NFIB State Director Leah Long today welcomed Gov. Jeff Landry’s focus on workforce development and tax policy in his State of the State address and urged lawmakers to continue addressing Louisiana’s insurance costs and legal climate during the legislative session. Landry spoke Monday on the first day of the legislative session.

“Small business owners appreciate the governor’s focus on workforce development and reducing the tax burden,” Long said. “Both are critical to helping Louisiana’s small businesses grow and compete.”

Long said lawmakers should also continue working to address the factors driving Louisiana’s high insurance costs such as reducing frivolous lawsuit.“Small business owners know how costly lawsuit abuse can be,” Long said. “For many small businesses in Louisiana, high insurance costs are already a major burden and continue to put pressure on Main Street employers.

“Defending even a single lawsuit can cost thousands of dollars, even when the claims have little merit,” she said. “That kind of legal exposure can be devastating for a small business operating on a tight budget.”

Long said NFIB also strongly supports the legislature’s efforts to strengthen workforce development, streamline government to meet the demands of a modern economy, and eliminate the state income tax.

“When you reduce the cost of doing business, you give small businesses a real chance to grow,” Long said. “Louisiana has a real opportunity this session to make the state a better place for small businesses.”