Snyder Introduces Bill to Create Travel Michigan as Independent Type 1 Agency
LANSING, Mich., Aug. 25, 2026 — State Rep. Will Snyder (D-Muskegon) introduced House Bill 6246 today to make Travel Michigan its own Independent Type 1 Agency. This change will help ensure tourism funding gets the adequate attention that it deserves in each budget cycle. Travel Michigan is currently housed within the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC); the bill would establish it as an independent agency with the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO).
“Tourism funding is economic development, but all too often tourism funding becomes forgotten about and used as a political scapegoat during the budget negotiations,” Snyder said. “Being from a place like Muskegon, I understand the importance of both supporting our manufacturing sectors and supporting our tourism and hospitality sector.”
“Michigan’s investment in travel and tourism is an investment in communities like Muskegon,” said Jim Rudicil, executive director of the Muskegon Sports Council. “At Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park, we see firsthand how statewide promotion brings visitors to our region who stay in our hotels, eat in our restaurants, shop at local businesses and discover everything West Michigan has to offer.”
“Travel Michigan markets our state on a national and international level, and Michigan must maintain its place in the very competitive domestic and international marketplace,” said Bob Lukens, director of Visit Muskegon. “As an independent agency, Travel Michigan would have more freedom to explore new visitor markets and develop new travel and tourism programs for potential visitors and partner destinations.”
“We have been working with our partners across the tourism and hospitality space to craft legislation I believe can be a major catalyst for Michigan growth. Michigan is a great place to live, work and play,” Snyder added. “And that’s why it’s critical to prioritize funding for Travel Michigan and our state’s iconic Pure Michigan campaign.”
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