More than two dozen small-business owners converged on the State Capitol February 19 and held more than 60 one-on-one appointments with lawmakers to remind them of Main Street’s agenda.
The day also included:
- a Cover Oregon Update from Rep. Dennis Richardson
- policy briefings by NFIB/Oregon State Director Jan Meekcoms and NFIB Leadership Council member Eric Blackledge of Blackledge Furniture
- an update on the NFIB/Oregon 2013 legislative victory to establish the Office of Small Business Assistance was presented by new director of the Office of Small Business Assistance Ruth Miles and Director, Corporation Division, Peter Threlkel.
NFIB members lobbied legislators and their staffs on three key issues affecting hiring, small-business growth and the economy:
Taxes–Small-business opposition to any tax increase was made resoundingly clear.
Hiring–NFIB members reminded policymakers about three particular issues that inhibit hiring.
- Mandatory paid sick leave
- Health care costs
- Minimum-wage increase
Regulations–At the federal level there are more than new 4,000 regulations in the pipeline. In Oregon there are 180 agencies producing 11,000 pages of regulation that businesses are expected to abide by.
The day concluded with a Legislative Reception, which NFIB/Oregon invited top leaders to. Included among the participating were Rep. Mike McLane and Sen. Ted Ferrioli.
Check this website for future member meetings in your area and next year’s Small Business Day at the Capitol.
