Dear Texas Small Business Owner:
The 84th
Texas Legislative Session is well under way and your NFIB/Texas team is working
hard to represent your interests on matters of state public policy. Many
important small business issues have been filed and are being considered
in the Texas House and Senate appointed committees. Most notably,
tax relief in the form of phase-outs of the onerous and cumbersome state
franchise (aka margins) tax and real and lasting property tax relief for
businesses and homeowners.
We believe
that putting money back in the hands of the business owner is of the utmost
importance to growing the state’s economy, creating jobs, and allowing for
business expansion and investment. Hearings on our tax cuts have begun and if you would like to testify in committee to give your story about the
onerous nature of these taxes, you can call me at the NFIB/Texas office at
512.476.9847. It is imperative that we have small business owners come to
testify and let your elected officials know of your position.
Each session
seems to have a theme and this session is no different. Legislators have filed
more than 42 bills that interfere in the employer-employee relationship.
Legislation has been filed that would mandate paid sick leave and time off for
your employees. However, our favorite piece of legislation that interferes in
the employer-employee relationship is now famous Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act.
If enacted, this bill would make every employee you have or may hire a
potential lawsuit and liability FOREVER — granting them the right to sue you
for perceived pay discrimination as long as they are receiving a paycheck, or a
pension or 401K distribution.
We need the
Texas small business community to be loud, present, and very vocal so that
NFIB can bring about passage of legislation that benefits the economy and spurs
job creation and business development. With your help we can accomplish great
things. Don’t count on someone else to get involved — YOU must be involved and
contact your lawmakers on issues of concern to you. Remember, if you don’t have
a seat at the table then you are probably on the menu!
Will Newton
