Great Lakes Wire

Following Governor Whitmer's recent State of the State address, Amanda Fisher, the Michigan State Director for the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), expressed concerns regarding potential impacts on small businesses. Fisher acknowledged a positive aspect of the governor's speech: "NFIB was pleasantly surprised to hear Governor Whitmer’s acknowledgment of the regulatory issues that exist in both permitting and licensing in Michigan." She highlighted how these issues disproportionately affect small business owners due to their limited resources.

Fisher emphasized NFIB's willingness to collaborate on improving the regulatory environment by addressing burdensome regulations and redundancies within state government. Despite this optimism, she conveyed apprehension about recent legislative actions perceived as unfavorable to small businesses. "Small business owners are still extremely concerned about the effects of anti-small business legislation signed into law last session," Fisher noted.

The NFIB urged both Governor Whitmer and lawmakers to consider policies that would support rather than hinder small business growth in Michigan. This call comes amid rising uncertainty among small businesses, with NFIB research indicating a 14-point increase in the Small Business Uncertainty Index, reaching its third-highest level at 100 in January after previous declines.