Over the last few months, small business owners in Michigan have engaged in the political process at higher levels than we’ve seen since the pandemic. Whether it be proposals to overhaul Michigan’s Workers’ Compensation system or proposals to modify the Earned Sick Time Act, small business owners stepped up to the plate and made their voices heard. At SBAM, we not only saw record-high engagement with our various “calls to action,” but we heard from multiple legislators firsthand that testimonials from their local small business owners changed their mind on key legislative proposals.
We know that politicians of all political backgrounds and party affiliations are looking to hear from their local small businesses. In a time when both political parties have harshened their rhetoric toward big business, the small business story still resonates strongly with lawmakers. As a small business owner, your role in the community as a driver of economic activity, an employer and a community leader provide you with valuable insights. Putting a “face” to a policy proposal and seeing the real-world effects on an employer can quickly turn a “yes” into a “no” or vice versa, depending on the issue area. Additionally, if there is an issue in law that impacts your specific industry that may not currently be on their radar, your story could inspire them to introduce a legislative solution.
In the wake of recent heated policy discussions, we are now entering a period of divided government in Lansing, and we expect a more deliberative process to policymaking. This slower pace, however, should not mean an end to entrepreneur engagement with their local officials. On the contrary, now is the precise time that small business owners should consider proactive engagement to build powerful connections with their local leaders. These connections not only provide you with an avenue to share your story but can also help provide a context for lawmakers as they make pivotal policy decisions that may affect your business.
If you are looking to engage with your local legislators, you should consider the following:
- Mondays and Fridays are days typically dedicated to work “in district,” where lawmakers spend time attending various meetings throughout the communities they represent. It is not uncommon for a legislator to spend an afternoon touring a local business, or to take time for a conversation over a cup of coffee at a local café. These sorts of meetings can be easily set up by contacting your legislator’s office in Lansing.
- Many legislators hold regular coffee hours and public roundtables where they seek feedback from constituents. Information about these events will be posted on your legislator’s social media accounts and website, and good faith attendance will always be welcomed.
If you ever find yourself in Lansing during a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, it may be worth setting up time to meet one-on-one with your legislator. Most policymakers will prioritize meetings with constituents and will be happy to hear more about your business and the issues that affect it. Contact us at SBAM and we can assist you with this and attend with you as support.
By Jacob Manning; originally published in SBAM’s May/June 2025 issue of FOCUS magazine
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