Stay informed on the legislative issues that impact Marquette County’s businesses and economy. This page highlights key policies, bills, and regulatory changes the LSCP is actively monitoring. From business development and workforce initiatives to infrastructure and economic policies, we keep you updated on the legislation shaping our region’s future.
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.
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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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State Budget
Each year, the Michigan Legislature adopts a budget to provide resources for programs throughout Michigan including local government support, education, workforce, economic development, health, licensing, public safety, and more. The state’s budget includes billions in federal funding and most negotiations revolve around a smaller portion called the General Revenue Fund (GRF) that is entirely state directed.
The process begins in earnest around February with the Governor’s Executive Budget Recommendations which are presented to various legislative committees. Ultimately, the House and Senate adopt budgets which are then negotiated to get to an agreed upon budget that passes both chambers and goes to the Governor for signature. While the state fiscal year operates from October 1- September 30, the legislature aims to complete this process by June 30 to allow time for implementation.
For the 2026 State Budget (going into effect on October 1, 2025), the LSCP and its partners are specifically requesting the following:
- Increased investment in the Rural Readiness Grant program
- Re-establishment of the Revitalization & Placemaking Grant program
- Continuation of funding for key workforce programs
- Continuation of funding for the Pure Michigan campaign
- Additional investments in regionally driven programs like Build U.P.
See the Governor’s Recommendations here. As House and Senate budgets are released, we’ll update this page.
At the bottom of the page include the graphic from the annual report on the legislation we followed for the previous year.
HB 4007 – Energy legislation
HB 4007 in the Michigan legislature, introduced in the 2025-2026 session, amends the Clean and Renewable Energy and Energy Waste Reduction Act of 2008, focusing on updating definitions and requirements for clean energy systems, particularly regarding carbon capture technologies and facilities.
Helpful Links
