http://www.nfib.com/Keep up with the latest news, politics and events for small business in Rhode Island.en-usEM3 iOnwebmaster@nfib.orghttp://www.nfib.com/object/IO_36949.htmlRhode Island continues to be the only state nationally that prohibits private sector employers from paying wage earners bi-weekly.Tue, 01 Apr 2008 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_36950.htmlLegislation was enacted that would increase the state's minimum wage to $7.75 effective Jan. 1, 2008, and to $8 effective Jan. 1, 2009. Presently our state has the one of the highest minimum wages in the nation. This bill also includes an annual COLA.Tue, 01 Apr 2008 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_36951.htmlSeveral bills are expected to be introduced that would restrict the taking of private property by government and giving it to private developers for economic development.Tue, 01 Apr 2008 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_36964.htmlSeveral years ago, NFIB/Rhode Island played a lead role in support of legislation enacted to phase out the notorious motor vehicle excise and retail inventory tax.Tue, 01 Apr 2008 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_36965.htmlSeveral bills are introduced every year by special interest groups to mandate that certain health benefits be covered by all health insurance carriers. These hearings can be very emotional, especially taking into consideration the personal side. These bills are considered without actuarial study or review as to their cost and efficiency. Mandates do add significantly to the cost of health insurance.Tue, 01 Apr 2008 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_36966.htmlTwenty-six states and the District of Columbia allow vendor discounts as compensation for the time and effort expended in collecting, reporting and remitting sales tax i.e., a collection of taxes for the state without commission. But, the state gives its lottery retailers a commission for lottery sales. The cost of this legislation has been a stumbling block.Tue, 01 Apr 2008 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_36680.htmlSpecial NFIB member report on small business issues such as living wage, sales tax and state budget, April/May 2008.Fri, 28 Mar 2008 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_36596.htmlThe House Finance Committee has rescheduled a hearing on H-7950, legislation that would raise a myriad of new and higher taxes on small business owners for Wednesday, March 26, at approximately 4:30 p.m. in Room 35, State House. Make you opposition heard by attending this hearing and contacting your legislator.Fri, 21 Mar 2008 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_36502.htmlThe Senate Health and Human Services Committee will consider Senate Bill 2686, a bill that would mandate an 8 percent payroll tax on ALL Rhode Island employers with more than 10 employees, on Wednesday, March 19. Tue, 18 Mar 2008 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_36501.htmlHouse bills 7907 and 7908 would eliminate independent contractor status in our state by making everyone an employee. Tue, 11 Mar 2008 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_36010.htmlSpecial NFIB member report on small-business issues such as regulatory flexibility and the state budget, February/March 2008.Thu, 31 Jan 2008 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_35894.htmlRegister 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. Tue, 29 Jan 2008 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_35418.htmlSpecial NFIB member report on small-business issues such as health care, the 2008 Small-Business Summit and YEF awards, December/January 2008.Fri, 30 Nov 2007 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_35127.htmlDespite ill-informed rhetoric that often cites the federal death tax as only affecting wealthy people, this tax affects all Americans, and it strikes no one harder than the small-business community.Tue, 23 Oct 2007 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_34930.htmlSpecial NFIB member report on small-business issues such as health care, the state budget and property taxes in Rhode Island, October/November 2007.Fri, 28 Sep 2007 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_34368.htmlIn the late hours of the legislative session, there was considerable support for regulatory reform of the State Fire Code; however, amendments were not enacted in the end. The State Fire Safety Code Board of Appeals may be asked to adopt many of the reforms which we supported. You are encouraged to urge your legislators to demand that reforms to the flawed fire code be passed.Wed, 19 Sep 2007 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_34806.htmlWe are pleased to inform you that following members of NFIB/Rhode Island Leadership Council have been appointed by Gov. Donald L. CarcieriWed, 19 Sep 2007 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_34367.htmlNFIB/Rhode Island opposed legislation (H-6182) that proposed to establish requirements for contractor bidding on public works contracts. Included would be a requirement that contractors and all subcontractors maintain at least one apprenticeship in active participation in a bona fide apprenticeship training program approved by the labor-dominated Apprenticeship Council of the Department of Labor and Training and must abide by the apprenticeship to journeyperson ratio for each trade, i.e. electricians, plumbers, etc.Fri, 17 Aug 2007 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_34179.htmlSpecial NFIB member report on small-business issues such as eminent domain and the sales tax on services in Rhode Island, August/September 2007.Wed, 25 Jul 2007 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_33842.htmlFri, 15 Jun 2007 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_33585.htmlSpecial NFIB member report on small-business issues such as regulatory relief and workers' compensation in Rhode Island, June/July 2007.Fri, 25 May 2007 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_33436.htmlThursday night, a bipartisan group of U.S. senators announced they had reached agreement on an immigration reform package, for which President Bush quickly announced his support. NFIB applauds the hard work that lawmakers have put into this compromise effort on a very important issue.Fri, 18 May 2007 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/2007LTmeeting.htmlWed, 25 Apr 2007 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_32238.htmlMon, 12 Feb 2007 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_32014.htmlSpecial NFIB member report on small-business issues such as identity theft, health-care reform and getting involved in Rhode Island, February/March 2007.Thu, 25 Jan 2007 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_31818.htmlAs an active member, you understand the importance of sharing your views and concerns with us. One of the most important benefits of NFIB membership is the opportunity to vote your state ballot. NFIB/Rhode Island wants to thank you for taking time to vote your member ballot and pass along the results that will shape NFIB's public policy in for 2007.Fri, 12 Jan 2007 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_31621.htmlAs 2006 comes to an end, the National Federation of Independent Business is gearing up for another year of safeguarding the interests of small business in Washington and the 50 state capitals. This provides an opportunity to review the critical victories NFIB scored on behalf of small business in 2006 and how these achievements will provide new opportunities for small businesses in 2007.Fri, 29 Dec 2006 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_31568.htmlThough the end of the year is rapidly approaching, there's still time to minimize your exposure to Uncle Sam next year. If you haven't already, consider the following ideas now to ease your tax burden.Mon, 18 Dec 2006 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_31474.htmlWed, 06 Dec 2006 00:00:00 PST