Here's a look at some of the issues NFIB/Missouri will be facing in the 2012 legislative session:
Workers' comp reform: In the 2011 session, opponents defeated a pair of workers' comp bills that would have helped small businesses. One concerned the ability of employees to sue each other outside of the umbrella of the worker's compensation system, while the other dealth with occupational disease. The bills stemmed from recent court decisions that could create big problems for small businesses. NFIB will be working with lawmakers next session to ensure that these problems are addressed.
Second Injury Fund: The overwhelming majority of NFIB/Missouri members haven't had a workers' comp claim in at least two years. So, when a proposal was floated that would have raised the rate you pay into the fund, NFIB said "no." The fund is broke, but NFIB opposes efforts to fund it on the backs of small businesses. NFIB supports legislation that would eliminate the fund and use the existing 3% to pay down the non-work related claims. The work related claims should be moved into the regular workers comp system.
Unemployment Trust Fund: Missouri has borrowed over $800 million from the federal government to cover unemployment claims. The federal government will want their money back. How we structure that repayment will be very important to Missouri employers. There are no easy answers to this one.
Trespasser liability: Under common law, you typically have no obligation to protect someone who is trespassing on your land, but there has been a suggested policy change that could change. NFIB will work next session to preserve the law the way it has always been.