Here's a look at some of NFIB/Kansas' victories during the 2011 legislative session:
Taxes
- Won support for a new business tax deduction known as “expensing.” It lets small businesses deduct certain business expenses on their income taxes, putting more money in the hands of Kansas' job creators so they can invest in their businesses and help our economy get back on track.
- Fought successfully for a bill that makes the tax system more equitable for small businesses that collect sales tax for the state. The bill will establish a three-year statute of limitations for taxpayers to claim sales tax exemptions. Refunds are limited to one year under current law. This gives the taxpayer the same timeframe that the Department of Revenue has to get unpaid sales taxes from Kansas businesses.
- Stopped an attempt to pass a bill that would have required all retailers to print the cumulative state and local sales tax rate for the taxing jurisdiction where the retailer is located on each receipt that is electronically printed and issued to a consumer.
Government Accountability
- Helped pass a bill to establish a uniform reporting system for receipts and expenditures for school districts. This measure is the first step to gain better oversight in our state’s largest investment.
Workers Compensation
- Won support for a rewrite of the workers' comp act that dramatically reforms workers compensation and will cut costs for small businesses. The bill roots out the claims that should not be approved and keeps money in the pockets of business owners who are eager to expand and hire and not have to pay frivolous or meritless claims.
Unemployment Insurance
- Supported a bill that would stabilize the state's Employment Security Trust Fund while avoiding a tax increase on small businesses.
Health Care Freedom
- Passed a bill defending the right of individuals to chose their own health plans -- or refuse to buy health insurance. The law prohibits the government from enacting a law that would restrict these rights or punish residents for exercising either of these rights.
Health Insurance Mandates
- Opposed several bills that would have forced employers who offer health benefits to cover specific conditions and treatments. Such mandates help few while driving up costs for everyone.
Environmental Regulations
- Supported a resolution urging the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to develop regulations and standards that minimize adverse impacts and continue to let Kansas permit writers determine what is best for Kansas.