Small Business Association of Michigan

LANSING ? Bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and U.S. Senator Olympia Snowe (R-ME) would spur the use of new information technologies that would reduce paperwork costs and improve the quality of care given to the patients. The use of these emerging technologies could save as much as $300 billion annually to

LANSING ? The final report of the 2004-2005 Michigan Entrepreneurship Score Card, which gives Michigan a failing ?F? grade in entrepreneurial dynamism, is now available. The Score Card was developed by the Small Business Foundation of Michigan. The Score Card measures 121 different metrics in order to evaluate Michigan?s performance in small business creation, retention

LANSING - In a recent SBAM Barometer survey, 56 percent of Michigan small business owners said that increased financing opportunities would be very important in helping them increase their level of participation in the world economy. In a related development, a U.S. government agency is launching a new project to improve availability of financing for

LANSING ? The Small Business Association of Michigan urged state lawmakers to approve legislation that creates incentives for small business employers and employees to participate in Health Savings Accounts. Scott Lyon, vice president of small business services for SBAM, presented testimony to the Senate Health Policy Committee in favor of SB 197 and SB 198.

LANSING ? The Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM) announced its support for a business tax reform package introduced Tuesday in Lansing. ?The package of legislation addresses many of the tax reform principles that we have endorsed over the years,? said SBAM Chairman Chris Holman. ?It represents the beginning point of an important tax policy

LANSING - The U.S. Small Business Administration has created a Center for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives to help non-profit, grassroots organizations learn about and access SBA-backed programs and loans. As part of the initiative, all current technical assistance grant recipients - including SCORE, Women's Business Centers, and Small Business Development Centers - have extended their

LANSING ? The Small Business Association of Michigan supports legislation, introduced by Rep. Tim Moore (R-Farwell), to completely remove all health-care costs from a company?s Single Business Tax liability in 2006. ?We do not believe that health insurance premiums should be taxed at any level, so this measure goes a long way in helping small

LANSING ? Paul Bukowski has joined the Small Business Association of Michigan as Political Involvement Director. He will manage SBAM?s grassroots member lobbying program and assist in political fundraising. Bukowski has been involved in government and politics in Michigan for more than ten years. He has worked in numerous legislative and political positions for leadership

LANSING ? Small Business Association of Michigan Board member Doyle Hayes of Battle Creek and past SBAM Board member Frank Lopez of Pinckney have been appointed by Gov. Granholm to the new Council for Labor and Economic Growth, which focuses on developing strategies to prepare Michigan?s workers for the 21st century. Hayes is president and

LANSING - President Bush signed legislation making more than $21 billion, some $5 billion more than last year, for two small businesses loan programs administered through the SBA. The legislation also provides the SBA with a $580 million budget for fiscal year 2005. The SBA?s flagship 7(a) loan guarantee program was boosted to a $16