02/25/2008
Gov. Sanford signs Small Employer Health Care Cooperative bill, S. 588
Gov. Mark Sanford, legislators and small business owners gathered at Nuttall's Tire & Battery in Columbia, an NFIB member since 1986, for the signing of S. 588, the Small Employer Health Care Cooperative bill.
Gov. Sanford said, "I want to thank leaders in the House and Senate -- particularly Chairman Cato, Representative Lowe and Senators McConnell and Lourie -- as well as the National Federation of Independent Businesses for pushing for this bill and getting it to my desk so quickly.
"Given the fact that 97 percent of all businesses in this state are small businesses -- and that half of our workforce is employed by those companies -- reforms aimed at helping small businesses become especially important in bettering quality of life for those who live in South Carolina."
The bill will allow groups of 10 or more small businesses to band together in order to purchase health insurance for their employees.
Senate fire sprinkler bills
On Thursday, the Senate Labor, Commerce and Industry Regulations Subcommittee amended S.860, which would encourage property owners to install fire sprinklers by offering tax credits to help offset the cost of installation. The amendment would shift the tax credit from a state income tax credit to a local property tax credit for to 80 percent of installation costs. The bill does not contain a statewide mandate. NFIB members have stated in the state ballot that they overwhelmingly are opposed to efforts to mandate the installation of fire sprinklers on private property.
Spending Caps Study Committee passes bill
On Wednesday, the Spending Caps Study Committee approved an amended version of S.718, the state spending caps bill. Chairman Glenn McConnell asked staff to work with the Board of Economic Advisors to develop strong language to make sure the state's budget stabilization fund cannot be touched. The bill is expected to be on the agenda of the full Senate Judiciary Committee March 4. NFIB members support the General Assembly passing a law that would place spending caps on state government.
Are you afraid of being sued?
We invite you to attend the "Ten Ways Small Business Owners Can Avoid Lawsuits" seminar led by Senior Executive Counsel Beth Milito of NFIB's Legal Foundation. Milito will discuss 10 steps to reduce the likelihood that your business will be sued and increase the odds that your business will win if it is sued. The registration cost will cover the seminar, meal and a copy of the NFIB Guide to Wage and Hour Laws with up-to-date minimum wage information. This seminar is a must-attend event for all small business owners. See our events calendar for locations, dates and registration information.
Free 2008 IRS Tax Calendar for Small Businesses and the Self-Employed
This 36-page, 12-month wall calendar is full with useful information on general business taxes, common tax filing dates, electronic filing, and paying options and tips that may be relevant to small business owners. The tax calendar can also be imported into Microsoft Outlook and iCal. Get yours by visiting the IRS Web site.
