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<rss version="2.0"><channel><title>Maryland Small-Business News From NFIB</title><link>http://www.nfib.com/</link><description>Keep up with the latest news, politics and events for small business in Maryland.</description><image_n/><language>en-us</language><generator>EM3 iOn</generator><managingEditor/><webMaster>webmaster@nfib.org</webMaster><item><title>Southern Maryland Area Legislative Wrap-up Meeting May 22</title><link>http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_37131.html</link><description>NFIB/Maryland invites you to join us May 22 in LaPlata for a member meeting to discuss the results of the 2008 legislative session. Meet and hear from your local state representatives and learn about issues that could reappear in 2009.</description><pubDate>Fri, 09 May 2008 00:00:00 PST
</pubDate></item><item><title>Montgomery County Area Legislative Wrap-up Meeting June 2</title><link>http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_37132.html</link><description>NFIB/Maryland invites you to join us June 2 in Rockville for a member meeting to discuss the results of the 2008 legislative session. Meet and hear from your local state representatives and learn about issues that could reappear in 2009.</description><pubDate>Fri, 09 May 2008 00:00:00 PST
</pubDate></item><item><title>Eastern Shore Area Legislative Wrap-up Meeting June 3</title><link>http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_37133.html</link><description>NFIB/Maryland invites you to join us June 3 in Ocean City for a member meeting to discuss the results of the 2008 legislative session. Meet and hear from your local state representatives and learn about issues that could reappear in 2009.</description><pubDate>Fri, 09 May 2008 00:00:00 PST
</pubDate></item><item><title>The Flexible Leave Act Could Hurt Small Business</title><link>http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_36938.html</link><description>The Maryland General Assembly passed HB 40, The Flexible Leave Act. NFIB is seeking a veto of this legislation because of the negative impact it would have on small businesses across the state. Please take a moment to contact Gov, O'Malley and ask that he veto HB 40.</description><pubDate>Fri, 18 Apr 2008 00:00:00 PST
</pubDate></item><item><title>Back at the White House: Maryland Small Business Owner Returns to Discuss Stimulus Package</title><link>http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_36839.html</link><description>When Bob McCutcheon was invited to the White House in February to attend the bill-signing ceremony for the economic stimulus package passed by Congress, he described the event as a once-in-a-lifetime experience. But less than two months later, he's back at the White House to discuss the effect the stimulus plan will have on his business. </description><pubDate>Mon, 07 Apr 2008 00:00:00 PST
</pubDate></item><item><title>April/May 2008 Maryland MyVOICE</title><link>http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_36644.html</link><description>Special NFIB/Maryland member report on healthcare, taxes and umemployment insurance, April/May 2008.</description><pubDate>Fri, 28 Mar 2008 00:00:00 PST
</pubDate></item><item><title>Stop Lawmakers From Micromanaging Your Business</title><link>http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_36624.html</link><description>&lt;I&gt;Take action NOW to defeat HB 40 and SB 344, known as the Flexible Leave Act.&lt;/i&gt; The bill requires employers that offer any kind of leave policy to allow employees to use it to care for a sick immediate family member. While many small businesses make every effort to accommodate valuable employees during times of need or crisis, this legislation is an attempt by state government to micromanage your business and the relationship you build with your employees. </description><pubDate>Tue, 25 Mar 2008 00:00:00 PST
</pubDate></item><item><title>Small Business Wants Tech Tax Repeal</title><link>http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_36516.html</link><description>Small business owners from across Maryland traveled to Annapolis with a simple message for lawmakers: Repeal the tech tax. </description><pubDate>Wed, 12 Mar 2008 00:00:00 PST
</pubDate></item><item><title>States Tackle Small Business Issues</title><link>http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_36444.html</link><description>With the state legislatures in full swing, small business owners across the country are more tuned in than ever to issues affecting their companies' livelihood. As lawmakers discuss hot-button topics like healthcare, taxes and immigration, NFIB looks at what small business owners are focusing on in the states.</description><pubDate>Thu, 06 Mar 2008 00:00:00 PST
</pubDate></item><item><title>Legislators to Vote on Unemployment Benefits for Part-Time Workers</title><link>http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_36433.html</link><description>The Maryland General Assembly is poised to pass legislation extending unemployment benefits to part-time employees -- resulting in significantly higher unemployment insurance costs for small business owners throughout the state. Please contact your state senator and delegates and ask them to vote against SB 328 and HB 627. </description><pubDate>Mon, 03 Mar 2008 00:00:00 PST
</pubDate></item><item><title>Employer Mandates in Maryland</title><link>http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_26543.html</link><description>There are several legislative proposals that will seek to impose new and expanded mandates on small business owners.</description><pubDate>Tue, 26 Feb 2008 00:00:00 PST
</pubDate></item><item><title>Local Taxing Authority in Maryland</title><link>http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_26545.html</link><description>There is a movement by several county and local governments to seek expanded taxing authority from the Maryland General Assembly. </description><pubDate>Tue, 26 Feb 2008 00:00:00 PST
</pubDate></item><item><title>Healthcare in Maryland</title><link>http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_26546.html</link><description>Employers and employees are again faced with double-digit increases on their healthcare insurance premiums. NFIB remains committed to supporting legislation that seeks to provide relief and will oppose legislation that seeks to add additional cost to the healthcare delivery system.  </description><pubDate>Tue, 26 Feb 2008 00:00:00 PST
</pubDate></item><item><title>Taxes on Services in Maryland</title><link>http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_32271.html</link><description>Maryland is faxing a structural deficit. Some lawmakers are looking for new tax revenue, from corporate tax increases to the expansion of sales tax to services. The new taxable services would include vehicle repairs, parking, storage, tax preparation, direct mail, printing brokerage, employment agency and temporary help, among many others. The costs to business associated with this legislation are enormous.    </description><pubDate>Tue, 26 Feb 2008 00:00:00 PST
</pubDate></item><item><title>Unemployment Insurance</title><link>http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_36337.html</link><description>Maryland is faxing a structural deficit. Some lawmakers are looking for new tax revenue, from corporate tax increases to the expansion of sales tax to services. The new taxable services would include vehicle repairs, parking, storage, tax preparation, direct mail, printing brokerage, employment agency and temporary help, among many others. The costs to business associated with this legislation are enormous.    </description><pubDate>Tue, 26 Feb 2008 00:00:00 PST
</pubDate></item><item><title>Maryland NFIB Members Attend Bill Signing of the Economic Stimulus Package</title><link>http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_36241.html</link><description>Small-business owners that plan to take advantage of  the tax incentives included in H.R. 5140, The Recovery Rebates and Economic Stimulus for the American People Act of 2008, were in attendance Wednesday as President Bush signed the bill into law. </description><pubDate>Wed, 13 Feb 2008 00:00:00 PST
</pubDate></item><item><title>Join the Fight Against the Computer Service Tax</title><link>http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_36407.html</link><description>During the special session, the Maryland General Assembly passed and the governor signed legislation that expands the sales tax to computer services. The tax is scheduled to take effect July 1, 2008, and is projected to raise over $220 million in new revenue; 80 percent of which is expected to be paid by small business owners.</description><pubDate>Sat, 09 Feb 2008 00:00:00 PST
</pubDate></item><item><title>Congressman Al Wynn Radio Ad</title><link>http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_36092.html</link><description>Congressman Al Wynn is a strong ally for Maryland small-business owners, especially when it comes to helping you gain increased access to affordable health care. Wynn is working hard for legislation that would allow small businesses access to cheaper, FDA-approved perscription drugs so that you can keep more of your money invested in your business.</description><pubDate>Mon, 04 Feb 2008 00:00:00 PST
</pubDate></item><item><title>February/March 2008 Maryland MyVOICE</title><link>http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_35937.html</link><description>Special NFIB/Maryland member report on taxes and activism, February/March 2008.</description><pubDate>Thu, 31 Jan 2008 00:00:00 PST
</pubDate></item><item><title>Statement From NFIB on the Estate Tax Before the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee</title><link>http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_36012.html</link><description>The death tax or "estate tax" affects all Americans, especially small-business owners and farmers. NFIB supports full repeal of the death tax at the federal level, and we support legislation pending before the Maryland General Assembly and other efforts that would eliminate the tax and protect small-business owners, farmers and their families during the unfortunate time of death.</description><pubDate>Wed, 30 Jan 2008 00:00:00 PST
</pubDate></item><item><title>Register for 2008 NFIB Summit</title><link>http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_35894.html</link><description>Register today for the 2008 NFIB National Small-Business Summit! NFIB and eBay have joined forces to create an event you won't want to miss. At the Summit, you'll interact with policymakers, business leaders and fellow entrepreneurs while sharing your experiences and finding new ideas to boost your business. </description><pubDate>Tue, 29 Jan 2008 00:00:00 PST
</pubDate></item><item><title>Workers' Compensation in Maryland</title><link>http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_26542.html</link><description>The rising cost of workers' compensation insurance is a steady and growing concern for Maryland's small business community. The premium increases are due to rises in medical costs and permanent partial disability awards, despite decreases in the frequency and severity of workplace injuries.</description><pubDate>Thu, 24 Jan 2008 00:00:00 PST
</pubDate></item><item><title>Civil Liability in Maryland</title><link>http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_32069.html</link><description>We strongly believe lawsuit abuse is a major problem for the small-business community. Maryland's laws governing contributory negligence and punitive damages encourage economic development in our state, and should be preserved. However, laws on medical liability threaten access to health care and latent disease liability laws expose Maryland businesses to unreasonable damages.</description><pubDate>Thu, 24 Jan 2008 00:00:00 PST
</pubDate></item><item><title>December/January 2008 Maryland MyVOICE</title><link>http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_35380.html</link><description>Special NFIB/Maryland member report on looking ahead to 2008 and getting involved, December/January 2008.</description><pubDate>Fri, 30 Nov 2007 00:00:00 PST
</pubDate></item><item><title>Help Defeat Government-Mandated Sick Leave: Share Your Story</title><link>http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_35302.html</link><description>Small business owners value their employees and understand that we all have family obligations. </description><pubDate>Mon, 12 Nov 2007 00:00:00 PST
</pubDate></item><item><title>Small-Business Owners Slam Tax Proposals</title><link>http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_35274.html</link><description>Small-business owners testified at the State House the day after Halloween to remind lawmakers of just how scary some of the tax increases being debated in Annapolis would be for small business.</description><pubDate>Thu, 01 Nov 2007 00:00:00 PST
</pubDate></item><item><title>Tax Increases</title><link>http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_35225.html</link><description>The Maryland General Assembly began a special session Monday, Oct. 29, to address Gov. O'Malley's proposed $1.7 billion tax increase. The plan calls for a higher sales tax, higher income taxes, higher corporate taxes and a new sales tax on services. These proposals will have a negative impact on every small-business owner in Maryland, and we need your help to stop them from being passed!</description><pubDate>Tue, 30 Oct 2007 00:00:00 PST
</pubDate></item><item><title>SBA 2007 State Small Business Profile: Maryland</title><link>http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_35186.html</link><description>The U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Advocacy has compiled the 2007 Small Business Profile for Maryland.</description><pubDate>Mon, 29 Oct 2007 00:00:00 PST
</pubDate></item><item><title>Small Businesses Targeted for Higher Taxes</title><link>http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_35163.html</link><description>As legislators debate Gov. O'Malley's proposals to close a projected $1.7 billion dollar budget deficit, small-business owners are in the cross-hairs of some politicians who want to balance the budget on the backs of the hardworking employers of Maryland. </description><pubDate>Fri, 26 Oct 2007 00:00:00 PST
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