Michigan Manufacturers Association Joins The Build It Michigan Strong Coalition

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SEPTEMBER 9, 2019 CONTACT: John Sellek jbs@harborstrategic.com   Support for SB 431 grows as Michigan's manufacturers say reform is needed to help boost Michigan's economy  LANSING – The Build It Michigan Strong legislative coalition today announced that the Michigan Manufacturers Association has joined the group and supports Senate Bill 431, which expands aggregate mining with the goal of improving Michigan's roads, infrastructure and economic competitiveness.  "We support SB 431 because it will replace a patchwork of uncertain and differing approval processes with a reasonable, evenly-applied standard that helps strengthen our economy and encourages employers to grow their presence right here in Michigan," said Chuck Hadden, President and CEO of the Michigan Manufacturers Association (MMA). The MMA represents about 2,000 manufacturing companies across Michigan in state’s largest and most vital industry. MMA members are job-creators that serve as a backbone of Michigan's economy and are experts on issues involving the long-term economic success of the state economy.   SB 431 Saves Money at a Time that Costs Are Rising Today's Detroit News pointed out that rising costs for road construction supplies are limiting the ability to get more roads fixed. (More spending on Michigan roads blunted by rising costs) Aggregate companies confirm that supplies are limited in areas, leading to wasteful spending as construction supplies are hauled across the state's roads and freeways to where they are needed most: "Mark Schlegel, owner of the Lansing-area Schlegel Sand & Gravel, said the supply shortage is real. Schlegel said he is fielding a growing number of purchase inquiries from road contractors in west and southeast Michigan who would typically rely on closer mines for cheaper costs. Shipping material across the state can be prohibitively expensive, he said, sometimes costing more than the gravel or sand itself." Unprecedented Coalition Backs the SB 431 Reform Plan   The Build It Michigan Strong coalition backs a modernization of the PA 113 aggregate mining permitting process as sponsored by State Senator Adam Hollier, D-Detroit. The coalition brings together an unprecedented pairing of labor and business groups dedicated to rebuilding our state and growing our economy— without wasting taxpayer dollars.  Coalition members include:   OPERATING ENGINEERS 324 MICHIGAN TEAMSTERS JOINT COUNCIL 43 MICHIGAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MICHIGAN MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION MICHIGAN AGGREGATES ASSOCIATION MICHIGAN INFRASTRUCTURE AND TRANSPORTATION ASSOCIATION MICHIGAN CONCRETE ASSOCIATION ASPHALT PAVEMENT ASSOCIATION OF MICHIGAN  To read more about the public policy under debate regarding SB 431, go to: builditmichiganstrong.com