These are policies being discussed in this year’s legislative session, which began on Jan. 13.
4 Small Biz Issues to Look Out for in Georgia
Tax reform. Taxes are a hot-button issue for most states, as small business owners carry heavy financial burdens imposed by state legislatures. NFIB hopes to push the legislature to simplify the state’s tax code and cut state income tax, which are directly aimed at small employers and job creators.
Transportation reform and funding. There have been talks about raising taxes in order to fund Georgia’s infrastructure, including roads and bridges. “Our members still haven’t recovered fully from the Great Recession, and there’s real concern that at least some legislators might try to shift the cost of fixing Georgia’s roads onto the backs of small business,” Kyle Jackson, NFIB state director, said in a statement in December. NFIB will be watching closely for a concrete proposal to address the funding shortfall for transportation in Georgia.
Minimum wage. Proposals for minimum wage hikes include raising the state minimum to $15 an hour. This would “cripple job creation and stifle employment of low-skilled or first-time workers,” said Jackson, and NFIB will continue to oppose these proposals.
Health insurance mandates. These mandates unfairly target small employers and their employees, driving up the cost of health insurance for those who can least afford a cost increase. NFIB will fight any attempts to add to the growing list of insurance mandates in Georgia.
Which issue are you most concerned about for your business? Tell us in the comments section below.
