Hello Louisiana Small Business Owners,
We are kicking off the second quarter of 2017, and I hope that your business is thriving. The first quarter of 2017 was a busy time for NFIB/LA.
We had productive visits with the Louisiana congressional delegation where we discussed our support for tax reform, healthcare reform, and regulatory reform. We have a great delegation working on our behalf in D.C. While we are disappointed with the healthcare reform measure being pulled, we will look forward to working with the Trump administration and Congress on meaningful tax reform. There has been great progress on the regulatory reform efforts already, which we applaud.
We’ve also been in communication with Louisiana legislators from across the state, letting them know about your feedback from the state ballot:
- 73% oppose the Gas Tax even if tied to specifics project and dedicated to fund transportation.
- 68% support a Centralized State Sales Tax Collection system to ease the process for businesses who operate in multiple municipalities.
- 50% support a lower of the individual income tax rate and broadening of the brackets as part of tax reform.
- 89% oppose reduction of the excess itemized deduction in the absence of overall tax reform that benefits small business owners.
Additionally, I anticipate fighting ban the box mandates for business owners, a minimum wage increase, and equal pay for equal work legislation, which is part of Governor Edwards’ campaign platform. These are policies you’ve told us you oppose.
Finally, I’ve been traveling the state visiting with local chambers and business groups about our priorities for the session as well as recognizing legislators with our Guardian Awards. Here is a complete list of Guardian Award and certificate recipients. Please take a moment to thank these legislators for their great work on behalf of small business owners.
Please stay tuned for legislative action alerts! Session begins April 10, and we need you to voice your concerns to legislators when they are considering issues impacting small business owners.
Finally, save the date for May 10 and join us in Baton Rouge for Small Business Day at the Capitol. Our sponsors include Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cox Business, and Louisiana Economic Development.
Thanks for your membership and engagement!
Dawn Starns
NFIB/LA State Director
