NFIB Michigan State Director Amanda Fisher released the following statement in response to the Michigan Supreme Court ranking No. 8 in the American Tort Reform Foundation’s annual “Judicial Hellhole” report.

“Michigan used to be a shining example of tort reform, but sadly that is no more. It’s no surprise that the Michigan Supreme Court has earned the title of ‘judicial hellhole’ this year after the disastrous rulings issued this term, especially those affecting the small business community. Unfortunately, the Courts now act as judicial activists, as the Michigan Supreme Court displayed this year with its ruling on Mothering Justice, et al v. the State of Michigan (Adopt and Amend) which essentially invalidated the legislature’s constitutional authority and has sent small businesses reeling with the burden placed on them regarding the Earned Sick Time Act and Minimum Wage.”

“The Michigan Supreme Court also essentially invalidated the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) in Michigan Farm Bureau v. Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, giving state departments the ability to go around the APA in order to pass burdensome regulations on small businesses with no oversight or transparency. These are two of many decisions that are impacting small businesses. It is crucial that we work toward electing ‘rule of law’ judges and enact meaningful reform to help protect small businesses from lawsuit abuse.”

According to the report, Michiganders pay $1,046 annually in a “tort tax”, while more than 97,000 jobs are lost each year due to excessive tort costs.

Click here to view the full report.