Here's a look at some of the issues we'll be facing in the 2012 session of the General Assembly:
- The threat of higher unemployment insurance contributions. High unemployment has put a tremendous financial strain on Arkansas unemployment fund. NFIB will continue to fight to find commonsense solutions to this problem that avoid big cost increases for small businesses.
- Ongoing efforts to impose costly new health-care mandates. NFIB will continue to oppose legislation that would force employers who offer health benefits to cover the cost of specific conditions and treatments. Such mandates help few while driving up the cost of health insurance for everyone and increasing the financial pressure on small businesses.
- Costly and unfair environmental regulations. During the 2011 legislative session, NFIB opposed a bill that would have forced utilities to buy a significant amount of energy from renewable sources at a rate established by the Public Service Commission. That would have meant a big increase in energy costs for Arkansas’ small businesses and working families. NFIB will continue to stand against similar proposals.