Small business owners thank lawmakers for working to ease tax burdens, support antidiscrimination in the workplace, and promote broad economic growth

Lansing, MI – A group of small business owners gathered in Lansing this week to recognize key state lawmakers who worked diligently at the state Capitol in 2023 to reduce the tax burden on small businesses, promote economic growth through redevelopment of brownfield sites, and oppose other measures that stifle the relationship between employers and employees. The Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM) recognized state Representatives Matthew Bierlein, Graham Filler, Bill G. Schuette and Mark Tisdel, and state Senators Joseph Bellino Jr. and Michael Webber at its Leadership Council winter event, held at Heritage Hall on Tuesday. 

“The voting buttons in the Capitol have an immense impact on the operations of small businesses throughout Michigan, and those pressing them need to have their finger on the pulse of what policies will hinder their growth and success rate,” said Brian Calley, President and CEO of SBAM. “While we have bipartisan recognition of many of the issues we work on to support and grow small businesses, only a handful have a clear understanding of how punitive some of these policies are, and how much government overreach could harm them.” 

The lawmakers named had a 100 percent voting record on the matters of most importance to small business owners, including:

• Taxation: Supported bills that would have permanently lowered Michigan’s income tax rate, and bills to exempt delivery and installation from Michigan sales and use taxes.
• Government Regulation: Opposed measures that institute mandates and create obstacles between the employers and employees, including the repeal of Michigan’s Right to Work Law and reinstation of Prevailing Wage laws.
• Antidiscrimination: Voted for antidiscrimination measures to protect Michigan’s citizens from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
• Economic Development: Supported measures to promote economic growth in Michigan through redevelopment of brownfield sites.
• Energy: Rallied against bills that will implement new energy mandates and increase rates for small businesses and other ratepayers. 

“For Michigan’s economy to grow successfully, government should refrain from constantly interfering in the relationship between employees and employers,” Calley said. “We’re glad to have solid working relationships with lawmakers who understand this and show their support of small businesses throughout Michigan with their actions, not just their words.” 

Regarding future policymaking in Lansing, as lawmakers consider the development of a research and development tax credit, about one-third of small businesses said in the SBAM winter survey they would benefit from it. 

SBAM is also keeping an eye on state legislation that would limit the use of independent contractors, as the winter survey also indicated more than half of small businesses say that new restrictions from the U.S. Department of Labor restricting independent contractors will have a substantial or moderate impact on their business. 

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The Small Business Association of Michigan focuses solely on serving the needs of Michigan’s small business community through advocacy, collaboration and buying power. Today they serve over 32,000 members in all 83 counties of Michigan. SBAM is located in Lansing, just one block from the Capitol.

Images courtesy of SBAM

Photo advisory - L to R: State Senator Michael Webber, State Senator Joseph Bellino Jr., State Rep. Graham Filler, State Rep. Matthew Bierlein, State Rep. Bill G. Schuette, State Rep. Mark Tisdel, SBAM President & CEO Brian Calley.