only luncheon and member mixer. All this was capped off with surprise appearance by United States Senator and presidential candidate Sam Brownback (R-Kansas) making ABC of Michigan the first business trade association in the state to host a presidential candidate in 2007.
"Providing ABC members across the state with valuable and effective lobbying to ensure our ability to defend and advance our legislative and political priorities is a cornerstone of what ABC of Michigan is all about,"”said ABC of Michigan Executive Director Chris Fisher. “"The amazing success of our 2007 Legislative day was a huge step making sure the voice of our membership is heard in Lansing. Special thanks should also be extended Marianne Krause of the Southeastern Michigan Chapter office and Lauri Tucker of the Western Michigan Chapter office for their greatly appreciated assistance in making the day possible."
It is imperative that ABC members work together to counteract the strong and united forces of groups who oppose the merit shop. If the merit shop does not take an equally aggressive stand in supporting candidates that will support our philosophy, it cannot triumph. ABC's PAC is your voice in elective politics. PAC members' donations provide a unified and powerful voice for the merit agenda. It is also an opportunity to participate in one of the largest pro-business PACs in the nation.
All ABC members wanting to be eligible for congressional and presidential level PAC participation need to sign a prior approval form. It takes just a minute and you can even do it online by clicking HERE. Make sure your voice is heard and remember that this form is required by federal law for anyone who wants to be eligible to donate and to be involved with ABC PAC on behalf of their business and our industry.
ABC of Michigan Executive Director Chris Fisher met earlier this month in a private meeting with Assistant Minority Leader Kevin Elsenheimer, Assistant Minority Floor Leader Dave Hildenbrand and Rep. Arlan Meekhov on their package of bills to limit project labor agreements and prevailing wage requirements in the State of Michigan. All three representatives look forward to working with ABC of Michigan on these pieces of common sense, pro-Merit Shop legislation. You can read these bills online by clicking on any of the bill names that follow: HB 4306, HB 4307,and HB 4308.