NFIB

House Passes Reform that is Unhealthy for Massachusetts

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.

Economic Summit Should Spur Action to Improve Climate for Small Business

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

To truly jumpstart our economy and create jobs, we've got to lower the crushing cost of doing business in Massachusetts, especially for small business. The rising cost of healthcare, the tax burden and a myriad of Massachusetts-only regulations make our state one of the least friendly in the nation to entrepreneurs and job providers.

Budget Back in the Red as Unemployment Climbs Higher

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Bad economic news continues to wreak havoc with the FY 10 state budget now just four months old but showing at least a $600 million deficit despite (or may be in part because of) a 25% hike and expansion of sales taxes. Incredibly, the legislature may be considering increasing taxes again to improve revenues to the state.

Take Action! Tell Legislators to Oppose Paid Sick Leave Mandate

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

We need your help to stop legislation that would establish a paid sick leave mandate on Massachusetts' small businesses. Legislation currently under consideration on Beacon Hill will impose a one-size-fits-all mandate on all businesses in Massachusetts and have a huge impact on the cost of doing business in the Bay State.

NFIB Backs Efforts to Prevent Eminent Domain Abuse

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In the wake of the controversial U.S. Supreme Court decision in 2005, most states have taken action to restrict governmental takings of private property for economic development, commercial enterprise, or private use.

Department of Revenue Making Surprise Sales Tax Inspections

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

NFIB members have reported to the state office that Massachusetts Department of Revenue agents are making spot checks on local businesses across the state in search of sales tax certificates.

NFIB Testifies Against Family Leave Mandate

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Mandated family leave programs significantly impact productivity and operations in small businesses where one employee constitutes 20% of the workforce in many small businesses and benefits cover nearly one quarter of the year.

Final Data Security Regulations Expected Soon

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

On March 1, 2010, all Massachusetts businesses will be required by state regulation to have a written plan to protect their customers' personal information and to implement the plan.

Policymakers Continue to Review Proposals to Contain Healthcare Costs

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Proposals to freeze rates for providers, control premiums paid by small businesses, and allow small businesses to form group buying cooperatives have renewed focus on the cost of health insurance for small business owners and workers.

NFIB Testifies on Farming and Right to Repair Legislation

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

During the first two weeks of September, we testified in support of legislation on behalf of two key industry groups: farms and auto repair shops

Legislation on Cell Phone Use Expected

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Use of cell phones is an important part of doing business for many small business owners. Future legislation may focus on cell phone use and texting while driving, and small business owners should remain alert to those proposals.

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.

New Hampshire Retailers Cannot be Forced to Collect MA Sales Tax

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled that the MA Department of Revenue cannot force a New Hampshire retailer to collect sales or use taxes on tires sold to Massachusetts residents.

Unemployment Ticking Up with 2800 Jobs Lost Last Month

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Local unemployment statistics will likely show higher unemployment rates in certain hard hit areas, like New Bedford, Fitchburg and Pittsfield.

As Jobs Picture Weakens, so Does State Budget

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

With the number of jobs down more than 100,000 in the past year, Massachusetts' unemployment rate was 8.6% in June. The slowdown has left the state with a FY 2009 deficit of $180 million and a July shortfall of $24 million.

New Data Security Regulations Proposed

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The new rules were written after business groups complained about prior drafts that would have required most small businesses to make expensive computer changes to improve security.

UI Premiums Expected to Increase $200 per Employee

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The surge in unemployment and resulting stress to the state's unemployment insurance fund means UI premiums will likely increase an average of $200 per employee per year.

Beacon Hill Report - August Recess and Looking Ahead

Wed, 05 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Legislature has left on its traditional August recess from formal sessions but the legitimate concerns of small business owners about state government affecting their businesses remain

Charlie Baker Addresses Healthcare Costs for Small Business with NFIB members on Cape Cod

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

We held an Area Action Council meeting July 30 on Cape Cod to discuss the troubling issue of healthcare costs for small businesses in Massachusetts. The keynote speaker was former Harvard Pilgrim CEO Charlie Baker.

Beacon Hill Report - July 13, 2009

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As the unemployment rate continues to increase, the state's revenues will continue to lag as well, creating more and more budget problems for the state and for cities and towns. Lesson from 1989-90: the state can never increase broad-based taxes enough to balance its budget in a recession; the increased taxes deepen the recession statewide rather than lessen its impact. Will they ever learn?