Government Relations and Advocacy

The Baraga County Economic Development Corporation (BCEDC) is committed to being the “eyes and ears” of community when it comes to local, state, and federal level regulations and legislation. Working closely with our partner organizations, we continue to track legislation, educate the community and communicate our positions as needed to legislators and their staff.

What We’re Watching

Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA)

On Feb. 21, 2025, the Michigan Earned Sick Time Act went into effect, establishing changes to the state’s earned sick time laws. House Bill 4002, amends the existing Earned Sick Time Act and will expand paid sick leave. All Michigan small businesses with one ore more employees must comply with the new regulations.

Helpful links:

Corporate Transparency Act

The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) is a federal law designed to enhance transparency in business ownership and combat financial crimes like money laundering, fraud, and tax evasion. Enacted in 2021 and enforced by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), the CTA requires certain businesses to report information about their beneficial owners—those who own or control at least 25% of a company or have significant decision-making authority.

Key Requirements:

Who Must Report? Most small businesses, including LLCs, corporations, and similar entities, unless exempt (e.g., publicly traded companies, certain nonprofits).
What Information is Required? Businesses must disclose the names, birthdates, addresses, and identification numbers of their beneficial owners.
Where is it Reported? To FinCEN, the U.S. Treasury Department’s financial crime enforcement agency.
When is the Deadline? Companies formed before January 1, 2024, must report by January 1, 2025. New businesses formed in 2024 have 90 days to file after registration.

UPDATE:

A federal court has ruled that the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) violates the Fourth Amendment, siding with a group of Michigan-based plaintiffs that challenged the law. The plaintiffs, members of the Small Business Association of Michigan, a mix of Michigan nonprofits, limited liability companies, and individual business owners, argued that the CTA’s reporting requirements amount to an unreasonable search. Read more here.

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Energy legislation

House Bills 4007 and 4283 would amend Michigan’s Clean and Renewable Energy and Energy Waste Reduction Act to classify certain reciprocating internal combustion engines (RICE) as clean energy systems. Specifically, they allow RICE units installed to support coal plant retirements in the Upper Peninsula to count toward the state’s clean and renewable energy goals through 2050.

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Resources

Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM)

The Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM) advocates for policies that support Michigan’s small businesses by engaging with lawmakers, tracking legislation, and influencing policy decisions. SBAM works to reduce regulatory burdens, improve the business climate, and ensure small business voices are heard at the state and federal levels. Through advocacy efforts, they help shape laws that drive economic growth and support entrepreneurs across Michigan.

US Chamber of Commerce

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce champions pro-business policies at the federal level, advocating for economic growth, job creation, and a competitive business environment. They work with lawmakers to influence legislation on tax policy, regulations, trade, workforce development, and more, ensuring businesses of all sizes have a strong voice in Washington, D.C. Through research, lobbying, and grassroots efforts, the Chamber fights for policies that help businesses thrive and drive the national economy forward.

InvestUP

InvestUP is the lead regional economic organization for the Upper Peninsula. Our mission is to drive prosperity across the Upper Peninsula.

Congress Bill Tracking

The official website for U.S. federal legislative information, maintained by the Library of Congress, providing access to data from the House of Representatives, the Senate, and other legislative agencies.

Office of Employer Ombudsman

The Office of Employer Ombudsman (OEO) is committed to making your interactions with Unemployment Insurance positive and productive. OEO answers employer questions about benefits eligibility, protests and appeals, employer accounts and other general unemployment and tax-related questions.

Current Elected Officials

U.S. Senate

Elissa Slotkin

SH-825B/C Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
(202) 224-4822
Website | Email

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Gary Peters
RC-2 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington D.C. 20510-2202
Lansing Office: (517) 377-1508
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