NFIB

Congress Returns to Session, NFIB Continues Fight for Small Business
09/03/2002

As the Senate returns to session today and the House returns tomorrow, the media will be focusing heavily on the debate over the Homeland Security Bill and possible action against Iraq. Small business owners will be watching for Congress to act on key economic issues as well.

NFIB will continue the fight for affordable health care during this legislative session, working to get congressional approval of Association Health Plans. AHPs would allow small business to band together across state lines to purchase insurance, giving small business the kind of purchasing power big business already enjoys.

The Home Office Tax Simplification Act, introduced in late July by Rep. Mac Collins (R-Ga.) would create a $2,500 standard home-office deduction indexed to inflation. While many home-based business owners are already eligible for a deduction, they do not take advantage of it because it requires careful computation of the percentage of their home and utilities dedicated to business, and they fear that a mistake may lead to an audit.

NFIB is currently working to gain support for this bill and find more co-sponsors.

To help in the fight for AHPs and tax relief, contact your lawmakers at www.nfib.com/GetInvolved.