During COVID, 22 states borrowed money from the federal government to enhance and extend unemployment benefits. 21 states have since repaid their debt. All except California.

California’s interest-only payments of almost $500 million per year have not decreased the principal. We now owe $21 billion!

— The current UI debt is larger than 20 states’ entire annual budgets.

— All employers now pay a 15% surtax that is increasing annually for each employee.

— NFIB is urging Governor Newsom to pay-down the UI debt AND we’re working to sponsor a bill that will force him to act.

It is time for California’s leaders to do the right thing and make UI debt reduction a priority! We need small business owners to take a stand for fiscal responsibility and fiscal relief from this financial debacle.

You can help us build grassroots pressure by adding your name to this petition as a nonpartisan call to action and a push for legislation to eliminate this debt.

By signing the petition, you acknowledge that you are placing your name among small business owners across the state who are urging Governor Newsom and the California Legislature to repay the state’s $21 billion debt.

Act Now. Sign Here.