Small business federation charts Mich. 2013 course

Michigan’s leading advocate for small business recently announced its top priorities for the coming legislative session that emphasizes staying on the path laid out in the last session.

“It is noteworthy that the focus of our agenda has changed from the past theme of ‘getting Michigan back on track’ to a new ‘stay the course and move Michigan forward!’ approach,” said Charlie Owens, Michigan state director for the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB). “This change reflects the significant progress our state has made away from the failed policies of the past in favor of a new path to prosperity and opportunity.”

The organization’s Small Business Agenda for 2013 includes responsible budgeting, following through on labor, regulatory and tax reforms from last session and assisting small business with new Obamacare regulations.

“We have won many battles in the last session,” said Owens. “But the fight continues to keep important ground gained and stay on course for a new Michigan.”

Governor Rick Snyder is set to deliver his State of the State Address on Wednesday, Jan. 16, in which he’ll outline his goals for 2013.  Owens gave the governor and the legislature an “A+” for taking steps in the last session that will help small business provide jobs and he is optimistic that small business priorities will be reflected in the governor’s 2013 agenda.

NFIB’s top priorities for 2013 are:

Implement Michigan’s Right to Work Law
Landmark legislation making Michigan a Right to Work state was passed last session; however the fight for worker freedom has just begun. Already the Civil Service Commission is claiming that state employees are not covered by the law and reports have surfaced of labor unions trying to renegotiate contracts as far out as possible before the law’s effective date. Labor unions can be expected to turn to the courts in an effort to avoid the law. NFIB and the NFIB Small Business Legal Foundation will be working to ensure that Michigan’s Right to Work law is implemented as intended.

Follow Through with Personal Property Tax Reforms
While NFIB supported reforms to the Personal Property Tax were passed in the last session, a statewide vote of the people will be required in order to implement the structure for local government revenue reimbursement. If voters reject the proposal, then the entire Personal Property Tax Reform effort will be in jeopardy. NFIB will be working to ensure the success of the statewide Personal Property Tax ballot proposal.

Repeal Michigan’s Prevailing Wage Law
Under Michigan’s Prevailing Wage Act, projects financed with state funding require that union wages and benefits be paid by non-union contractors. This increases the cost of a project from five to fifteen percent with no appreciable benefit to taxpayers. The law acts as a “super minimum wage” that sets wages much higher than local construction wages determined by fair competition in the free market. NFIB will be supporting legislation that will eliminate the Prevailing Wage requirement on school construction as a first step in repealing the law in its entirety.

Fight for Small Business in the Road Funding Debate
In the past session, several different funding ideas for roads were proposed in addition to the current statewide gasoline and diesel tax paid at the pump. While we recognize the need for good roads and adequate funding, this is a difficult time for tax and fee increases on Michigan small business job providers. NFIB small business owners have made it clear that they are not supportive of a motor fuels tax increase or a hike in vehicle registration fees.

Keeping the State’s Fiscal House in Order Without Tax Increases
For years, NFIB led the fight to demand spending reforms and head off attempts to balance the budget on the backs of Michigan small business. As a result, we now have a real balanced budget that does not depend on tax increases on small business and avoids the one-time fixes and gimmicks used in the past. But vigilance is needed to be certain that runaway spending and the urge to finance it with new taxes do not make a comeback.

Guard Against Attempts to Change the New Corporate Income Tax
Dumping the dreaded Michigan Business Tax (MBT) and replacing it with a new small business friendly Corporate Income Tax is a major victory for small business, but special interests are already looking for ways to “tweak” the tax and expand the base or raise the rate.

Help Small Business Cope with the Affordable Care Act
NFIB was the only business organization in the country that challenged the constitutionality of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) before the United States Supreme Court. However, the court’s decision and the outcome of the 2012 elections have made it clear that implementation of the law will begin in Michigan. While NFIB will be helping members with seminars and information to keep members out of trouble with compliance requirements, we will continue efforts to change or repeal this bad law.

Continue Progress on Cutting Unnecessary Regulations
Much progress has been made in improving Michigan’s regulatory policy and recognizing its impact on the overall business climate for our state. With the support of the Snyder administration and the legislature efforts have focused on establishing a clear and convincing need standard and procedure when considering any rule that exceeds Federal standards. In addition, the practice of commissions and agencies acting outside of legislative intent has been addressed. NFIB will pursue additional opportunities to lighten the regulatory burden on Michigan small business.

Protect Private Property Rights
Private Property Rights are the bedrock of our free enterprise system and they are always under attack from overzealous government agencies and local government. Recently, local governments have attempted to retroactively asses property owners for past fees and taxes uncollected because of their own incompetence. NFIB will continue to work to end the abuse of private property rights and fight against regulations that diminish the use and value of private property.

Prevent Erosion of Liability Reforms in Michigan
One of the few bright spots in Michigan’s otherwise troubled business climate has been our legal system. Vigilance is necessary if we are to keep this advantage from being eroded by trial attorneys and activist groups. NFIB will be exploring legislation that would prohibit the practice of personal injury lawyers using non-lawyer proxies to get around the existing attorney solicitation rule that prevents trial lawyers from cold-calling Michigan car accident victims.

No Services Tax to Fund Overspending
Michigan has finally brought spending under control and balanced the budget without gimmicks, however, the tax and spend crowd is always floating a tax on services as a way to raise more revenue so it can resume spending. NFIB defeated attempts to expand the sales tax to services in 2010 and 2011 and will be working again in 2013 to keep this bad idea off the table.
“It’s an aggressive agenda but the competition is aggressive and there’s a lot more work to be done to make Michigan the best state in America for small business,” said Owens.

For more information about NFIB, visit www.nfib.com/michigan.