State Rep. Matthew Bierlein, of Vassar, has been recognized for his staunch commitment to Michigan’s vital small business sector.

The Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM) recognized Bierlein at its Leadership Council winter event on Tuesday at the state Capitol’s Heritage Hall. Bierlein was honored for a 100% pro-small business voting record and his diligent work to reduce the tax burden on Michigan’s local job providers, promote economic growth through the redevelopment of brownfield sites, and encourage greater relationships between employers and employees.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our state and local economies,” Bierlein said. “Michigan is home to 902,000 small businesses and 1.9 million small business employees – representing 48.3% of Michigan workers. Healthy, vibrant communities across our state feature a local business element that is strong and unwavering. I will continue to work in the Legislature to foster these environments by helping small business owners keep more of what they earn and reducing government’s role in their livelihoods.”

“The voting buttons in the Capitol have an immense impact on the operations of small businesses throughout Michigan, and those pressing them need to have their finger on the pulse of what policies will hinder their growth and success rate,” said SBAM President and CEO Brian Calley. “While we have bipartisan recognition of many of the issues we work on to support and grow small businesses, only a handful have a clear understanding of how punitive some of these policies are, and how much government overreach could harm them.”

Bierlein is in first term serving the 97^th House District which spans portions of Bay, Genesee, Saginaw and Tuscola counties.

PHOTO INFORMATION: State Rep. Matthew Bierlein (center) is recognized by the Small Business Association of Michigan on Tuesday, Feb. 27. The recognition went to specific legislators who consistently voted to ease tax burdens on local job providers, reduce government regulation and promote broader economic growth.