Capitol News

Senator Roger Victory has announced his support for a legislative package aimed at dissolving the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and establishing a new Bureau of Fair Competition and Free Enterprise. The initiative seeks to change Michigan’s approach to economic development.

“We have seen grant money from MEDC spent on $5,000 coffee machines and first-class plane tickets, and even when those dollars are spent on new jobs, we rarely get what we pay for with your tax dollars,” said Victory, R-Hudsonville. “We cannot continue to use the same strategy if we want to get different results.

“I have held roundtables and town halls with business owners and residents across West Michigan who have expressed great concerns with MEDC and the way it operates. My hope is these bills will help improve economic development here in Michigan by allowing us to retain and attract more businesses to the state.”

Victory has sponsored Senate Bills 644, 651, 655, and 660 as part of a broader set of 53 bills numbered SBs 631-683 that would define the structure and function of the proposed bureau in state law.

He currently serves as minority vice chair of the Senate Committee on Economic and Community Development.