Patchwork of laws
create unfair playing field for small business
HARRISBURG
(April 14, 2015) — The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB),
Pennsylvania’s largest small-business group with 15,000 members, praises
the state Senate for passing SB 333 which would pre-empt
local governments from mandating paid leave requirements
on private business. The bill would prevent a patchwork of different
rules around the Commonwealth from creating an unfair playing field.
The cost of mandated leave requirements are often considerable,
particularly for smaller employers and new businesses.
“NFIB does not oppose paid leave and in fact, many of our
members offer that benefit. But when government makes it mandatory there
are big costs for many small businesses”,
said Neal Lesher, Legislative Director of NFIB/PA.
“NFIB members believe that one size
fits all leave mandates will increase costs, make it more difficult to hire new
workers, and remove flexibility in establishing employee benefits that fit the
needs of their employees.
“Some businesses simply cannot afford the additional cost of
paying two employees when one is out sick. So instead they are forced to
make a reduction elsewhere, which hurts employees themselves and the
local economy.”
“When government puts its thumb on the scale mandating what
businesses must do there are winners and losers,” said Lesher.
“The
unintended consequence is that many smaller companies are actually flexible
with their employees who suddenly need time off but by making it a law that
flexibility goes away.”
NFIB Pennsylvania would like to thank Senator John Eichelberger
(R-Blair) for sponsoring SB 333 and for working to advance this important
legislation. Similar legislation, HB184, has been introduced by Rep. Seth
Grove (R-York) in the House of Representatives.
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