Michigan Issues

  • Keeping the State’s Fiscal House in Order With out Tax IncreasesNFIB efforts have resulted in tough budget decisions and spending cuts so that Michigan government will finally have to live within its means just as every business must. But vigilance is needed to be certain that runaway spending and the urge to finance it with new taxes do not make a comeback.
  • Guard Against Attempts to Change the New Corporate Income TaxDumping the dreaded Michigan Business Tax (MBT) and replacing it with new small business friendly Corporate Income Tax is a major victory for small business, but special interests are already looking for ways “tweak” the tax and expand the base or raise the rate.
  • Fighting the Federal Health Care Takeover in MichiganNFIB is the only business organization challenging the constitutionality of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act in the United States Supreme Court. In Michigan, NFIB is the only business organization to fight the rapid creation of Health Care Exchanges that will be used to implement the federal health care takeover in our state.
  • Eliminate the Personal Property TaxNFIB will be working in 2012 with the legislature and Governor Snyder to find a way to eliminate Michigan’s Personal Property Tax (PPT). However, efforts to eliminate or reduce the PPT at the expense of small business will not be supported.
  • Fight for Small Business in the Road Funding DebateSeveral different funding ideas for roads have been proposed instead of an increase in the statewide gasoline and diesel tax paid at the pump. NFIB members will be voting for their preferences on the NFIB 2012 State Ballot Survey and the results will be our marching orders as this debate unfolds in 2012.
  • Get State Agencies Under ControlUnder the previous Granholm administration, overzealous state agencies were allowed to run amok and act as an unaccountable “shadow legislature” of unelected bureaucrats. Efforts to get these agencies back in check must continue.
  • Protect Private Property RightsPrivate Property Rights are the bedrock of our free enterprise system and they are always under attack from overzealous government agencies and local government. NFIB will continue to work to end the abuse of private property rights and fight against regulations that diminish the use and value of private property.
  • No Services Tax To Fund OverspendingAs the state finally brings spending under control and balances the budget without gimmicks, the tax and spend crowd is looking for more revenue so it can resume spending. A perennial favorite is expanding the sales tax to services.
  • Continue Reining in State Employee Pay and BenefitsRecent successes in bringing unrealistic state employee wages and benefits under control are laying the groundwork for a balanced budget for many years to come, but more needs to be done.
  • No More Forcing Small Businesses to Join a UnionNFIB is backing legislation to halt the practice of forcing small businesses and the self employed to join a union because they accept state payments for services.
  • Change Michigan's Hostile Labor ClimateFor years big labor has pushed an agenda that has chased jobs and opportunity out of our state and Michigan has paid the price with high unemployment and a falling standard of living. It is time for change.
  • Prevent Erosion of Liability Reforms in Michigan

    One of the few bright spots in Michigan's otherwise troubled business climate has been our legal system. Vigilance is necessary if we are to keep this advantage from being eroded by trial attorneys and activist groups.