LANSING – On Friday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed three bipartisan bills that will support Michigan’s small businesses by lowering costs and honor service members who lost their lives in the line of duty. Specifically, this package includes a bill that eliminates unnecessary red tape, reducing operating costs for distillers and mixed spirit manufacturers in our state and making it easier for them to expand their businesses. Including today’s legislation, Governor Whitmer has signed a record 1,509 bipartisan bills into law since taking office.

“Michigan’s small businesses should be able to work together to keep costs low and grow their businesses,” said Governor Whitmer. “These bipartisan bills will help our distiller and mixed spirit manufacturers do just that by cutting unnecessary red tape. This will lower costs for these businesses and boost our economy by making it easier for more people to make it in Michigan. I’ll keep working with anyone to lower costs and support Michiganders across the state.”

“I’m also proud to honor two brave Michiganders who stepped up for their communities and gave their lives protecting our safety and freedom,” continued Governor Whitmer. “Today’s bipartisan bills will ensure Michiganders remember the sacrifices these service members made.”

“We are working hard to help more small business owners stay and succeed right here in Michigan,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “These bills will cut red tape for distillers and spirit manufacturers, lowering costs for the business owners and Michiganders who buy their products. They will also designate two highways in honor of Michiganders who gave their lives for our state. Let us keep Standing Tall for a brighter future.”

House Bill 4403, sponsored by state Representative Pauline Wendzel (R-Watervliet), cuts unnecessary red tape and supports Michigan’s small businesses by allowing distillers and mixed spirit manufacturers to use the same space and equipment to make their products. This change allows these business owners to enter agreements to share expensive costs like rent, utilities, and equipment with one another. Not only will this support small businesses by lowering costs, but it will also incentivize more manufacturers to come to our state to build their business, boosting Michigan’s economy.

“This bill is a testament to what we can accomplish when we work together,” said state Representative Pauline Wendzel. “The unanimous support it received in the House and Senate shows that helping our small businesses and local job creators is a shared priority. By clarifying the law around alternating proprietorships, we’re not just supporting distillers; we’re fostering innovation and ensuring Michigan’s craft beverage industry can continue to grow and thrive.”

House Bill 4003, sponsored by state Representative Tom Kunse (R-Clare), designates a portion of US-131 as the “Sargeant Matthew Webber Memorial Highway.” This change honors Sargeant Matthew Webber, a member of the Michigan National Guard, who lost his life in the line of duty while deployed in Iraq. “I am deeply honored to play a small role in honoring Sergeant Matthew Webber and the ultimate sacrifice he made in service to our country,” said state Representative Tom Kunse.

House Bill 4046, sponsored by state Representative John Roth (R-Interlochen), designates a portion of US-31 as the “Trooper James E. Boland Memorial Highway.” This change honors Trooper James E. Boland, a member of the State Police, who lost his life in the line of duty after being struck by a drunk driver.