STATE:

Why NFIB

Take Action

Get Support

Stay Informed

Podcast Podcast

Careers Careers

Join Now

Home / News /

NFIB Continuing Challenges in 2023

September 26, 2023 Last Edit: June 5, 2025

NFIB Continuing Challenges in 2023

NFIB Challenges: Unemployment Insurance: Throughout the COVID pandemic, New York borrowed more than $10 billion from the federal government to fund the long-troubled Unemployment Insurance (UI) program. The state has not contributed any money to replenish the UI Trust Fund, resulting in the highest possible state UI taxes and increased federal taxes. Additionally, in August 2022 businesses were notified they owed an “Interest Assessment Surcharge” (IAS) on the federal loan’s interest. The 2022 IAS was $27.60 per employee and will continue to be charged annually if New York State has an outstanding debt. NFIB continues to advocate for the state to replenish the UI Trust Fund and provide much-needed UI tax relief for small businesses. COVID Sick Leave: The federal COVID-19 Emergency ended on May 11, 2023, but New York’s COVID paid sick leave law remains in effect without an end date. Employers in New York State, dependent on the size of the business, are still required to provide at least 5, and up to 14 days of job protected, paid COVID sick leave to employees who take leave because of a mandatory or precautionary order of quarantine or isolation due to COVID. This is yet another unnecessary burden on already struggling small businesses. NFIB strongly supports and is advocating for legislation to permanently end COVID-19 paid sick leave. Weekly Pay: While many businesses across the country pay on a bi-weekly schedule, anyone who qualifies as a manual worker under New York law is supposed to receive wages every week. A 2019 court ruling determined that manual workers not receiving their pay weekly were victims of wage theft. As a result, New York has seen an explosion of costly class action lawsuits, with plaintiffs being awarded liquidated damages (100% of the late wages for the last six years), attorneys’ fees, and pre-judgment interest. Settlements have reached $29 million, and these claims can be disastrous for businesses of all sizes. NFIB is leading the charge in rectifying this situation by working on legislation that will prohibit a party from filing a class action legal proceeding and remove the right to liquidated damages in the circumstance of misclassification.

Topics:

Taxes

State:

New York

Get to know NFIB

NFIB is a member-driven organization advocating on behalf of small and independent businesses nationwide.

Learn More

February 3, 2026

VA Tax Bills Would Drive Up Costs for VA Small Businesses and Families

Some lawmakers are eyeing new taxes despite a state budget surplus.

February 3, 2026

NFIB Survey Shows SC Small Business Owners Support Personal Property Tax Relief

The 2026 state member ballot also looked at lawsuit abuse and regulatory reform.

February 3, 2026

Make Your Voice Heard: Virtual Workgroup on Sales Tax on Leases

The Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Taxation, is hosting a virtual workgroup meeting to discuss the promulgation of a new sales tax rule regarding …

February 3, 2026

WATCH: What to Expect from the Colorado Legislature in 2026

Protecting the Labor Peace Act, Right to Repair, and working to eliminate credit card swipe fees on sales tax are among Colorado small business owners’ top pri…

NFIB Continuing Challenges in 2023

Related Articles