A look back on our advocacy efforts throughout the month of July
Paid Sick Leave & Minimum Wage Update
ICYMI: The recent court ruling that increased the minimum wage to $12 per hour and allowed accrued sick time is on pause for 205 days, or through February 19, 2023.
This is yet another hit that small businesses will face, and SBAM will continue to be a leading voice within the State as this moves through the legal process.
For more background on this issue, click here.
SBAM Talent Resource Page
SBAM has launched a new resource webpage specifically dedicated to connecting our members to talent agencies, programs, and resources. This website will be routinely updated to keep our members informed of the latest opportunities to combat the need for talent.
Click here to explore ways to better meet your business’s talent needs!
SBAM PAC had 86% Endorsement Win Rate
86% of our pro-small business endorsed candidates have made it out of the primary. The SBAM PAC Board will continue to evaluate the post-primary landscape and issue more endorsements over the coming months. An updated list of endorsed candidates can be found here.
Additional Reconnect Legislation Introduced
Representatives Frederick and Anthony have introduced a bi-partisan two bill package, HB 6129 and 6130, that will ensure that Reconnect, Michigan’s tuition-free community college program, will lead to adults earning credentials needed to close our skills gap. SBAM has been a lead supporter within the business community of the Reconnect program and applaud this legislation that will set completion improvement standards, bolster completion rates, and provide a temporary three- year eligibility extension to 21- to 24- year- olds. Ensuring that these students not only have a front door, but also have the resources necessary to complete their degree or credential is paramount to the business community.
We look forward to working with Representatives Anthony and Frederick, along with the other stakeholders, to ensure these bills are signed into law.
FY 2023 Budget Signing
SBAM joined Governor Whitmer as she signed the fiscal year 2023 budget. This budget had several small business wins including:
- $6B for roads and infrastructure
- $2.65B to reduce public debt
- $180M for the state’s rainy-day fund
- $2.5M for the Michigan Tri-share program that makes child care more accessible and affordable
- Increases for our per pupil foundation allowance, bringing the total to $9,150/student
- $312M for special education
- $575M for teacher recruitment and retention programs
- 55M for the Michigan Reconnect Program, a last dollar tuition scholarship allowing displaced workers to earn a degree or certificate at a local community college
- 9.2M for a Center for Adult Success, to bolster completion rates at our community colleges and universities
- 55M for the Going Pro Talent Fund
- Universities and community colleges receiving a 5% increase