SBAM Policy Position: Employer mandates, like recently proposed paid family leave requirements, create undue burden on small employers, forcing them to divert resources from the benefits employees prioritize, reducing their flexibility, and making hiring costly.

While I can’t take a position on additional employer mandates without seeing the specific details of a proposal, I understand the concerns many small businesses have about the costs and tradeoffs these well-intended policies can create. My priority is making it easier for small businesses to grow while ensuring Michigan remains a great place to work. I am committed to consulting closely with business leaders, alongside workers, to ensure any reforms strike a thoughtful balance and support a strong, sustainable workforce.

Yes. I oppose additional employer mandates for pay and benefits. Small businesses and job providers are in the best position to determine the compensation and benefits that meet the needs of their employees and their business. One-size-fits-all mandates increase costs, reduce flexibility, and can make it harder to hire, retain, and grow a workforce. Michigan should focus on creating a business-friendly environment that encourages job creation and higher wages through economic growth, not additional government mandates.