ME Small Business Policy News & Information

The latest news and information from NFIB in Washington, D.C., and in Maine.

Tax Reform Proposal Receives Tepid ResponseDirector David Clough says that a tax reform plan to cut the income tax in favor of an increased/expanded sales tax received faint praise from multiple groups.
Maine Small Business Owners Dubious on "Sweet and Sour" Tax ReformDirector David Clough reports the results of a NFIB survey showing that members strongly support cutting the income tax but they are opposed to a companion measure to increase and expand the sales tax.
NFIB Surveys Members on "Sweet and Sour" Tax ReformDirector David Clough told a tax committee Friday that small business owners are divided over the so-called "sweet and sour" tax reform plan that would cut income taxes but raise and expand sales taxes.
Free Briefings on Employment Law for EmployersThe Maine Department of Labor is offering a free 3-hour briefing on employment law for employers in four locations.
"Dramatic Tax Reform" ProposedA "Gang of 11" legislators has proposed a sweeping, $700 million tax reform measure that one newspaper headline labeled "dramatic".
Maine Legislative NewsCommittees are working feverishly to meet a May 17 deadline for reporting out all bills, which means intense days are ahead as legislators push through a busy schedule of public hearings and work sessions on many of the more than 1,489 bills printed to date.
Gang of 11 Plan Encouraging but Incomplete, says NFIBDirector David Clough said today that he's encouraged by a proposal to cut the income tax but disappointed that it is accompanied by a plan to raise and expand the sales tax.
Tax Hike HearingsVarious bills to increase taxes are scheduled for public hearing the week of April 22, as lawmakers seek ways to increase revenues available for spending by the State and municipalities. NFIB will be providing testimony on these bills.
Maine Legislative NewsLawmakers are taking a break this school vacation week. There is no Senate or House session and most committees are not meeting. All that will change next week when lawmakers return to Augusta and tackle numerous big issues, including the proposed 2014-15 State Budget, that stand between now and a mid-June adjournment.
ME Small Business Optimism Going in Wrong DirectionDirector David Clough said that what's happening on Wall Street seems to have no relationship to what's happening on Maine Street.
Legislative ReportDirector David Clough reports on the latest developments in Augusta.
Economic Forecast Improves SlightlyDirector David Clough reports that a new economic forecast for Maine reveals a slightly better picture.
Maine Small Business Warns that Minimum Wage Increase Will Damage EconomyDirector David Clough said today that a bill to raise the minimum wage automatically every year will push some small businesses over the edge and damage the state's economy.
Maine Legislative News: Budget, Health Insurance and Labor on AgendaThe Legislature nears the end of March with 1,112 bills printed as of Tuesday, hearings underway on the 2014-2015 State Budget, and some of the more controversial issues beginning to move through committees.
Workers' Comp Rate Hike ApprovedMaine Employers Mutual Insurance Co. has said it would not increase rates in 2013 despite being authorized a 3.9% increase by the state Bureau of Insurance.
Legislative NewsThe number of bills printed as of Tuesday morning stood at 890, just over half of the more than 1,700 bills expected. Here is a brief snapshot of some printed bills to date.
NFIB Says Gas Tax Hike on Top of High Prices Will Push Small Businesses and Consumers over the EdgeWith gas prices hovering near $4 per gallon, now is not the time for lawmakers in Augusta to raise the state fuel tax, said the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) today.
NFIB Opposes Bill to Raise Minimum WageDirector David Clough warned today that legislation to increase the minimum wage by 13 percent would damage small businesses and lead to fewer jobs.
Maine Legislative NewsThe number of bills printed as of Wednesday morning stood at 576 with another thousand or so still to come out, including some of the most controversial proposals that would have significant effects on businesses and the Maine economy.
Maine Legislative RoundupDirector David Clough reports on the latest developments in Augusta.
NFIB Applauds LePage State of State Focus on Small BusinessDirector David Clough this week said Governor Paul LePage struck the right chord in his State of the State Speech, which focused heavily on small business growth.
Maine Small Business Warns Against Income Tax HikeDirector David Clough recently told lawmakers that a proposal to hike the income tax would pinch consumers and hurt small businesses.
Small Business Opposes Income Tax HikeDirector David Clough said today that legislation seeking to raise the income tax would hurt small businesses indirectly and damage the state's struggling economy.
How to Comply with the New Federal Healthcare Law and a 2013 Maine Legislative UpdateUncertain About the Impact of the Federal Healthcare Law on Your Business? We Have Answers.
Independent Contractor Law Rewrite ActivatedAs of January 1st employers and independent contractors in Maine are covered by a major new law that creates a uniform definition of "independent contractor" for state labor, unemployment, and workers' compensation law.
Legislative NewsThe 126th Maine Legislature, which is scheduled to adjourn by June 19, is off to a slow start.
NFIB/ME Reacts to Fiscal Cliff DealDirector David Clough this morning reacted to the deal struck yesterday in Congress to avert the so-called fiscal cliff.
NFIB Warns About Uncertainty at Sen. Snowe's Last HearingUncertainty about taxes and regulations is fueling uncertainty about the economy said NFIB Maine state director David Clough in testimony on Capitol Hill before the Senate Small Business Committee.
126th Legislature Begins 2013 SessionThe 126th Legislature on December 5 convened its 2013 session with Democrats back in control of the Senate and House and numerous legislators eager to stifle various fiscal policies of Gov. Paul LePage.
ME NFIB Says Make Holiday Parties Fun for Employees, Not LawyersThe NFIB Legal Center provides tips for small businesses to have great holiday parties without risking safety or lawsuits.
Election Deals Setback for Business InterestsJust two years after winning control of the State House for the first time in decades, a tsunami at the ballot box swept at least 16 pro-business incumbents out of office and gave Democrats solid majorities in the Senate and House.
Maine Economic Forecast Revised UpwardGrowth in Maine jobs and personal income were revised upward recently by the state's Consensus Economic Forecasting Commission.
Big Unions Spend Big Money to Control AugustaOne of the most significant behind-the-scenes stories about the legislative elections is the huge amount of money being spent by labor unions to gain control of Augusta.
Bangor Event Attracts Members, Guests, CandidatesSmall business owners in the Bangor area gathered recently for an evening of networking at Hero's Sports Grill.
Check Out NFIB's 2012 State Voter Guides (Member Login Required)Election Day is here.
Teachers Union & Allies Seek Augusta ControlWith just under three weeks until Election Day, the teachers' union and allies are spending heavily to elect their friends and defeat pro-business candidates for the Maine Legislature.
New Spending Projections Prompt Tax Increase TalkThe latest biannual analysis of state spending shows a projected gap of $756 million in the General Fund through fiscal year 2015, prompting some legislators to talk about scaling back a major tax relief package passed in 2011.
Maine AFL-CIO Wants Workers Comp Savings Used for Better BenefitsDirector David Clough analyses a proposal by the state AFL-CIO to use savings from workers comp reform to beef up benefits.
What's in Universal, Single-Payer Health Care?Various groups recommend that Maine should adopt a single-payer health care system. Director David Clough explains the concept.
WISHFUL, COSTLY IDEAS ASKED OF LEGISLATIVE CANDIDATESDirector David Clough reports on some of the ideas that various groups have for legislative candidates.
NFIB/ME Endorses Raye for CongressNFIB today announced its endorsement of State Senator Kevin Raye in his race for Congress.
Summary of New Tax Laws AvailableMaine Revenue Services has posted on its website a summary of tax laws enacted in 2012 and those enacted last year with an effective date of 2012.
Summary of New Tax Law AvailableThe Maine Revenue Service has posted a summary of new tax law on its website. View the summary here.
Governor Seeks Business Opinions on State Economic PoliciesThe LePage administration is asking business people give their opinion on aspects Maine's business climate and particular state or local challenges the person's business may face.
News Media Covers NFIB Maine Reaction to Supreme Court RulingNFIB Maine was widely sought after for comment when the U.S. Supreme Court released its opinions June 28 on NFIB's challenge to the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare).
ME NFIB Deeply Disappointed by SCOTUS RulingDirector David Clough said that his members are deeply disappointed in the SCOTUS health care decision and that Congress must now repeal the federal law.
U.S. Senate Candidates Battle for Position on November BallotPrimary Day next Tuesday (6/12) will determine the major party candidates who will face off in November for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Olympia Snowe as well as who the Republican nominees will be in the First and Second district U.S. House elections.
Maine Improves on CEO Magazine RankingMaine ranks 32nd on the 2012 list of “Best/Worst States for Business”, up from 36th in 2011, according to Chief Executive magazine.
LePage Job Approval Rating ModeratesA recent poll shows movement in Governor LePage's approval rating.
Maine Moves Up in RankingDirector David Clough reports that Maine's standing has improved in a national ranking.

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