Challenges facing NFIB/Alabama in the 2010 legislation session:
Pass Alabama ‘card check’ amendment
Labor unions are pressing Congress to pass card check legislation which would take away the right to a secret ballot for workers voting in a union organizing election. This legislation represents a direct threat to the ability of small business to create jobs and grow the economy. Pass legislation that would create a constitutional amendment guaranteeing Alabama citizens the right to a secret ballot in all elections, including union organizing efforts.
Stop efforts to tax services
Defeat legislation to impose a state sales tax on labor and services. This tax would be a minimum increase of $139 million annually on Alabama consumers.
Pass the Budget Stabilization and Proration Prevention Act
Pass legislation that would create a constitutional amendment to place spending limits, or caps, on Alabama’s Education and General Fund budgets. This would also require the maintenance of 6% “rainy day accounts” in both budgets, to offset any revenue shortfalls.
Expand the role of the Examiners of Public Accounts
Pass legislation that would expand the mission of Department of Examiners of Public Accounts, giving the agency broad authority to review both fiscal and management efficiency for all agencies that spend public money. It would create an independent Accountability and Professional Standards Board to set the standards for auditing financial and professional management efficiency for all levels of state and local government, and to review compliance with those standards and authorize the use of private accounting firms to audit publicly funded agencies.
Stop mandatory sick leave legislation
Defeat legislation that would require all employers to provide a minimum number of paid sick leave days. Fiscal impact for small business owners is unknown.
Oppose efforts to create a state minimum wage
Defeat legislation that would create an Alabama minimum wage higher than the federal minimum wage. This legislation would undermine the free-market system and ultimately prove a negative incentive to job retention and job growth.
