Small Business Opinion: The Earned Sick Time Act is A Tough Pill for Businesses to Swallow
February 19, 2025
By Patti Eisenbraun
In 1993, my husband and I embarked on a journey that combined our passion for home-brewing with a love for exploring local breweries during our vacations. Back then, breweries were few and far between, making each discovery an adventure. Fueled by this passion, we created a 10-year plan and committed ourselves to living frugally as we prepared to take the leap in opening our own brewery.
After scouring southeast Michigan for the perfect location, an opportunity arose just a mile from our home in Washington Township. We transformed several properties into a stunning new brewery and restaurant. In January 2015, we proudly opened Brown Iron Brewhouse, welcoming 6,000 guests in our first week – an overwhelming testament to our dream coming to life.
As a proud small business owner, my husband and I have dedicated our life to creating a communityhub where friends and families gather to enjoy great food, craft beer, and a warm atmosphere. Brown Iron Brewhouse is more than just a restaurant; it’s a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit and thehard work of many dedicated individuals. Small businesses like ours are the backbone of Michigan’seconomy, yet we face a looming challenge with the impending implementation of the Earned SickTime Act (ESTA) on February 21st. While the intent behind the ESTA – to safeguard employee health and well-being – is admirable, its current form poses significant hurdles that could jeopardize the sustainability of small businesses.