NFIB

H-2B Visa problems plaguing West Tennessee member
Albert Ray, an NFIB member in Millington, has been using the H-2B Visa program effectively for seven years. That is, until this year. In August, Ray, who owns a landscaping company, submitted his H-2B requests for seven workers who had worked effectively in his business for years. In November, he learned the federal program, which has shrunk from accepting 300,000 applicants a year to 66,000, was full. Ray and many other NFIB members are in the same boat -- they are trying to do the right thing but are up against a system that has failed them. Our nation's archaic guest worker program clearly doesn't meet the needs of today's economy in Tennessee and our country.

This troubling situation underscores this federal problem requires a long-overdue federal solution. NFIB is working hard in Washington, D.C., to convince Congress what our membership already knows: Our country needs a comprehensive fix that includes securing the borders, enacting a workable employer verification system, opposing amnesty for undocumented workers, and supporting and expanding the legal guest worker programs that NFIB members like Albert Ray need. Read more about our membership's position on immigration and the H-2B program.

NFIB drives small business stimulus deal
Congressional leaders announced an agreement on an economic stimulus package that includes provisions that double small business expensing limits from $125,000 to $250,000. Increasing expensing for small businesses "would represent a huge victory for the National Federation of Independent Business, which sought the change," said a recent article in Congress Daily, an influential publication covering the ins and outs of Congressional action. NFIB was the only group lobbying for this provision. Read NFIB Executive Vice President Dan Danner's statement.
 
'Reg Flex' forum next month in Chattanooga
Thank you for your positive feedback about last week's story about the Maryville entrepreneur who has been helped by the Small-Business Regulatory Flexibility Act in Tennessee. On Wednesday, Feb. 20, small business owners in the Southeast will have the opportunity to voice their concerns about excessive enforcement of federal regulatory rules in Chattanooga. Participants can share feedback with the U.S. Small Business Administration Regulatory Fairness Board Forum. The event will be held from 9:30-11 a.m. in the Chattanooga Convention Center, Room 20, 2 Broad Street in Chattanooga. If you would like to testify, call David Tiller at 615-736-7176 or e-mail david.tiller@sba.gov. Written testimony may be sent in advance of the forum to be included in the public record.

Is your credit-card processing in compliance?
The Fair and Accurate Credit Transaction Act of 2005 (FACT Act) requires all merchants and businesses that accept credit cards to pare all but the last five digits of a credit card number on all transaction receipts. NFIB's Legal Foundation produced a fact sheet for members to help comply with the law. NFIB members can also call our partner Solveras at 1-800-619-5301 to help with compliance and potentially save you significant dollars. The average savings by NFIB members who use Solveras is more than $1,400 annually. Learn more.

Thank you, Memphis delegation
Last night, more than 100 NFIB members and guests gathered to thank senators and representatives from Fayette, Shelby and Tipton counties for their public service. Regions Bank graciously hosted the fifth annual event at their impressive office in Germantown. NFIB appreciates our legislators for their investment of time away from their families and businesses to consider the public's business.

Nominate a young entrepreneur
One hundred and five Tennessee high school seniors have already applied for NFIB's Young Entrepreneur Foundation scholarships. Nationwide, NFIB has received more than 4,100 applications. Both numbers are outstanding! Deadline for applications is Feb. 11. Learn how you can support free enterprise among our youth.

Are you a state office-seeker?
Primary candidates must file nominating petitions no later than noon, April 3. NFIB encourages small business owners and supporters of free enterprise to consider running for office. Many small business owners already admirably serve their districts, but NFIB members know more small business representation is needed in Nashville. Read more about running as a small business owner. Complete filing information is available from the state.

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Sincerely,
Jim Brown
NFIB/Tennessee State Director
(615) 874-5288
jim.brown@nfib.org