For 85 years, the core mission of Michigan Retailers Association has been to advocate for our members’ interests. The laws of the State of Michigan bear the fingerprints and footsteps of the Association, improving the landscape for the retail industry. This past April, our presence at the Capitol was not merely footsteps, but rather, a stampede. Our annual Capitol Day, where we blitz the legislature with advocacy in a single-day event, included 40 legislative meetings, where our retail ambassadors educated Michigan lawmakers on all things retail.
Our advocates discussed gift card fraud, and how it has become one of the fastest growing types of organized retail crime. We also asked lawmakers to renew funding for the Organized Retail Crime Task Force, which is housed in the Attorney General’s office. Last session, there was a proposal to dramatically expand the bottle bill, to include new beverage containers such as water bottles. We encouraged lawmakers not to support legislation that expands the scope of the bottle bill. We also asked that pharmacies receive reimbursement for various immunizations, lab tests, and prescriptions.
Our annual Legislative Reception followed the blitzkrieg of meetings, with over 120 attendees enjoying delicious food and drink provided by our grocery members. We sincerely appreciate our sponsors for helping make this day a success for our members and legislators.
Capitol Day does not replace the everyday advocacy from our team of lobbyists, but it does provide legislators with an opportunity to meet with their constituents. Lawmakers hear from our team of lobbyists all the time, so it’s more impactful when the message comes directly from a retail store owner.
Here is our call to action: we want your footsteps and fingerprints. Please keep an eye out for our 2026 Capitol Day invitations and consider participating. It’s a simple way to get involved in the legislative process and make your voice heard.
William J. Hallan
President and CEO
Michigan Retailers Association
