Michigan Leaders Pledge to Help Re-Open Small Business
As part of NFIB, or the National Federation of Independent Business’ Small Business Day, NFIB members here in Michigan engaged with lawmakers about issues that will help them recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. At top of mind was removing obstacles that the governor has but in place that are stopping Michigan small business owners from getting back to business and returning the state to the economic strength it experienced before the pandemic. Our small business owners were encouraged to hear both House and Senate members pledge to do whatever it takes to bring the governor to the table.
“It is so important that Michigan residents are engaged in the political process to make Michigan a great place to live and do business. NFIB is such a great organization because they actually poll their members. They don’t take marching orders from anyone else. The more small business owners who get involved the more strength we have. There is strength in numbers,” said Jon Sorber, NFIB member and owner of Two Men and a Truck in Michigan.
“This has been our message since the COVID-19 pandemic started,” said Charles Owens, NFIB Senior State Director. “The legislature needs to reassert their role as the governor is governing by press conference. They need to use the appropriations process to bring the governor to the table so that the legislature, who were elected by the people of Michigan, have a voice.”
NFIB’s primary mission this session is to remove the obstacles imposed by the governor and agencies under her direct control that are hindering the ability of small business to return Michigan to the prosperity that existed before the coronavirus pandemic. The most important part of that objective will be to restore the role of the legislature in policy making and governance. The Michigan Supreme Court has made it clear with their recent decision halting the Governor’s abuse of the Emergency Powers of the Governor Act of 1945 that the balance of power in the governance of our state is one of the hallmarks of our system of representative government that must be respected.
“Our number one issue is to engage with the governor and open up the state with no restrictions. We are working hard, and no other goal is more important. Your small business, like mine, has suffered through the past 14 months. There have been good and bad times, but we still have government restrictions in the way of operations. This is our top priority,” said Sen. Majority Leader Mike Shirkey, who is a small business owner himself and NFIB member. Sen. Shirkey founded assembly machine manufacturing company Orbitform.
“We are going to do what we need to do to bring the governor to the table,” said Rep. Pamela Hornberger. “We were elected to represent small business owners, who are the biggest job providers in Michigan, including my family. The leadership team is going to do whatever it takes. Michigan small business owners want to keep their doors open and be able to provide their children with opportunities.”
NFIB’s other 2021 legislative prioirities include reminding lawmakers that the failed policies of the past such as confiscatory taxes, burdensome regulation, micro-management of the employer-employee relationship, and others, have not improved with age and must be avoided if Michigan is to return to prosperity and opportunity for small business and our citizens.
