Michigan’s Earned Sick Time rules are changing — and small businesses can’t afford to be unprepared. If your Michigan business has 10 or less employees, you MUST comply with Michigan's Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA) by October 1st, as well as related wage law updates.

Join the Michigan Chamber of Commerce this Wednesday, September 17 at 12 PM for a virtual webinar as employment law experts break down what's changing and how it applies specifically to small employers.

What’s happening: The Michigan House passed a $54 billion budget for FY26 — $6 billion less than the Senate’s version, $5 billion below the Governor’s proposal and $3 billion under the current state budget.

Why it matters: This budget marks a major shift in priorities, with significant cuts to departments and programs that impact employers, local governments and service providers. 

• Some reductions come from the implementation of the federal "One Big Beautiful Bill" (OB3); others from a 10% trim in operations. 
• Key programs like the Going PRO Talent Fund and other workforce development initiatives face uncertainty as negotiations continue.
• Local governments and school districts — many of which began their fiscal year July 1 — lack clear direction, making planning difficult.

The bigger picture: While the House budget is leaner, it includes notable investments in roads and public safety and eliminates state taxes on Social Security income.

• It also includes cuts to state departments and identified over $2 billion in cuts from outdated or expired programs.

What’s next: With just 34 days before the looming Oct. 1 constitutional deadline and big differences in funding levels and policy between the three budgets, negotiations between the House, Senate and Governor will be critical.

• Without a deal, Michigan faces a government shutdown. 

What we’re doing: The MI Chamber is actively engaged to ensure the final budget supports economic growth, workforce development and a competitive business climate.

Go deeper: Read more from the Michigan Chamber of Commerce on the House budget proposal and what more it entails.

The Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance is asking Michigan lawmakers to restore funding to the budget for high-impact economic development and workforce programs essential to the prosperity of rural Michigan.

“Northern Michigan’s small businesses are disproportionately affected by the implementation of these changes,” said Nikki Devitt, chair of the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance and president and CEO of the Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce. “Our small businesses, especially those in the hospitality industry, call on our legislators to take action to ensure these businesses can compete for talent and thrive in our regional economies.”

The Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance is a coalition of 19 chamber and economic development organizations from across northern Michigan. Our coalition exists to advocate for rural northern Michigan and move forward with rural-centric business policy.

Focus is given to supporting the success of existing northern Michigan businesses, developing and attracting a talented workforce in northern Michigan, and maximizing the competitiveness of the rural northern Michigan business environment. The Alliance includes nine Partners, one Supporting Partner, six Associate Partners, and over 7,000 member businesses from across northern Michigan.

Find the NMCA on the web and like us on Facebook! 

Michigan legislature legally has until October 1st (just over two weeks from now) to agree on a balanced state budget or else the state government will shut down. But what does a shutdown look like?

The last government shutdown to take place in Michigan was in 2009, but that shutdown took place overnight and only lasted for a few hours. A potential shutdown could cease operations of several state services, including Secretary of State branches, unemployment offices, parks, historic sites, road construction projects, garbage pick-up, and delay state payments to local governments and schools. "Critical" services, such as prisons and State Police, would see continued operation.

Governor Whitmer's administration has begun planning for what a government shutdown could look like in Michigan. At this time, little is known about what exact state services would remain in operation.

On September 11th, the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce hosted the 2025 City Council Candidate Forum, featuring Councilmember Wesley Smith (District 2), Challenger Linda Gamache-Chick (District 2), Councilmember Jim Grabowski (District 6), Challenger Mark Wittlieff (District 6).

Our City Council has a significant impact on our community's current and prospective growth. Forums such as these ensure that the public has the opportunity to know who's on the ballot and to cast an educated vote.

One of the greatest barriers for people pursuing — or keeping — a great job is the cost of child care. By participating in MI Tri-Share, you’re able to offer employees assistance with affordable, reliable child care.

MI Tri-Share provides benefits for employers and employees alike!

The Manistee Area Chamber encourages you to stay educated on how to contact your local legislators. Use the links below for information on your local state representative, state senator, and how to contact the Governor's Office.