Since then, Governor Whitmer and environmental advocates have mounted numerous attempts to derail the project. Dan Vos Construction strives to serve people and to enhance life, while maintaining long-term relationships with customers, sub-contractors and employees. © 2001 - 2021 National Federation of Independent Business. Another industry-defining byproduct of the pandemic has been the changing of value chains. “I would anticipate that, obviously public policy is going to change, but it’s not going to be a terrifying change.”, “The Biden administration has made it pretty clear that COVID is kind of the top priority,” Malone added. News coverage in the food/agribusiness section of MiBiz is made possible by advertising support from Dan Vos Construction Company. The Farm Bureau is a founding member of the Food and Agriculture Climate Alliance, a partnership between farming, forestry and environmental groups that has been at the negotiating table to promote policy changes. However, many businesses in 2020 were forced to close or operate on a restricted basis by the Executive Orders of Governor Whitmer or various state departments. NFIB is a member-driven organization advocating on behalf of small and independent businesses nationwide. U.S. agricultural exports to China, in particular, have been accelerating each month, with a record $17.5 billion in sales reported in October 2020 alone. But it’s not an issue that will go away any time soon. In its recently released report, “2021 The Year Ahead: Forces That Will Shape the U.S. “COVID is obviously a big deal, but had we been talking 10 months ago or nine months ago, there was so much uncertainty on what COVID looked like,” said Trey Malone, assistant professor for the Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics at, The Farm Bureau is a founding member of the, Travel restrictions and immigration policy leaves the industry hungry for a viable guest worker visa pro. Share. NFIB will continue to defend the rights of small business owners and their employees to have the flexibility determine what works best for them. That includes schools, daycare centers, and camps. May 12, 2021. Environmental issues. Producers, processors and packagers have had to adjust accordingly. Terms and Conditions | Privacy. Enter your email to get FREE small business insights. Pursue All Avenues on Restoring Legislative Oversight. 2 - February 15, 2021(PDF) Issue No. Michigan Football news and rumors on April 21, 2021 - Did you know over the last 3 years, Jim Harbaugh’s Michigan Football program has 61 transfers! Michigan State Representative Sarah Anthony issued a certificate of recognition to honor World Falun Dafa Day. The recommendations come as Michigan is experiencing a COVID-19 outbreak, though there are signs it has slowed in recent days. On Monday, a mask mandate went into effect forcing children ages 2-4 to wear face diapers in all public places. The continuation of the governor’s closure orders through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the harassment of small business through other state agencies must end. I think there is some promise for the industry that we’ll actually see a little bit more of a codified approach to ag policy.”. Michigan Compiled Laws Complete Through PA 8 of 2021 House: Adjourned until Thursday, May 13, 2021 12:00:00 PM Senate: Adjourned until Thursday, May 13, 2021 10:00:00 AM Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued a consumer alert to urge consumers to be aware of misleading sales tactics being used to sell over … The long lingering agriculture workforce shortage has only worsened as a result of both recent public policy and COVID-19. Michigan Compiled Laws Complete Through PA 8 of 2021 House: Adjourned until Thursday, May 13, 2021 12:00:00 PM Senate: Adjourned until Thursday, May 13, 2021 10:00:00 AM Michigan … The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and China trade agreements taking full effect in 2021 will bolster trade, experts say. NFIB will also oppose efforts to make the extension of benefits to 26 weeks permanent. Click here to … If any parent cooperates with this mandate, then shame on them too. That means payments have ended for some people receiving extended benefits and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance benefits. NFIB supports the passage of legislation that would waive license fees in 2021 for any business that was closed or whose operation was severely limited by the government for more than 3 weeks in 2020. Oppose Attempts to Use Licensing and Rules to get Around the Legislature. Mitigate Unemployment Insurance Payroll Tax Increases. The commodity markets have responded favorably as a result, setting the stage for better prices and profits in 2021. gram that will drive more work to food producers. an industry that bounced back relatively quickly after the initial shock of the COVID-19 pandemic, agriculture in Michigan and across the U.S. faces key issues that will shape its fate in 2021, experts say. AAA Michigan Issues A Statewide Arctic Air Advisory, Gives Tips On Vehicle Protection During Cold Weather By April Morton February 10, 2021 at 5:00 pm Filed Under: aaa michigan , … MHA Capitol Advocacy Center Capital Tower 110 W. Michigan Ave. Suite 1200 Lansing, MI 48933 Phone: (517) 703-8601 Fax: (517) 703-0628 Download the NFIB 2021 Main Street Agenda for Michigan The year 2020 will go down in history as one of the most difficult years for small business in more than half a century. Michigan officials are still declining to shut down the state again despite the nation's worst COVID-19 surge happening here, with Governor Gretchen … Finally, NFIB will carefully evaluate any legal or ballot options to restore legislative authority. Line 5 is a major oil pipeline that transports crude oil and natural gas under the Straits of Mackinac that has been the subject of controversy concerning its decommissioning or upgrade to a safer structure. Nearly half of parents said teens face new or worsening mental health issues during pandemic, poll says . Still, farmers are itching to look to the market for their income, which shines a light on the current state of trade. The USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service partnered with national, regional and local distributors to purchase up to $4.5 billion in fresh produce, dairy and meat products from American producers of all sizes. Michigan lawmakers should be ashamed of themselves. Whether it's a one-time acknowledgement of this article or an ongoing membership pledge, your support … Michigan residents say there are problems with online unemployment system, struggle to get benefits Problems persist despite upgrades to system Michigan Farm Bureau President Carl Bednarski told MiBiz that Vilsack’s previous experience in the role will allow him to hit the ground running when the new administration takes over this week, ensuring that farmers continue to receive the assistance and expertise that they rely on. As an industry that bounced back relatively quickly after the initial shock of the COVID-19 pandemic, agriculture in Michigan and across the U.S. faces key issues that will shape its fate in 2021, experts say. Travel restrictions and immigration policy leaves the industry hungry for a viable guest worker visa program that will drive more work to food producers. Legislation is being pursued that would establish a presumption that if an employee tests positive for COVID-19, they contracted the virus in the workplace and are entitled to workers’ compensation. This advertisement has no effect on editorial consideration in MiBiz. Rural Economy,” CoBank — which provides loans and financial services to cooperatives, agribusinesses and rural public utilities — crowned producers and processors with retail grocery contracts as winners in the pandemic. Posted on May 15, 2021 at May 14, 2021 by Jodi Swan. NFIB small business members support the upgrade proposal passed by the Michigan legislature in 2018 that would allow the pipeline owner to invest $500 million to install a new Line 5 inside a concrete lined tunnel bored 100 feet below the lake. “A body that hungers is a body that hopes,” begins Kristene Kaye Brown’s “Why I Stopped Watering the. Michigan issues recommendations, but not mandates, for increased COVID-19 restrictions ... “Michigan is unquestionably a national hot spot right now," Whitmer said. Preliminary estimates show Michigan’s jobless rate in 2020 was 9.7%, compared with 4.1% in 2019. BY Jayson Bussa Sunday, January 17, 2021 06:36pm. Employers are reopening their doors this spring, but many prospective graduates missed out on a year of vital professional experience and networking. The city of Detroit, Michigan, is holding general elections for mayor, city council, clerk, and board of police commissioners on November 2, 2021.A primary is scheduled for August 3, 2021. The Michigan Supreme Court has made it clear with their recent decision halting the Governor’s abuse of the Emergency Powers of the Governor Act of 1945 that the balance of power in the governance of our state is one of the hallmarks of our system of representative government that must be respected. Michigan Teen Issues Warning After Finding Flannel Shirt On Windshield admin May 15, 2021 When a teenage girl got to her car after work, she was … The transfer sought to hold Michigan employers harmless from the extension of benefits and the legislation was supported by NFIB. However, worldwide recovery from COVID will also have a say in the matter. The existing Line 5 would then be decommissioned. no one has more ability to lead an economic recovery than Michigan’s small business owners. There is well deserved skepticism from small business towards proposals that claim to be for road funding, but the details reveal that much of the revenue raised would be diverted to numerous other budget projects. “Any trade disruptions will quickly and negatively impact the commodity markets and farm economy.”. Some have already suggested that, since these proposals would “primarily benefit business”, that business should bear the cost and small business must pay their “fair share”. More: After month of delays, Michigan unemployment agency … Related Documents Issue No. 3 - March 1, 2021(PDF) Issue No. With Democrats set to control the executive and legislative branches of the federal government, Vilsack’s appointment would signal that policy pertinent to agriculture and rural economies will still likely not shift too far left. “It’s essential that the next administration follow through on enforcing both major trade agreements to all U.S. farmers to rely on the market instead of ad hoc federal disaster programs for their farm income,” Bednarski said. Michigan Teen Issues Warning After Finding Flannel Shirt On Windshield. NFIB small business members have made it clear that they do not support this approach to fund roads. Overview and Updates on Federal Small Business COVID-19 Relief (5/12), Restaurant Revitalization Fund: What Small Businesses Need to Know (4/28), NFIB Guide to New Federal Lending Options, Small Business Financial Resources During Coronavirus, Liability Protection Principles for America’s Small Businesses, Download the NFIB 2021 Main Street Agenda for Michigan. The Michigan State Attorney General is now issuing several Ferrellgas companies across the state with a ‘Notice of Intended Action’ ordering to cease and desist any … Malone said that, despite the Trump administration’s focus on foreign immigration, they mainly left agriculture policy alone. The appropriation was part of the COVID-19 relief bill passed by the Michigan legislature during the last week of the 2020 session. If the state is to move forward in restoring our economy, it must provide high school students with increased educational opportunities in skilled trades and other vocational alternatives. Election Day: Tuesday, May 4, 2021 with polls open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Absentee voting Ohioans can also apply to receive an absentee ballot in the mail. Most licenses include fees that must be submitted for a business to continue operating. The filing deadline for this election was April 20, 2021. That’s a big deal.”. In its recently released report, “2021 The Year Ahead: Forces That Will Shape the U.S. 4 - March 15, 2021(PDF) Issue No. May 05, 2021 by KRISTENE KAYE BROWN In 2021, the road to recovery for Michigan goes through Main Street and no one has more ability to lead an economic recovery than Michigan’s small business owners. However, some proposals seek to throw more money at the same institutions responsible for the skills shortfall in the first place without accountability or reliable measures for success. “Since I’ve been alive, people have been talking about labor shortages in agriculture,” Malone said. All Rights Reserved. While the pandemic fallout certainly leaves farmers, food processors and retailers with plenty to contend with, the uncertainty will no longer … Michigan must move forward with this critical upgrade project to remove the existing pipeline from the waters of the Great Lakes as quickly as possible. First and foremost is the pandemic, which is at its worst even as vaccinations are rolled out … “As thousands more full-service, sit-down restaurants are expected to close in the first winter months of 2021, supply chains will be transitioning to serve rising consumer demand for home meals,” according to the CoBank report. The uptick in quick-service restaurant demand also benefited some producers. A new proposal introduced late last session would allow local governments to create local gas taxes and vehicle registration fees for local roads. VIDEO: White Toddler, 3, Being ‘Racially Bullied’ By Her Black Neighbors. In 2021, the road to recovery for Michigan goes through Main Street and no one has more ability to lead an economic recovery than Michigan’s small business owners. “Labor availability and the regulatory burden that surrounds the labor issue has been identified as a major concern for the agriculture industry.”. Small Business and the Line 5 Pipeline Project. The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) has proposed rules to expand overtime eligibility for workers that is more than the recent federal increase. Public policy throughout the pandemic has benefited the agriculture industry, particularly both phases of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, which provided both producers and consumers with assistance. “While the deployment of a COVID-19 vaccine across the U.S. population will underpin a recovery in the food service sector, widespread economic benefits are not expected until the second half of 2021.”. The most important part of that objective will be to restore the role of the legislature in policy making and governance. NFIB has successfully defeated efforts to micromanage employment hiring decisions, to interfere with the scheduling of employees, to mandate specific employee benefits, to require a union representative to meet with employees, and more. She will reflect on actions she has taken as governor to support Michiganders, eradicating COVID-19 and strengthening the state’s economy, and fixing the road ahead. After more than 36 years of double taxation and punitive tax policy on small business, NFIB was successful in leading the way to repeal the confiscatory Michigan Business Tax (MBT) in 2011 and replace it with a flat rate Corporate Income Tax. NFIB will pursue all opportunities to condition appropriations on the proper use of state agency authority. Obviously, COVID-19 can be contracted anywhere, and it would be an incredible burden for an employer to prove that an employee did not contract the virus on the job. This article is available to paid digital subscribers. You can view your own sample ballot by checking the voter information section of this website. “It’s literally the same guy that was under (Barack) Obama,” Malone said. In the latest effort, the governor has tried to use the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to shut down the pipeline. Help us keep this coverage going in 2021. Efforts to stick small business with the lions share of additional funding will not be supported. The Class of 2021 is entering the job market after a year of pandemic-related workplace shutdowns. “I think that’s not going to go away. The Farmers to Families food box program also saw the formation of 127 million boxes of fruit, vegetable, dairy and meat products packaged and distributed to food banks and other organizations. The pandemic has driven more people to eat at home as opposed to restaurants. Michigan Register Issues for Year 2021. Extending Michigan benefits beyond 20 weeks without corresponding funding from federal coronavirus legislation will result in even higher taxes for Michigan employers. You can purchase it here. While small business owners recognize the importance of good roads, last sessions proposal by Governor Whitmer to raise pump taxes by 45 cents was not perceived as a serious road funding solution and was soundly rejected. In addition, the governor has attempted to use rules governing the licensing requirements for a business to require labor union membership for their employees. “The thing about markets is that, what drives changes in markets is uncertainty, and trade is a big piece right now.”. This will be an initiative that the Michigan Farm Bureau looks to sink its teeth into this year. Tax increases are all but guaranteed with the rapid depletion of the UI Trust Fund due to the high unemployment resulting from the coronavirus pandemic. NFIB’s primary mission this session will be to remove the obstacles imposed by the governor and agencies under her direct control that are hindering the ability of small business to return Michigan to the prosperity that existed before the coronavirus pandemic. The certificate reads, “It is with a deep importance that I recognize May 13 th as Falun Dafa [Day] in our state and throughout the world. Making laws via rules, through agencies run by unelected bureaucrats protected by civil service and unaccountable to voters, is a formula for disaster to Michigan’s economic comeback. Halt Micromanagement of the Employer-Employee Relationship. Such automatic assumptions on a claim by an employee will drive up the costs for workers compensation insurance at a time when small business can least afford it. 6 new places opening in Grand Rapids in 2021. Like virtually any other instance of sweeping leadership change, the U.S. agriculture industry is bracing for potential changes under President-elect Joe Biden and his candidate for agriculture secretary, Tom Vilsack, who served in the same role under President Obama. Why I Chose It: Michigan Quarterly Review reader Abigail McFee introduces Kristene Kaye Brown’s “Why I Stopped Watering the Plants” from our Spring 2021 issue. NFIB will also be proactive in reminding lawmakers that the failed policies of the past such as confiscatory taxes, burdensome regulation, micro-management of the employer-employee relationship, and others, have not improved with age and must be avoided if Michigan is to return to prosperity and opportunity for small business and our citizens. Unfortunately, the myth that small business isn’t paying “their fair share” of taxes continues to persist. Failure to pay the fee would result in suspension of the license and an order to close the business. The legislature still has “the power of the purse” in appropriating funds for the operation of the government and state agencies. ... May 10, 2021. Michigan currently requires licenses to operate for hundreds of businesses and occupations. Governor Whitmer is attempting to get through agency rules what she cannot get passed in the legislature. Learn more. “COVID is obviously a big deal, but had we been talking 10 months ago or nine months ago, there was so much uncertainty on what COVID looked like,” said Trey Malone, assistant professor for the Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics at Michigan State University. Health Care. 6 - … Fight for Small Business in the Road Funding Debate. 38306 0. ... University of Michigan Filling jobs with qualified workers continues to be a major concern for small business in Michigan. (Minghui.org) May 13, 2021 is the 22 nd World Falun Dafa Day. Policymakers should avoid implementing costly state and federal health insurance mandates and other plan design restrictions, and instead focus on implementing market-friendly, consumer-driven reforms that will enable job providers and individuals to purchase affordable coverage in the private …