House Economic Competitiveness Committee adopts rules, sets regular Thursday meeting; members outline priorities

The House Committee on Economic Competitiveness voted unanimously Jan. 30 to adopt the uniform committee rules and to set Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. in Room 521 of the House Office Building as its regular meeting day and time.

The committee, chaired by Representative Mike Hoadley, approved the rules on a voice/roll-call vote after Representative Carl Bonak moved to adopt them. The clerk recorded the outcome as 10 ayes, 0 nays, 0 passes. Representative Christian Grant moved to establish the regular meeting schedule; that motion also passed 10-0.

Why it matters: adopting rules and a regular schedule establishes how the committee will operate during the legislative session and sets the calendar for hearings and bills the panel will consider. The organizational meeting also gave members a chance to outline priorities they expect the committee to address.

During introductory remarks, Hoadley said the committee's work will include infrastructure beyond roads and bridges. "Infrastructure is also going to be water, sewer, phone and internet — very important for rural areas," Representative Mike Hoadley said. Several members echoed concerns about broadband access in rural districts and the need to make communities "site ready" for new businesses by addressing utilities, drainage and an energy grid that can meet increased demand.

Other recurring themes in members' remarks included workforce development and housing. Representative Pat Altman emphasized support for small, family-run businesses and diversifying Michigan's economy beyond the auto industry. Representative Mike Harris and Representative Brian Begole said attracting and keeping workers is a priority; Representative Begole noted his background in law enforcement and local government gives him a local perspective. Representative Alicia Saint Germain, Representative Julie Brixey and Representative Betsy Coffea highlighted workforce and quality-of-life issues such as housing affordability and child care as impediments to recruiting and retaining workers.

Members also flagged concerns about transparency and returns on public investment. Hoadley and others said they want investment decisions evaluated for clear returns to Michigan taxpayers and to avoid what Hoadley called the "stigma of corporate welfare," favoring investments tied to measurable outcomes.

The clerk read a letter from Speaker of the House Matt Hall appointing committee membership for the 103rd Legislature during the meeting. The committee confirmed a quorum of 10 members present and, after adopting rules and the schedule, heard short introductions from members about their backgrounds and regional priorities.

The committee adjourned after the organizational items. Its next regular meeting is scheduled for Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. in Room 521 of the House Office Building.