The Small Business Administration of Michigan recently released their “Small Business Barometer” for the second quarter of 2006 (details available at http://www.sbam.org/news.php?id=310) showing that Michigan small business owners are frustrated and displeased with the performance of the state legislature. Just 14% of small business owners give the Republican-controlled legislature positive marks, compared with the 45% of small business men and women who give it a negative rating. (The negative rating for the legislature, by the way, is higher than it is for the governor.)

The source of this frustration is easy to understand. Instead of focusing on the structural challenges facing our state, this do-nothing legislature has offered nothing to help manage the transition to a 21st-century economy. While posturing on issues like the SBT (where were they when the governor offered a plan over a year ago? And what exactly is their plan again?), the legislature has been missing in action from the public debate on our economic situation. Political games, partisan posturing, and irresponsible budgeting may rally the base, but they are no substitute for real leadership. But don’t take my word for it; just ask the small business owners that make our state work.