Michigan’s leading advocate for small business, the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), today released its “2025 Main Street Agenda” that lists the group’s top priorities for the 2025 legislative session.

“After a rough two years of an anti-small business agenda in the legislature, the pro-small business majority in the House means that Main Street can breathe a sigh of relief that they no longer have the threat of more harmful policies hanging over the livelihoods of themselves and their employees,” said Amanda Fisher, NFIB Michigan State Director.

“NFIB’s number one and most critical issue was making common sense changes to the Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA) and preserve the tipped wage for restaurant servers. Allowing these laws to go into effect as written would have been devastating to small businesses due to the restrictive language and threat of litigation. Thanks to a bipartisan effort led by Speaker Hall and House Republicans, changes were made that will help both small business owners and their employees navigate the new law.”

Fisher pointed out that one issue regarding ESTA does remain. “Despite the best efforts of the Speaker, Senate Democrats would not give a full exemption to small businesses from the Earned Sick Time Act. This continues to be a crucial issue for small Main Street businesses and NFIB will continue to advocate for that change in the law.”

As the legislature moves past the unique beginning of the 2025 legislative session, NFIB’s focus will be to reverse some of the damaging policies from the past two years including changes to make energy more affordable, reigning in out-of-control spending, and eliminating regulatory burdens on small businesses.

“NFIB was cautiously optimistic to hear the Governor talk about regulatory reform and looks forward to working with her and the legislature on not just streamlining the permitting process but also eliminating unnecessary and harmful regulations that prevent job growth by inhibiting free enterprise and entrepreneurship in Michigan.”

“We also hope to see government spending reigned in and used wisely. As budget surpluses continue, small business owners are wary of any effort to raise taxes or fees, whatever the purpose. And NFIB members have not forgotten that the individual income tax rate should be at 4.05%, and hope that this legislature can deliver on what the court took away.”

“Finally, we will remain vigilant against anti-small business legislation being pushed by labor and progressive groups including workers compensation bills that would allow retroactive claims going back decades, a 14-week paid family leave, elimination of 1099/independent contractors, and a bevy of environmental regulations. “

All of the NFIB Michigan 2025 Main Street Agenda items can be found HERE.