NFIB

Tax Reform Veto Certified for June Ballot

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Enough signatures have been collected to give Maine voters the chance in June to approve or reject the tax reform law that was enacted earlier this year.

House Passes Reform that is Unhealthy for Maine

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Instead of making healthcare more affordable, H.R. 3962 imposes more costs through its expensive employer mandates, punitive payroll taxes and a new government-run program.

Paid Sick Leave, UI Workshare on Deck in 2010

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Legislation to mandate paid sick leave and allow employees to work reduced hours while collecting partial unemployment benefits are two of the hot issues expected to be introduced next year.

Maine Small Business Owners Support TABOR Reforms

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A survey of Maine members of the National Federation of Independent Business shows 79 percent of small business owners across the state support the TABOR proposal on the ballot this fall to place a cap on the growth of state government spending.

NFIB Members Support TABOR II Proposal

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This latest Taxpayer Bill of Rights proposal limits growth in annual state spending in the General Fund, Highway Fund, and Other Special Revenue Funds to the rate of increase in population and inflation.

Paid Sick Leave Advocates Using Swine Flu to Rekindle Debate

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

NFIB joined other business groups in defeating a paid sick leave proposal in 2008, but advocates are using coverage of the swine flu to push legislation again in 2010.

NFIB Members Divided On Excise Tax Proposal

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

NFIB members were mixed in their views on the proposal to cut the motor vehicle excise tax that is on the November ballot. Members were almost equally divided, with 48% supporting the proposal and 47% opposed.

Are Tax Increases and Healthcare Costs Threatening Your Bottom Line?

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

We will be hosting meetings in Bangor and Rockland to update area business owners on the issues affecting small business owners in Augusta and Washington, D.C.

New "Piglet Book" Identifies Questionable State Spending

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Billed as "the book Augusta doesn't want you to read," the Maine Heritage Policy Center has released the 2009 edition of its popular "Piglet Book" that identifies specific state budget items that may be reduced or eliminated.

Tax Reform Law Suspended

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Over 60,000 signatures were filed to place the controversial tax reform law passed earlier this year on the June 2010 ballot for voter approval or rejection. NFIB members overwhelmingly opposed the legislation when it was rammed through the Legislature and signed into law this summer.

Maine Public Health Official Issues H1N1 Flu Advice for Business

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As a small business owner, you do not want to be caught unprepared when the flu season hits. There are steps you can take now, and during the flu season, to help protect the health of your employees.

Small Business Asks President Obama to Support Reforms that Help, not Harm

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

NFIB head says president can choose to stand with small businesses who need healthcare reform.

Fight the Employee 'Forced' Choice Act in Auburn on September 11

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

NFIB strongly opposes the deceptively named Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) or "card check" because it mandates employers recognize labor unions without first holding a private-ballot employee election.

'Still Fed Up with Taxes' Veto Effort Gathering Signatures

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The NFIB Maine SAFE Trust PAC has made a contribution to the effort to gather 55,087 valid signatures so that the tax reform law that extended the sales tax to services can be placed on the ballot for voter approval or rejection.

Sales Tax Changes Seminars Scheduled

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Maine Revenue Services has scheduled 26 seminars throughout the state on the sales tax changes scheduled to take effect in January. The seminars start August 31 in Augusta and end October 22 in Houlton.

Independent Contractor Law Changed

Wed, 05 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Independent contractors on construction projects will face new requirements under a new law with the support of building and construction associations, unions and Maine Employers Mutual Insurance Company.

Maine Legislative Update July 16, 2009

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The biggest change in Maine tax law since 1969 was pushed through the legislature and signed by the governor in the waning days of the 2009 session. Over the strong objection of many in the business community-including overwhelming opposition from our members-the bill was signed into law.

Tax Reform- A List of Tax Changes That Will Affect Your Business Starting January 1, 2010

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Following is an outline of the tax reform law enacted by the legislature and signed by the governor in June 2009. The income tax changes are substantial and somewhat complicated. The outline may be particularly useful for its listing of services that now will be subject to the 5% sales and use tax beginning January 1, 2010.

Coalition Urges Governor Baldacci to Veto Tax Reform Legislation

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

We have joined forces with a coalition of other business groups to urge Governor Baldacci to veto tax reform legislation rushed through the Legislature in under 24 hours. The Legislature acted too quickly when it enacted within a span of 24 hours the most major change in Maine tax law in 40 years, leaving up in the air many unknown effects and unresolved questions.

Maine Legislative Update June 9, 2009

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Senate and House are scheduled to meet Monday-Friday this week and possibly Saturday, as the session heads toward adjournment. Key tasks remaining include enactment of the Highway Budget and agreement on bonds to present to voters for approval. We are urging the governor to veto tax reform legislation jammed through the Statehouse in 24 hours.