Brian Calley President and Chief Executive Officer at Small Business Association of Michigan | Official website
Brian Calley President and Chief Executive Officer at Small Business Association of Michigan | Official website
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer addressed the issue of licensing and permitting delays in her State of the State speech, citing a case involving "Bethany from Lambertville," whose husband faced fines for working with an Ohio license in Michigan. Whitmer criticized the situation, stating, “Come on . . . that’s ridiculous,” and highlighted similar challenges faced by barbers and hair stylists.
Whitmer proposed measures to refund licensing fees for applicants experiencing delays beyond state deadlines. This proposal follows a 2023 executive order aimed at issuing permit refunds for prolonged response times. “I can enact some of these changes alone, through executive action – and I will,” she stated. “But others require state law. This year, let’s make it easier for people to get and keep a good job, not harder.”
The National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB) expressed surprise at Whitmer's focus on this topic during her speech. However, Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt and other Republican leaders argued that the core issue lies in the lack of timely responses from the Governor's administration.
Nesbitt shared several anecdotes illustrating these delays: a $440 million aluminum recycling factory experienced permit issues with the Department of Transportation; a boat manufacturer in Holland faced lawsuits over dock expansion; Williams International encountered investment roadblocks due to unresponsive communication from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC); Monroe County dealt with delayed pollution spill permits; and Detroit saw apartment development slowed by traffic concerns.
“These are stories you don’t hear about, you don’t see,” Nesbitt remarked, criticizing what he described as excessive environmentalist influence within state departments under Whitmer's administration.
Senator Jim Runestad echoed concerns about perceived anti-business sentiments from grassroots Republicans regarding Whitmer. Representative Jerry Neyer suggested starting reforms by addressing fees affecting farmers and expressed willingness to collaborate on reducing government red tape.
The debate continues as stakeholders discuss solutions to streamline Michigan's permitting processes.
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