Each year, bills are introduced in the Michigan legislature that can impact you, your company and clients as well as the CPA profession. The MICPA invites you to Lansing for a day of insight and engagement- designed to strengthen relationships and foster meaningful dialogue with lawmakers on issues impacting CPAs across the state.

AGENDA

8:30 – 9:00 AM
Registration & Networking - DoubleTree Hotel
Coffee and light breakfast available. Pick up your CPA Day materials and legislator meeting assignments.

9:00 – 9:30 AM
Welcome & Legislative Briefing
Kick off the day with an overview of CPA Day, the importance of advocacy, and a briefing on key legislative priorities. Attendees will receive talking points and instructions for Capitol visits.

9:30 – 9:45 AM
Walk to the Michigan Capitol & Take Group Photo

10:00 – 10:30 AM
Senate Session & Recognition- Michigan Capitol
Attend Senate session and be recognized from the Senate floor as CPA Day participants.

10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Legislative Meetings
Meet with House legislators and staff to discuss key issues impacting the CPA profession and Michigan’s business community.

12:30 – 1:15 PM
Networking Lunch - DoubleTree Hotel
Enjoy lunch while connecting with fellow CPAs and discussing the morning’s meetings.

1:15– 2:05 PM
Capitol Conversations with the Michigan Department of Treasury and the Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA)
Explore what’s happening inside the Michigan Department of Treasury and Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA), from current initiatives and priorities to day-to-day operational insights. Learn how the MICPA works with both departments to address feedback from members and gain a clear understanding of how you can help shape advocacy efforts and influence policy.
Jason Palmer – Director, Unemployment Insurance Agency, Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity
Lance Wilkinson – Chief Deputy Treasurer, Michigan Department of Treasury

2:05 – 2:55 PM
The CPA Voice in Advocacy and Policy
Examine Michigan’s legislative process, current policy priorities, and recent advocacy outcomes affecting the CPA profession. Our panelists offer their insight into how regulatory and legislative developments influence accounting professionals and identify ways that you can stay informed and engaged in advocacy efforts.
Chris Afendoulis, CPA, CGMA - Former Michigan State Representative
State Senator Aric Nesbitt - Senate Minority Leader, Michigan Senate, District 20
Michelle Randall, CPA, CGMA - Accounting Professor, Schoolcraft College and Board Member, AICPA
Moderator: Michelle Gallagher, CPA/ABV/CFF - Principal, Gallagher, Flintoff & Klein

2:55 – 3:00 PM
Closing Remarks & Next Steps
Recap key takeaways from the day and learn how to stay engaged in advocacy efforts moving forward.

3:00 PM
Legislative Reception - Public Affairs Associates Office
Join legislators, staff, and fellow CPAs for an informal networking reception to continue the conversation and strengthen relationships.