LANSING, Mich. – A letter sent to members of the Michigan Legislature today from more than 15 statewide farming and agribusiness organizations calls for action to address the negative consequences of impending Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA) changes for family farms and rural employers.
“It is important to understand that rural, Main Street businesses and Michigan farms will be among the many other sectors of Michigan’s economy harmed if the Legislature allows these changes to enter into force as written,” the groups wrote to Legislative leaders.
The letter and signers can be viewed online here.
With no further action from the Legislature, an array of changes to the ESTA take effect on February 25, 2025. These changes will greatly reduce employers’ options for offering paid leave to employees, creating a “one size fits all” approach. It contains no exemptions for even the smallest employers; no flexibility for seasonal and temporary workers often employed part-time at rural businesses; and no recognition of the unique factors, such as animal care and crop movement logistics, that impact agricultural businesses.
“Rural businesses compete intensely to attract, hire and retain workers through existing competitive benefits and compensation packages, and upcoming ESTA changes will hamstring those efforts,” said Chuck Lippstreu, President of the Michigan Agri-Business Association. “Michigan’s rural employers echo the calls coming from every corner of our state’s economy for legislators to make common-sense changes to this policy before it takes effect.”
“Michigan farms are proud to lead the way in delivering jobs and economic opportunity in rural communities across Michigan, and we are deeply concerned this new policy will harm both employers and employees,” said Rob Anderson, Manager of State Government Relations for the Michigan Farm Bureau. “Common-sense action by the Michigan Legislature will ensure that when these changes go into effect next year, rural employers and employees retain appropriate flexibility, strong compensation packages and the ability to keep growing the rural economy.”
The letter echoes calls from other sectors for common-sense legislative action that restores certainty and a workable framework for businesses, prior to the ESTA changes entering into effect. The farming and rural business groups asked that the Michigan Legislature make the following changes:
The agricultural organizations noted their letter adds to calls from many other sectors of Michigan’s economy for legislators to act on this important issue, as it will impact businesses in virtually every corner of our state.
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Election Day 2024 saw substantial gains for Republicans nationally and in Michigan. In addition to the victory for President-Elect Trump, we will see new Congressional control for Republicans next year. And in Lansing, there will be a shift in how government is made up that will affect how policy is developed.
Here are some areas of interest for MABA members, especially as it relates to elections here in Michigan.
What is the national picture coming out of Election Day?
The 2024 election is widely recognized as a major victory for the Republican Party nationally. Republicans will control the White House, U.S. Senate, and highly likely the U.S. House in 2025-26.
In “down-ballot” races in the states – local and state offices – historic success by the Trump-Vance ticket led to gains for Republicans.
President-Elect Trump expanded his margins in many areas versus his 2016 and 2020 campaigns, including here in Michigan. And in blue states, Democrats’ margins of victory were far narrower than in the past.
As with any election, we will enter a period where both parties dissect election season and what went right or wrong for them. This is an interesting process you can easily read about in the press and on social media going forward.
What happened with races for Michigan’s delegation to Congress?
In a bright spot for Democrats, current U.S. Representative, and House Agriculture Committee member Elissa Slotkin will head to the U.S. Senate to fill the seat being vacated by Senator Debbie Stabenow. Senator-elect Slotkin narrowly defeated Mike Rogers on an election night that saw several Democratic incumbents in the U.S. Senate defeated. (These include Jon Tester in Montana, Sherrod Brown in Ohio, and Bob Casey in Pennsylvania.)
In an open mid-Michigan Congressional Seat, former State Senator Tom Barrett, a Republican, defeated Curtis Hertel and will head to the U.S. House.
And in an open seat in the Bay City area, current State Senator Kristin McDonald Rivet, a Democrat, was elected to fill the seat of retiring Rep. Dan Kildee. Other incumbent federal representatives were reelected.
What happened in the Michigan Legislature?
Tuesday saw major developments in the state Legislature.
Headed into Election Day, Democrats controlled all of Michigan state government – the Governor’s office, House and Senate, albeit with narrow two-vote majorities in the House and Senate. The Michigan Senate was not up for election in 2024, but the House was.
On Tuesday, Republicans flipped a total of four House seats, which moves the House to Republican control for the 2025-26 session.
The Republican flip of State House control will usher in a period of “divided government” – in other words, GOP control of one chamber of the Legislature, and Democratic control of the other. Democrats continue to control the Governors office.
What does divided government mean for the Legislature?
Practically speaking, it becomes more difficult for legislation to pass both chambers because that will require Republicans and Democrats to be aligned on details of legislation, and it is no secret there are widespread disagreements between the parties on many topics.
Under unified control (ie. if the same party controls both chambers and the Governor’s office), the majority party only has to ensure all of its own members are on the same page, and the way is cleared to advance legislation – even if they are doing so with no votes from the minority party.
With divided control of the Legislature, we are likely to see more legislation pass the House and the Senate individually, but not be taken up by the other chamber. As a result fewer bills are likely to be sent to the Governor’s desk due to disagreements between Republicans in the House and Democrats in the Senate.
Does the flip in House control mean nothing will happen in Lansing the next two years?
Not necessarily. There are some areas, including development of the state budget, and some traditionally less partisan issues that for one reason or another lend themselves to work across the aisle.
Agriculture is a traditionally more bipartisan topic where we anticipate opportunities to continue work with Republicans and Democrats alike next year. Some issues already have a history the past two years of bipartisan collaboration in Lansing, including lawmakers’ work together with MDARD on the response to HPAI, and bipartisan interest in the future of agricultural and environmental programs.
Legislative leaders in the next session have knowledge of agricultural policy. While Committee chairs will be named early in 2025, the parties have already named leaders in the new House. Rep. Matt Hall will become Speaker of the House in 2025; Rep. Hall represents several MABA members in the flour milling and ag retail sectors in his district, and has taken time to visit and learn about these rural businesses alongside MABA, which we greatly appreciated. Democrats this week elected Rep. Ranjeev Puri as House Minority Leader for the next session. Since being elected, Representative Puri has served on the House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee. Current Michigan House Agriculture Committee member Rep. John Fitzgerald was selected as House Minority Floor Leader for next session.
Additionally, administrative rulemaking processes in the departments continue and provide an opportunity for agriculture to be engaged with our state government.
Does divided government take effect immediately?
No. From now until the end of the year, we enter a period known as “lame duck,” where the current Legislature remains in control. We anticipate a number of legislative proposals will be taken up during this time, and we are working to ensure your interests are represented. MABA will share additional details regarding this end-of-year session as they become apparent.
What is MABA’s involvement in all of this?
For years, MABA has built and maintained a strong reputation for our work with members of both parties on behalf of the Michigan agricultural industry. We spend substantial time meeting with members of the Legislature and their staff, to be sure we know their priorities, and they know ours; while also informing them about issues important to you.
Our work in recent years means we are well-positioned to represent your interests before both the House and Senate, and with the Administration (the Governor’s office, MDARD, etc.), no matter which party enjoys control.
MABA President Chuck Lippstreu is the association’s lead state lobbyist and is active almost daily on these efforts. In addition, thanks to the strong support of MABA members, the association is able to retain one of the top lobbying firms in Lansing, McAlvey Merchant & Associates, which supports our efforts and helps ensure agriculture is connected with lawmakers.
During election season, MABA through our Political Action Committee supports state-level candidates of both parties who have worked together with the agricultural industry. This is one of many ways we build and strengthen relationships with legislators. We are pleased to report all House candidates who received support from the MABA PAC were successful on election night in 2024. Our PAC remains an important way headed into 2025 to help support and build connections in Lansing.
If you have more questions…
Email Chuck Lippstreu at MABA – chuck@miagbiz.org.
MABA will host at least one Summer 2025 Intern to assist our team with a range of membership support, advocacy and communication activities.
This is a unique internship opportunity tailored for emerging leaders interested in agriculture and related industries, Michigan government, and state/federal agricultural policy.
Applications are due by December 6, 2024.
You can view more information about this internship opportunity, and application instructions, here!
We often say the #1 way MABA members demonstrate support for your association’s efforts is through your time and participation. By that measure, we had an excellent kickoff to the fall and winter meeting season, as members from across the state came together for another strong Educational Trust golf outing and our largest Outlook Conference in at least five years. Thank you to all MABA members for your continued support and participation as we head into the new FY. Don’t forget to reach out to us anytime you have a question, concern about an issue, or suggestion for us on the MABA team.
Educational Trust Golf Outing sells out The Fields: On September 4, the MABA Educational Trust hosted its second golf outing of 2024, with a full golf course at The Fields in Ithaca, MI. This was another great year for the Educational Trust, which has raised tens of thousands of dollars and delivered much of that back to students in the form of scholarships, while increasing the Trust fund for the future. Thank you to all golfers, and 2024 hole sponsors! Thanks as well to Ward Forquer, Educational Trust Chairman, and all of those who stepped up with time and contributions to make this event possible.
Outlook Conference returns to Mackinac Island, MI: On September 5-7, more than 200 members and friends of agriculture joined us on Mackinac Island for this year’s Outlook Conference. We appreciate all those who participated as speakers at this special event. Mark your calendar for next year’s conference, which will be September 11-13, 2024.
Michigan CCA Chairman attends ICCA: Tim Schaub with Rob-See-Co, in his capacity as 2024 Chair of the Michigan Certified Crop Adviser Board, attended the Certified Crop Adviser International (ICCA) Board meeting alongside CCA program leaders in Gainesville, FL. Throughout this year, under Tim’s leadership, the CCA program has focused on revising the Michigan exam for the first time in 15 years, and recognizing the efforts of Michigan’s 300 CCAs through Winter Conference activities and MABA’s continued CCA Spotlights. We have appreciated Tim’s dedication, enthusiasm and leadership that has helped position this program for the future!
Educational Briefing on Vomitoxin Testing: In mid-September, MABA partnered with North Dakota Grain Inspection (NDGI) to provide a briefing for grain handlers on Vomitoxin testing best practices. Vomitoxin has presented a complex challenge for the industry, especially last year and this webinar served as a refresher on key testing information. We appreciate Moses Teel with NDGI for leading the webinar.
Registration opened for the 2025 Trade Show: This year’s Trade Show will be January 7-8, 2025 in line with the Winter Conference. Last year’s Trade Show sold out by Thanksgiving, and the 2025 event is already more than one-third full. Head to this link without delay to begin the registration process for your booth!
Thank you to our September Ag Club host, Harvest Solar! Harvest Solar works on solar installations for businesses, including several MABA member locations. We appreciate their support and participation in the Ag Club Breakfast!
Upcoming Events
Visit www.miagbiz.org/events for information on upcoming activities, and registration information.
October 9: Lansing Ag Club hosted by Consumers Energy
November 6: Lansing Ag Club hosted by MSU
December 17-18: Virtual RUP Training Sessions
January 7-8, 2025: MABA Winter Conference and Trade Show
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