ProgresS

The West Michigan Policy Forum has a targeted 3-tiered approach to accomplish the policy priorities it adopts. We strategically decide whether the selected issue needs our leadership, our advocacy or simply a support role with other partners to be successful. This 3-tiered approach to our current priorities is listed below:

Leadership

WMPF assumes a public leadership role to proactively communicate, educate, and advocate on key issues.

Advocacy

WMPF communicates, educates and provides appropriate support as needed on key issues and works with others to ensure their success.

Support

While not the lead organization, the WMPF provides visible support to coalition partners who are leaders on specific issues.

Current Priorities
Past Achievements

Achievements

Government Reform
  • Streamlining the permitting process
  • Repeal of the Michigan Business Tax
  • Local government consolidation
  • Reform of the Personal Property Tax, eliminating this penalty for many key job creating investments
  • Criminal Justice Reform
  • Keeping Promises – Teacher and Municipal Retirement Reforms
  • Unfunded Liabilities – Schools
  • Petition/Ballot Signature Reform
  • Streamlining Occupational Licensure, cutting red tape for work
Transportation Infrastructure
  • Build the New International Trade Crossing and Freight Tunnel to Canada
  • Ensure state policies maximize federal matching dollars
  • Update/reform the state’s funding mechanisms
State Health Care Reform
  • Increase funding for health care providers with effective prevention practices
Talent
  • Encourage the development of consistent K-12 and higher education metrics
  • Support the dedication of funds for early childhood development
  • Expansion of college credits for work experience
  • Require funding for state economic development and workforce agencies to align more closely with private sector efforts in talent development initiative
  • Reform of Teacher Evaluation
  • Reform: 3rd Grade Reading Readiness
  • A-F Quality & Accountability in K-12
Labor
  • Maintain Michigan’s Freedom to Work Status
  • Repeal of the Prevailing Wage mandate
  • Grow Michigan’s Labor Participation rate – Addition of Medicaid work requirements for able-bodied adults
  • Paid Sick Leave Reform (Defense)
  • Minimum Wage Reform (Defense)