PAC participation advances industry

by Larry Meyer
MRA Chairman and CEO

I've always believed strongly that members of Michigan's retail community must take an active role in shaping public policy in our state.

After being involved in the political process in Lansing for more than 30 years and serving in the executive branch of state government and as a local elected official, I can't overemphasize the value of individual participation in the political process.

Politics is often given a bad name, but it is simply the decision-making system in our democracy. "Democracy" means "government by the people." If we, the people, expect to be part of the decision-making process, we need to be involved in politics.

Public policy is created through the input of many different interests. If your interest is not represented, policy will still be completed, but it will be completed without your input.

If you don't participate, the makers of public policy may either ignore you or harm you. Neither of these outcomes is desirable.

Collective participation through your Association enhances the power of individual participation. Group efforts help move major policy changes important to the retail industry. One of the key vehicles for collective participation is MRA Political Action Committee, which gives financial support to retail-friendly candidates for state office.

It's especially important for the retail industry to have high participation in politics because the industry is so important to our economy. One out of five people is employed in retail. Two-thirds of the nation's gross domestic product - which Congress is seeking to bolster through an economic stimulus package - comes from consumer spending.

With economic advancement high on legislators' agendas, it's imperative that we make our position known on issues that will significantly affect the retail industry, and thus the economy.

Here's an example of how individual and collective participation work together.

Without your letters and phone calls to legislators and your contributions to MRA PAC, the desire of Main Street businesses for fairness in sales and use tax collection would have been ignored. Passage of the streamlined sales tax bill last year was a direct result of your involvement, personally and through MRA.

In about 30 days you'll be given an opportunity to participate in Michigan's political process through a contribution to MRA PAC. You'll receive a letter from MRA and a positive phone call inviting you to add your voice to that of other retailers in support of candidates who understand and advance policies important to us.

Your contribution to MRA PAC will help the business community encourage good government. That, in turn, helps your business operate more successfully.

My goal is to have at least 10 percent of MRA's 5,800 members contribute to MRA PAC. It's an ambitious goal, but easily achievable as we each consider how our personal involvement can advance the interests of the retail industry.

I give to MRA PAC because I see how much it does for the retailers of Michigan. Won't you join me?

For more information on MRA PAC or to make a contribution, contact Eric Rule, MRA's Director of Governmental Affairs, at 800.366.3699 ext. 208 or errule@retailers.com.