NFIB, Maryland’s leading small business advocacy organization, has released its 2021-22 legislative Voting Record. The Voting Record identifies the top issues for Maryland small business owners, tracks the votes of every legislator, and calculates a score on a scale of 100 percent. This record is a tool that allows small business owners and small business supporters to cut through the political rhetoric, so they can easily understand which Annapolis lawmakers truly support Maryland’s small businesses by analyzing their actual votes. NFIB’s Maryland State Voting Record is also a key component in NFIB’s decision to endorse incumbent legislators.

“This past legislative term showed that small business priorities were front and center throughout the last two years. Many NFIB priorities were acted upon, but some Annapolis proposals show that there are legislators who do not understand the difficulties facing our small businesses,” said Mike O’Halloran, NFIB Maryland State Director. “The General Assembly delivered on some much needed regulatory relief and tax incentives. The Senate and House Majorities, however, pushed through a terrible paid leave insurance proposal that will have a chilling effect on small business owners and employees. While Maryland still has more work to do in creating a competitive, inviting small business environment, we are pleased to see NFIB’s voice was heard, and legislators’ Voting Record scores reflect that.”

O’Halloran was quick to note that for every positive step the legislature made, there were still measures proposed and passed that wiped out that progress.

“The General Assembly still needs to find ways to create an economic climate that organically attracts small business investment and growth,” said O’Halloran. “Progress is appreciated, but small businesses need lawmakers from both parties to stay razor-focused on the many challenges and cost drivers that continue to make it difficult for small businesses to establish, operate, and grow in Maryland.”

The Voting Record examines ten key bills acted upon by both chambers of the General Assembly and one floor amendment in the House of Delegates that highlight NFIB’s small business priorities during the past two legislative sessions.

To view and download the 2021-22 NFIB Maryland Voting Record, click here.

(http://www.nfib.com/maryland/voting-record)

For nearly 80 years, NFIB has been advocating on behalf of America’s small and independent business owners, both in Washington, D.C., and in all 50 state capitals. NFIB is nonprofit, nonpartisan, and member-driven. Since our founding in 1943, NFIB has been exclusively dedicated to small and independent businesses, and remains so today. For more information, please visit nfib.com.