Page 23 - March-2023-FOCUS
P. 23

lansingchamber.org                                                             DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION


        Chamber Supports

        Expansion of Elliott-Larsen
        Civil Rights Act

                                                                              To: Members of the Michigan Legislature
                                                                            From: Michigan’s Business Community

                                                                            Date: January 23, 2023
             he Lansing Regional Chamber has joined several of our
             business organization partners from across the state, urging   identity
                                                                            Re: Amend the Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act to include sexual orientation and gender

        Tthe Governor and the Michigan Legislature to amend the             Michigan urge your support of amending the Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act (ELCRA) to
                                                                            As a partner in moving Michigan’s economy forward, we, the leading business organizations in
        Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act (ELCRA) to include protections for sexual   include protections for sexual orientation and gender identity. Our members agree, a
                                                                            growing list of employers supporting the expansion can be found at
                                                                            detroitchamber.com/advocacy.
        orientation and gender identity.                                     Michigan’s ELCRA is an act to define civil rights; to prohibit discriminatory practices, policies,
                                                                             sex, height, weight, familial status, or marital status.
                                                                           and customs in the exercise of those rights based upon religion, race, color, national origin, age,
        This is a business issue. A highly talented and diverse workforce is   Rouch World v MDCR, decided by the Michigan Supreme Court last July, found that
        key to moving our state forward. Attracting and retaining a skilled   discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity constitutes a violation of
                                                                           ELCRA.   We believe the time has come to recognize and codify this decision in statute and
                                                                           business for all.
        workforce goes beyond competitive wages and benefits. More and
                                                                           prohibit discrimination on these grounds, thereby sending the message that we are open to
        more individuals seek communities and states that value diversity   forward. Attracting and retaining a skilled workforce goes beyond competitive wages and
                                                                           This is a business issue.  A highly talented and diverse workforce is key to moving our state
        and inclusion. Over 70 percent of young Michiganders say that a    benefits. More and more individuals seek communities and states that value diversity and
                                                                           inclusion. Over 70% of young Michiganders say that a state’s social policies impact their
        state’s social policies impact their decision to accept employment.       for the best and the brightest talent and retain our local graduates.
                                                                           decision to accept employment. This amendment supports Michigan businesses as they compete
        This amendment supports Michigan businesses as they compete          Updating the ELCRA is the right thing to do, the smart thing to do, and it is time to do it.
        for the best and the brightest talent and retain our local graduates.    Right: Everyone in Michigan, whatever race, gender, religion, physical characteristic, sexual
                                                                          orientation or gender identity deserves protection from discrimination under the law.
                                                                               Smart: Michigan’s continued economic growth relies on keeping and attracting talent.
        Read the Michigan Business Community Letter:                        Time: This amendment is long overdue, and research shows an overwhelming, bi-partisan
                                                                          number of Michigan residents believe this needs to change. We agree.
        https://bit.ly/3kaDeIR.                                           for ALL.
                                                                          Please take action to amend the ELCRA and support a thriving and prosperous Michigan



        This aligns with the Chamber’s policy priority focus on Talent and   cc:     The Honorable Gretchen Whitmer

                                                                            Governor, State of Michigan
        Education (K-12, higher education, professional trades). l
                                                                      21DAY TRAINING
                                                                      EXPERIENCE
                                                                                               $
                                                                      EMPOWERING RESULTS





                                                                                                COMMUNITY
                                                                     DURING YOUR EXPERIENCE
                                                                                                You're not joining a gym, you're joining a
                                                                                                family and a community of like-minded
                                                                                                people that will give you the positive
                                                                     Assessment                 support and the environment you
                                                                                                need to succeed.
                                                                     Entry point private session to
                                                                     determine your level of fitness
                                                                                                AFFORDABLE
                                                                     Personalized Program       We make it affordable so that anyone can
                                                                     An individualized program
                                                                     tailored to your specific needs  afford to be healthy. State of Fitness is a
                                                                                                fraction of what it would cost to hire a
                                                                     Small Group Training       1-on-1 personal trainer and you get a
                                                                                                whole lot more.
                                                                     Unlimited small group
                                                                     personal training
                                                                                                ACCOUNTABILITY
                                                                     Group Conditioning Training  Here, you are not just a member.
                                                                     Unlimited group            We make it our mission to hold you
                                                                     conditioning training      accountable and make sure that you
                                                                                                reach your goal.
                                                                     Facility Access
                                                                     Unlimited access to our
                                                                     facility during your trial  HIGHLY QUALIFIED TEAM
                                                                                                You will not find a more educated, highly
                                                                     Keyless Entry              qualified team of trainers in Michigan!
                                                                     Open 4 AM to 12 AM         A bachelor's degree and nationally
                                                                                                accredited certification, along with our
                                                                                                8-12 week internship lead by owner,
                                                                                                Justin Grinnell, are requirements.
                                                                   SIGN UP TODAY!  MYSTATEOFFITNESS.COM  FOLLOW @STATEOFFITNESS |
                                                                                                                       23
                                                      12/5/22   3:58 PM
    3.625x4.875-LansingChamber-Q1.indd   1
    3.625x4.875-LansingChamber-Q1.indd   1            12/5/22   3:58 PM
   18   19   20   21   22   23   24   25   26   27   28