For
Immediate Release
Andrew Wimer, 202-314-2073 or 703-298-5938 (cell)
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Follow Andrew on Twitter @AndrewWimer
NFIB Asks for Relief from New Rules on
Water, Retirement Plans, and Independent Contractors
Washington, DC (November 17, 2015) – Today, the National Federation of
Independent Business sent letters to leadership in the House and Senate
laying out important provisions that should be included in legislation funding
the government. Congress should use its funding authority to stop destructive
regulations that could harm small businesses across the country including the
Environmental Protection Agency’s Waters of the United States rule, the
Department of Labor’s fiduciary rule and the National Labor Relations Board’s
new joint employer standard.
“Government bureaucrats have had a big year of
pushing out new rules and regulations that could hurt small businesses,” said
NFIB Vice President of Public Policy Amanda Austin. “We need this Congress
to step up and stop power grabs at the EPA, NLRB, and DOL. Without relief, this
new red tape will undoubtedly slow growth and the creation of new jobs.”
The EPA’s Waters of United States rule would dramatically expand the
regulatory reach of the Clean Water Act. The rule is currently not in effect as
a federal circuit court issued a nationwide injunction, a strong indication
that the regulations could be overturned. NFIB has joined one of the many
lawsuits opposing the rule.
The DOL’s new fiduciary rule would make it more difficult for small business
owners to get the help and advice they need to set up retirement plans for
themselves and their employees. Finally, the NLRB’s recent redefined joint
employer standard would upset long-standing rules governing franchises and
independent contractors, many of which are small businesses.
The letter also asks Congressional leaders to include a one-year exemption
from the annual, statutory H-2B caps for returning workers. Seasonal small
businesses rely on the H-2B temporary worker program to supplement their
existing American workforce.
“Many small businesses employ the same seasonal workers from year to
year,” said Austin. “They rely on these employees to keep their doors open.
Without an exemption, some businesses may be forced to close.”
Separate letters were sent to House
and Senate leaders and Appropriations
Committee leaders.
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