NFIB Michigan State Director Amanda Fisher and NFIB member Rod Kloha, owner and President of Circle K Services in Midland, call on members of the Senate Regulatory Affairs Committee to make the critical changes needed to the Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA) before the law goes into effect on Feb. 21, 2025. Fisher and Kloha were prepared to testify on behalf of Michigan small businesses but unfortunately time ran out. NFIB supports legislation passed by the House in January that make changes to the earned sick time laws.

“Time is ticking for the Legislature to act before small businesses are left with a costly mandate they simply cannot afford,” said Amanda Fisher, NFIB Michigan State Director. “We are encouraged that the Senate has chosen to engage on this issue and start the process of finding agreement with the House on common sense changes to ESTA.”

“NFIB is adamant that there must be a small business exemption in ESTA,” continued Fisher. “Without an exemption, Michigan’s small Main Street businesses will find the direct and indirect administrative costs too much to bear leading to job losses and even business closures.”

NFIB member Rod Kloha has concerns about the effect of ESTA on both his business and his employees, “Small businesses like mine operate with a family-oriented atmosphere, but without an exemption or significant changes like those in the House legislation, the earned sick time act will force me to change how time off is handled and prevent the flexibility that my employees currently enjoy.”

Kloha continued, “Small business owners are constantly told by elected officials how we are the backbone of Michigan’s economy. Without a small business exemption, the costs of the earned sick time act, both direct and indirect, could cause a catastrophic break to Main Street’s back. I hope the Senate will consider this as they work toward a solution.”