Great Lakes Wire

Michigan House Republicans announced on X that the state’s ranking in the Top States for Business improved after the study added considerations for states affected by tariffs and the Big Beautiful Bill.

According to OurMidland, CNBC’s 2025 Top States for Business study now includes 135 metrics across ten categories, incorporating "trade-shock and tariff" factors for the first time to better reflect economic challenges for manufacturing-dependent states like Michigan. The inclusion of tariff metrics accounts for cost increases, supply chain delays, and competitiveness impacts previously overlooked. As Michigan’s economy is heavily tied to the auto and manufacturing sectors, this change offers a more accurate assessment of how national trade policy affects its business environment.

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) reports that Michigan climbed from No. 9 in 2024 to No. 6 in CNBC’s 2025 Top States for Business, marking a three-place improvement and its highest rank yet. The state also rose to No. 4 in the "Cost of Doing Business" subcategory, indicating significant gains in affordability and competitiveness. MEDC credited these improvements to the "Make It in Michigan" strategy, emphasizing workforce development, infrastructure investment, and regulatory reforms.

The Michigan Chamber of Commerce reports that in June, the Michigan Chamber and House Republicans launched a joint initiative targeting permitting and rule-making reforms to reduce regulatory barriers. The initiative focused on streamlining environmental permits, eliminating redundant applications, and speeding up approval timelines to support business growth and community development. A legislative workgroup is expected to present formal recommendations this fall to simplify bureaucracy and lower compliance costs.

According to Michigan House Republicans’ official site, their caucus represents Republican members in the Michigan House of Representatives and focuses on policies including regulatory reform, reducing fraud, waste, and abuse, cutting permitting costs, and promoting transparency in government. They prioritize data-driven decision-making and often cite business climate studies to support legislative reforms.