East Michigan News

State Representative Tom Kunse of Clare has been awarded the Guardian of Small Business Award by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) for his contributions to supporting local businesses and workers in Michigan during the 2023-2024 legislative session.

The award is given to legislators who consistently advocate for policies that enhance economic opportunities for entrepreneurs and workers in Michigan. During the past two years, Kunse supported tax relief measures for small businesses, opposed increases in taxes, fees, and energy costs, and worked to reverse a Michigan Supreme Court ruling that could impose new challenges on small businesses and their employees starting this February.

Kunse expressed his gratitude for the recognition, stating, “Having been a small business owner for over three decades, I know firsthand the challenges faced by these operations across Michigan. I’m honored to receive this award recognizing my efforts, but the job is far from complete. We must continue pushing policies that protect our small businesses and draw back government overreach.”

The NFIB represents small and independent businesses exclusively and advocates based on positions determined by its members. Amanda Fisher, NFIB Michigan state director, commended Kunse's dedication to supporting small businesses in Michigan.

“Representative Tom Kunse has distinguished himself beyond his 100% 2023-24 Voting Record,” Fisher said. “As a member of the House Labor Committee, Representative Kunse was a staunch advocate for small business. Whenever anti-small business legislation was brought before the Committee, he never hesitated to passionately speak out against policies that would have hurt small businesses and free enterprise in Michigan. We are delighted to be able to present Tom with this award and show our gratitude for all he has done for small business.”