Former Speaker Bolger To Consult For West Michigan Policy Forum

Former Michigan Speaker of the House Jase Bolger announced this week that he has formed a strategic government affairs consulting firm named Tusker Strategies, LLC. It was concurrently announced that the former Speaker’s first client will be assisting the West Michigan Policy Forum (WMPF), an organization for which the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance is a strong participating member and sponsor.

Tusker Strategies will serve the WMPF in a number of ways including providing research, ongoing review of national public policy best practices, and will support the organization with grass roots business leader engagement designed to encourage CEO alignment on statewide policy issues. All work is aimed at helping Michigan continue to set state policy aimed at growing jobs and a strong economy.

The WMPF began its work in 2008 by publishing a priority list of state policy reform priorities developed and voted on by more than 400 Michigan business leaders at a bi-annual statewide conference. “We have made great progress in the engagement of business leaders from throughout Michigan helping our elected officials set a clear policy agenda,” said WMPF Chairman Jim Dunlap. “Through this effort we have gained support for the elimination of Michigan’s Single Business Tax, helped move Michigan to a Right-to-Work status, supported dollars for early childhood education and supported Governor Rick Snyder’s reform efforts in a number of state services.”

In 2015, the WMPF has another robust policy agenda which includes improving the transportation and infrastructure of our state, and addressing the skills and talent gap that has become a major economic development issue across northern Michigan.

We welcome former Speaker Jase Bolger to his new role and look forward to working with him through the West Michigan Policy Forum.