Persistent efforts by NFIB have resulted in signed legislation that would help businesses that were most affected by the Covid shutdowns in 2020 and early 2021. Early in the year, the governor twice vetoed bipartisan legislation that would have provided relief to these businesses. NFIB worked with legislative leaders to tie the small business relief to other spending priorities wanted by the governor to get the bill over the finish line in the last week of session.
Senate Bill 85, sponsored by Senator Ken Horn (R-32), uses $405 million from funds received by the federal government to provide grants to businesses that meet the definition of “afflicted business” in the state. Grants would be provided to afflicted businesses that have realized a significant financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Afflicted businesses are defined as a nontax exempt nongovernmental entity and includes exercise facilities, food service establishment, recreational facilities/places of public amusement (bowling alleys, arcades, etc.), cosmetology or barber service providers, nursery dealer or grower and athletic trainers. These businesses will need to show lost of revenue during that time they were shut down compared the to the previous year.
This bill was signed by Governor Whitmer on December 20, 2021 and is effective immediately. Applications and more details will be posted no later than March 1, 2022 on the Michigan Treasury website and will be due by April 1, 2022. NFIB will alert members when the application is available.
NFIB would like to extend special thanks to Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey (R-16) and Speaker of the House Jason Wentworth (R-97) for their tireless efforts to help get this legislation signed by the governor and their commitment to small businesses in Michigan.
