The Grand Rapids Chamber hosted a special discussion with Senator Elissa Slotkin, where she shared her priorities and engaged with business leaders on key issues, including federal funding, trade policy, and bipartisan collaboration. Check out highlights from the discussion below.
- Business & Economic Growth: Senator Slotkin acknowledged the efforts of Grand Rapids in revitalizing the region and making it a model for attracting businesses and talent. She emphasized the importance of stability and predictability for businesses.
- Bipartisanship & Collaboration: Senator Slotkin emphasized that she wouldn’t be in office without ticket-splitting voters and that working across the aisle is a priority. She actively seeks out bipartisan opportunities, serving on committees like Agriculture, Veterans Affairs, Homeland Security, and Armed Services—areas where, as she put it, “the media isn’t covering public fights.” She made it clear that she’s focused on results, not party lines: “I hunt down collaborators from the other side. I have no sacred cows. We don’t live in a world where you’re going to get everything.”
- Federal Funding & Contracts: She discussed the recent 24-hour freeze on allocated funding, which was reversed within 48 hours. Moving forward, she believes there will be a phased approach to review unspent appropriations, including federal contracts. She encouraged businesses experiencing funding challenges to reach out to her office for support.
- Trade & Tariffs: Senator Slotkin acknowledged that Michigan businesses are disproportionately affected by tariffs and emphasized the importance of using a “scalpel instead of a sledgehammer” in trade policy. She noted that farmers are still recovering from previous tariffs and urged businesses to be clear and direct about the impact: “We need to describe, in cold hard terms, what this does to businesses and consumers. Explain it in human terms—this business will have to raise prices, and this is what it will cost consumers. Don’t stick anyone in the eye. Just be cold, hard, factual about the impacts.”
- Immigration & Workforce: She recognizes the strong demand for legal, vetted labor, particularly in sectors like agriculture and hospitality. She supports increasing H-2A and H-2B visa caps and taking a step-by-step approach to immigration reform.
- Budget Considerations: Congress passed a continuing resolution to prevent a government shutdown, but it only extends until March 14. Ongoing negotiations include potential changes to tax policy and funding allocations. In the debate over the 2017 Tax Cuts, Senator Slotkin put it bluntly: “Buckle up, buttercup.”
- Infrastructure & Regional Priorities: Slotkin expressed support for major projects like the new air traffic control tower at GRR, understanding its critical role in the region’s economic growth. She also acknowledged the importance of tax-free municipal bonds as a key financing tool for community development.
