On Feb. 26, MichAuto Executive Director Glenn Stevens Jr. and Detroit Regional Chamber Strategic Advisor Terry Rhadigan filled in as the guest hosts of WJR 760 AM’s “Focus With Paul W. Smith” show, which was broadcast live in Lansing prior to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s State of the State address.
Hear what the guests had to say below.
Chamber President and Chief Executive Officer Sandy K. Baruah shared his thoughts on Michigan’s role in the automotive industry, especially the need for Detroit’s companies to be ready on a global scale. He also discussed the impact that tariffs could have on the state’s signature industry.
“Americans and Michiganders have been so concerned about the cost of eggs . . . adding an additional $3,000 to the price of a car is not going to help Michigan’s economy or Michigan workers.”
Sen. Dan Lauwers (R-Brockton) and Rep. Ranjeev Puri (D-Canton) joined Stevens and Rhadigan to represent the Michigan Automotive Caucus, which also includes co-chairs Sen. Darrin Camilleri (D-Brownstown Twp.) and Rep. Curt VanderWall (R-Ludington).
Lauwers echoed the call for bipartisanship in creating good policy for Michigan, joining other panelists in sharing the recent success of passing the Earned Sick Time Act amendments. Puri shared the importance of the automotive industry – not just to the state, but to him personally.
“The only way we’re going to get work done is by working in a bipartisan fashion. . . It took some late nights . . . to find that common ground and find a solution. I think that’s what’s going to happen going forward.”
“I have a deep fondness for the automotive industry and what it means for the state of Michigan. It’s actually why I ran for office – I wanted to see our state more focused on the ways we can protect this industry we hold so precious.”