05/ 30/ 2007
Voting the NFIB Member Ballot is an exclusive member benefit that helps shape the organization's advocacy, messaging and political impact at the state and federal levels
Unlike other groups, our policy positions are determined by our members, giving your voice a distinct advantage. In addition to polls and other studies of the small-business community, we gauge member attitudes by balloting them several times a year on issues that affect them. If an overwhelming majority of our members express support or opposition on an issue, we're able to communicate that position to policymakers.
Here are a few examples of how we're successfully using Ballot results:
- Union-backed federal paid-sick-leave legislation has heated up in Washington, D.C. (see article below). We stress to lawmakers small-business owners' opposition based on Ballot results. When members tell us they oppose government mandates like paid sick leave because employers should be free to do what's best for their businesses and their employees and not forced to implement policies that may not be in their workers' best interests, this provides greater credibility to our efforts. The Ballot also provided us the small-business perspective during the present fight over the federal minimum wage and tax relief for small firms.
- NFIB/Ohio is lobbying to reduce or eliminate Ohio's death tax. Ballot results show 94 percent of members support this action. NFIB staff testified before the state House Ways and Means Committee armed with this information. A separate survey asked members how the death tax impacted their business and provided even more useful feedback. Ballot results also were important several years ago in NFIB/Ohio's push to pass legislation capping noneconomic damages in civil lawsuits. The legislation passed and was signed by the governor into law.
- In Florida, property-tax reform has been the biggest issue of this legislative session. We've been the business leader on repeal of the tangible personal property tax, and both the state House and Senate proposals have a TPP exemption. The Ballot was the key to strengthening our lobbying effort and earning NFIB significant news media coverage that referred to the results. Thirty-five percent of NFIB/Florida members said they're considering reducing staff or benefits, while 14 percent said they might close their business in the near future; another 15 percent said they are pondering relocating out of state, while 39 percent said they're thinking about postponing expansion.
With results like these, the NFIB Member Ballot is a clear, powerful and effective tool in our efforts to protect free enterprise at all levels, making NFIB the most effective organization of its kind.
Five Easy Ways to Vote Your Ballot
Cast your votes by e-mail, fax, mail or phone or online at NFIB.com. Look for your next Ballot and directions on voting in your mailbox later this summer.
