Alternative to Mandatory Leave is Step in Right Direction

www.NFIB.com
For Immediate Release
Contact:  Eric Reller
202-314-2073 or [email protected]

 

Alternative to
Mandatory Leave is Step in Right Direction

Proposal Provides
Options, Sheds Light on Flawed Ballot Initiative

 

Boston, Mass., September 29,
2014 — National Federation of Independent
Business (NFIB) Massachusetts State
Director Bill Vernon today made the following statement in response to
gubernatorial candidate Charlie Baker’s proposed alternative to mandatory leave.
Vernon serves as Chairman of the No on 4 Committee:

“The No
on 4 Committee welcomes the alternative mandated paid sick leave initiative
from gubernatorial candidate Charlie Baker,” said Vernon. “The proposal is a
step in the right direction. The proposal addresses some of the concerns of
small business owners regarding the increased costs and increased regulatory
burdens imposed by the ballot initiative. The clarification that employers that
offer paid time off of two weeks or more – a progressive human resources policy
used in many companies – would be in compliance with sick leave regulations is
particularly welcome.

“Making
the Massachusetts law more competitive with Connecticut and other neighboring
states is also a critical change to allow Massachusetts small businesses to
fairly compete. The bottom line is that the Baker proposal sheds light on the
technical aspects of Question 4 – demonstrating that it represents a poor
solution to an issue that deserves recognition. Question 4 as proposed will
lead to unintended consequences and is bad for businesses, jobs, families and
communities.”  

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NFIB
is the nation’s leading small business advocacy association, with offices in
Washington, D.C. and all 50 state capitals. Founded in 1943 to give
small-business owners a voice in public policy-making, NFIB’s policy positions
are set by its 350,000 business-owner members, who send their views directly to
state and federal lawmakers through NFIB’s unique member-only ballot. NFIB’s
mission is to promote and protect the right of our members to own, operate and
grow their businesses. More information is available online at www.NFIB.com/news.