Hey Alexa, what’s happening in Lansing?

A look back on our advocacy efforts throughout the month of April

SBAM’s Small Biz Political Action Committee (PAC) released their first round of endorsements for the 2022 election cycle. In this endorsement round, the PAC Board considered previously endorsed SBAM candidates in good standing. Find the full list of endorsements here. The PAC Board will continue to meet over the next few months to make endorsement decisions in both the primary and general elections. The Small Biz PAC is comprised of small business owners like you. If you’re interested in the political and policy work of SBAM, please reach out to Alexa Kramer at alexa.kramer@sbam.org to learn more.

A new group of bi-partisan stakeholders have come together to reform our term limits. Their proposal will allow House and Senate members to serve a combined 12 years in the Legislature as opposed to three two-year House terms and two four-year Senate terms. The proposal would also require the Michigan Legislature, Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, and Attorney General to file public financial disclosure and transaction report starting in 2024. SBAM has created a taskforce to dig into this initiative and determine SBAM’s role. We thank Board Member Park Kerman for his leadership as Chair of this taskforce. The second of three meetings will be on Monday, May 16 from 10:30-11:30. Reach out to Alexa Kramer at alexa.kramer@sbam.org to learn more and RSVP.

SBAM was invited to participate in an invite-only conference put on by National Skills Coalition and their Business Leaders United initiative in Washington, D.C. At this conference, SBAM learned from other states on their workforce best practices and heard from a dynamic group of panelists on challenges and solutions to workforce development. SBAM also met with several members of the Michigan delegation to urge support for small businesses and their workforce.

SBAM was happy to host an Advocacy Day for the Michigan Celebrates Small Business award winners. The meeting was hosted in the Speakers Library in the Capitol Building where business owners learned about the importance of advocacy in their business growth and success. Business owners enjoyed a tour, and presentations from the 4 main players in government- elected officials, staff, media, and lobbyists.

SBAM hosted a business roundtable with Congressman John Moolenaar with Ionia County Chamber and Barry County Chamber, both Strategic Partners of SBAM. Business owners were able to hear directly from the Congressman on his priorities for the future and ask their important questions. Our Strategic Partnerships are a great way to better engage with us. If you’re interested in how you can benefit from a Strategic Partnership, reach out to our Director of Strategic Partnerships, Sherry Bryan at sherry.bryan@sbam.org.

To find out more about how you can lend your voice to this conversation, please reach out to Alexa Kramer at alexa.kramer@sbam.org.