The House and Senate have returned from their Thanksgiving holiday break and are back in session. The “False Lame Duck” session has begun: After their return, there are only nine days of session remaining for 2017 (only 3 days as of today). Although the official “Lame Duck” session only occurs at the end of the two-year legislative session in December of 2018, the remaining days of 2017 will have a “Lame Duck” feel replete with marathon late-night sessions and protester rallies on the Capitol lawn (the police and fire unions staged a rally last week). This is due to the political reality that many of the more controversial issues still in play must pass by the end of this year to have a shot at becoming law because of the unwillingness of lawmakers to take a tough vote on them in an election year (2018). The biggest issue dominating the rest of 2017 session will be efforts to get control of underfunded municipal pension and benefit programs. More on that HERE.

 

“The stage is already being set for 2018 with several ballot proposals that will be in play”

However, the stage is already being set for 2018 with several ballot proposals that will be in play. Two of them (minimum wage and mandated paid leave – story HERE) we will be working to oppose and one of them we will be supporting (prevailing wage repeal – story HERE).

 

As always there are many other important issues and challenges for small business and NFIB will be on guard to protect your right to own, operate, and grow your business in the remainder of this year and beyond.

 

May you and your family have a blessed holiday season!