Lansing (January
16, 2014) – Michigan’s leading
advocate for small business owners this evening called Governor Snyder’s fourth State of the State address an encouraging
signal to investors, consumers and taxpayers that there’s no going back to the
days of high taxes, irresponsible spending and tired policies.
“Michigan’s rapid
turnaround and move up in the ranking of states has been astounding and that’s
largely because of the Governor’s leadership,” said Charlie Owens, State Director for the National Federation of Independent
Business (NFIB). “The plan that he outlined this evening solidifies
our position and builds on those accomplishments.”
In the past several
years Michigan has gone from being a national punch line to a national leader
in business investment and job growth according to many surveys. Owens said that it’s largely due to the tax
reforms, labor reforms and conservative fiscal policies on which the Governor
and legislative leaders collaborated.
“It is noteworthy
that the focus of our agenda has changed from the past theme of ‘getting
Michigan back on track’ to a new ‘stay the course and continue Michigan’s
comeback’ approach,” said Owens. “This change reflects the significant progress
our state has made in altering course away from the failed policies of the past
and embracing a new path to prosperity and opportunity.”
NFIB was especially
pleased to hear the Governor’s announcement of support for efforts by the
states to require a balanced federal budget. The Governor said during his State
of the State address that he would support a resolution to Congress under
Article V of the U.S. Constitution to call a convention to propose amendments
to the Constitution of the United States to require a balanced federal budget.
NFIB was the only business group to support the Balanced Budget Amendment via
Senate Joint Resolution V that passed the Senate last year.
“Small business
owners are fed up with the federal government’s failure to address the basic
budgeting that every citizen and small business must adhere to in their daily
activities,” said NFIB State Director Charlie Owens. “It is time for the states
and citizens to use the powers provided by the founding fathers in our
Constitution to put an end to this irresponsible behavior and we are pleased to
see the Governor’s support.”
Owens also commended the
Governor for the thoughtful and responsible approach to a tax cut in light of
the current budget surplus.
“Every special interest in
Lansing would love to get their hands on that money for their own pet
interests,” he said. “The Governor’s emphasis on being fiscally
responsible in the short and long term brings a responsible and realistic
approach to the disposition of these funds.”
“All in all, small
business is very happy with Governor Snyder’s direction for Michigan,” said
Owens.
For more
information about NFIB, please visit www.nfib.com/michigan.
