VT Small Business Policy News & Information

The latest news and information from NFIB in Washington, D.C., and in Vermont.

NFIB Vermont Calls Last-Minute Budget Deal a Tax HikeDirector Shawn Shouldice today said that a last-minute deal between legislators to cap income tax deductions for some Vermonters is a tax hike aimed straight at small businesses.
VT Legislature Pushes toward AdjournmentKey issues: $10 million tax package, gas tax, paid sick leave, flexible hours/equal pay, education.
VT Legislative Update and Call To ActionIssue update and action needed: unemployment insurance, tax debate, a change to the estate tax, and a health care.
VT Legislative Action Needed Today! Paid Leave HearingTAKE ACTION! Please fax a note on why you oppose mandatory paid leave on your businesses letterhead to the NFIB/VT office 802-223-9162. We will deliver your message.
Vermont Small Business Owners Say $140 Million in Taxes Will Damage EconomyNFIB members say sales tax expansion, gas tax and property tax will dampen consumer demand and hurt Vermont’s economy.
VT Health Insurance MeetingsAttend free educational meetings about the new health insurance reform and hear directly from Vermont providers. RSVP today!
Vermont Legislative Update and Future Health Insurance CostsTax bill and equal pay legislation advances, Reach-Up welfare program update and and is the new health care changes still on track.
Vermont Overwhelming Opposed to Gas Tax HikeSmall business owners in Vermont overwhelmingly oppose raising the gas tax as a way to pay for transportation improvements, according to a new NFIB survey.
NFIB/Vermont Member weighs-inSmall business owner health care op-ed.
Vermont, Under the Dome in MontpelierLegislative action items and issue update: Catamount Employer Assessment, Equal Pay Absolutely, Paid Leave Bill, Property Taxes.
Vermont Small Business Day and Health Care ForumsAttend NFIB/VT's annual Small Business Day Tuesday, March 26 and participate in one of our upcoming Health Care Forums
Vermont Health Care Reform; as the World ChurnsNFIB/VT continued to express strong concern over the uncertainty surrounding health care reform, the implementation of the Vermont Health Care Exchange, out of pocket costs, premiums, benefits and how the single payer plan will be financed.
Vermont Mid-Session Legislative UpdateThis week, marks the mid-point of the 2013 legislative session. Learn what's happening on health care reform, clean energy proposals, food labeling taxes on heating fuels, gas and property, and unfounded liabilities.
Vermont Legislation of InterestProgressive Tax Proposals, Cloud Tax, Gas Tax, Independent Contractor legislation and Wind Moratorium.
Vermont Health CareNFIB sponsored forums, Catamount Assessment and healthcare costs
Vermont Governor Shumlin's Budget AddressDuring his Budget Address to the Legislature on January 24, Governor Peter Shumlin laid out a fairly sobering picture of Vermont's finances and indicated that it would be a year for making tough budget choices. Shumlin's $5.34 billion proposed budget for fiscal year 2014, represents a 4.5% increase over fiscal year 2013 and a 9.2% over fiscal year $4.9 million budget in 2012.
Vermont Legislative UpdateSave the date for NFIB/VT's annual Small Business Day and learn about key legislative issues: paid leave, equal pay and unemployment insurance.
Vermont’s Health Care Reform Plan Spells Trouble for Small BusinessThe Vermont law, passed last session, requires individuals and businesses with 50 or fewer employees to purchase their insurance through the Exchange.
2013 Legislative Session UnderwayAfter all the pomp and circumstance of last week; the House and Senate committees have gotten down to work.
Climate Change - Vermont's Energy FutureThere is widespread belief that climate change and how it relates to Vermont's energy future will be a focus of the new legislative session.
Governor Shumlin's Inaugural AddressWhile delivering his Inaugural address to the newly convened Legislature on January 10, Governor Shumlin unexpectedly chose to focus exclusively on Education initiatives, rather than following a traditional gubernatorial script of focusing on a broad range of issues facing the State.
NFIB/VT 2013 Legislative PrioritiesUpdate from NFIB VT State Director Shawn Shouldice on the legislation that may impact your bottom line in 2013.
2012 Legislative Session to Commence on January 9The Vermont Legislature will convene on January 9, 2013 for a new legislative biennium. The session will open with the traditional and ceremonial events of swearing in new members and constitutional officers. Governor Shumlin will then deliver his Inaugural address and host an open house on January 10th.
Vermont Minimum Wage to Increase by 14-cents on January 1, 2013The Vermont Department of Labor has calculated the upcoming year's consumer price index (CPI) increase; effective January 1, 2013 Vermont's minimum wage rate will go to $8.60 per hour.
Make Holiday Parties Fun for Employees, Not LawyersThe NFIB Legal Center provides tips for small businesses to have great holiday parties without risking safety or lawsuits.
After Black Friday, Try Small Business SaturdayBlack Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, marks the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season and a ritual sacrifice for millions of Americans who camp in mall parking lots, sometimes at midnight, endure long lines and fight through crowded stores to find bargains on gifts for their loved ones and friends. Unbearable for some, fun for others, the great rush of shoppers into the retail market is also a vitally important, if hectic, event for the US economy.
Minimum Wage to Increase by 14-cents: 2013 Annual CPI Calculation DoneThe Vermont Department of Labor has calculated the upcoming year's consumer price index (CPI) increase; effective January 1, 2013 Vermont's minimum wage rate will go to $8.60.
Vermont Election ResultsOverall there are very few changes this election cycle. Vermont’'s three electoral votes were cast for Barack Obama before the polls closed. From the presidential race down, Vermont continues to post strong numbers in the Democrat column.
Get out and Vote on Tuesday, November 6thAs Election Day, November 6, draws closer we'd like to draw your attention to a radio as that NFIB/VT's Safe Trust is airing this week and Monday of next week.
NFIB Vermont Holds Member Event in RandolphSmall business owners from across Vermont gathered in Randolph for an evening of networking.
Check Out NFIB's 2012 State Voter Guides (Member Login Required)Election Day is here.
Vermont NFIB Backs Illuzi for AuditorDirector Shawn Shouldice announced recently that her members have backed State Senator Vince Illuzi for Auditor.
NFIB/VT Endorses Scott for Reelection as Lt. Gov.Director Shawn Shouldice recently announced NFIB's endorsement of Lt. Governor Phil Scott for reelection
Contact the Green Mountain Care Board on Health Insurance BenchmarksThe federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) require the state to establish a benefit plan that will serve as a benchmark for all other plans offered in Vermont.
Administration makes Health Care Benchmark Plan recommendationsHealth Care officials, last week, offered insight into recommendations made to Green Mountain Care Board (GMCB) on the Health Benefit Exchange Benchmark Plan.
VT Small Business Optimism Dips AgainDirector Shawn Shouldice says that small business owners in Vermont are concerned about the persistently weak US economy.
Vermont Voting Record 2011-12
Hospital Review Shines Light on Rising CostsA review of hospital budgets shows the rapidly rising cost of health care.
VT NFIB Releases Voting RecordSee how your local representatives voted on the NFIB Legislative Voting Record.
Evening with Entrepreneurs Expands Networking and DialogueNFIB Vermont recently held an Evenings with Entrepreneurs event in Bradford, VT. NFIB business owners, legislative candidates and perspective NFIB members joined State Director, Shawn Shouldice to discuss current events and legislative impacts on small businesses throughout the state.
Supreme Court Ruling Disappointing to Small BusinessThe Supreme Court's decision upholding the controversial Affordable Care Act and its heavy-handed individual mandate is a deep disappointment to small businesses everywhere, said the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB).
VT Small Business Worried About EconomyDirector Shawn Shouldice said that a recent drop in small business optimism indicates a weakening economy.
State Awaits Health Care RulingThe US Supreme Court is expected to rule on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) at any moment and Vermont's health care officials are preparing for a few outcomes – the federal law will be upheld, the individual mandate will be thrown out, or the entire law be struck down.
Election Season Begins: Slate of Primary Candidates ReleasedIn an election year, June is always frenzied with political candidates lining up to kick off the campaign season with speeches, public appearances, fundraising events, and knocking on doors in search of support.
Join Fellow Small Business Owners for an Evening of NetworkingPlease join us on Wednesday, June 20th for an exclusive networking opportunity and a chance to discuss the Vermont business climate with fellow small business owners.
Vermont's New Health Care SystemWith passage of H.559 – the Health Care Implementation Bill, this summer has been busy with informational sessions and "meetings of the minds" to determine what the health care system will look like come 2014.
Health Care Reform – How You Can Learn MoreWith the passage of the Health Care Implementation Bill, there will be a number of opportunities for you to learn more about what has been enacted and what is still to come. NFIB/VT will work to keep you updated on the latest and upcoming events. Below, you will find a list of events already scheduled, please attend to get questions answered and voice your concerns.
Vermont Legislature in Final Days of 2012 SessionNFIB VT State Director Shawn Shouldice provides an update on the final days of the legislative session and what pieces of legislation will impact your business.
NFIB Letter to the Senate Finance Committee on the Health Care Reform Implementation BillNFIB Vermont State Director Shawn Shouldice submitted a letter on behalf of small business owners to the Senate Finance Committee regarding the VT Health Care Reform Implementation Bill.
Vermont Legislature Aiming for AdjournmentIt's a veritable hit parade this session, but the tunes aren't music to the ears of Vermont's small businesses.

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