NFIB Thanks Governor for his Stance Against the Costly and Unnecessary Program
NFIB, Indiana’s leading small business organization, opposes a Work Share program in Indiana and thanks Governor Holcomb for his stance against the costly and unnecessary program. The money from the federal government’s CARES Act would only fund an expensive implementation of a new government program that would only benefit a few, larger corporations.
“Let’s face it – the rollout of the Paycheck Protection Program was far from smooth and many Indiana small businesses still haven’t seen their money. Much of that money went towards big corporations, who sucked up the funds from true small businesses.” said NFIB State Director in Indiana, Barbara Quandt.
What Indiana really needs are programs like Gov. Holcomb’s Back on Track initiative, which is helping small businesses get the help they need. Last Wednesday, the governor’s PPE Marketplace went live. The marketplace connects small businesses and nonprofits with PPE so they can safely re-open. Packages include hand sanitizer, face masks and face shields. So far, the state has shipped more than 19,000 orders to small businesses throughout the state. Thanks to the Governor’s efforts, small business owners will now have the tools they need to get back to work with the proper protection for their employees.
In a 2017 NFIB survey, a majority of Indiana small business owners were opposed to the Work Share Program. It would be coupled with Indiana’s Unemployment Insurance Trust fund – something it was never intended to be used for.
“Don’t be fooled. While some say the Work Share program will save jobs, here’s what it really is: another government program that Hoosiers will be stuck paying for years to come,” said Quandt. “The real cost is in the expensive set up of the program that will only be used by a handful of big businesses. UI was created as a safety net to help workers who have lost their job through no fault of their own.”
The federal government’s CARES act would fund 50% of the benefits and some administrative costs of starting a temporary program, but if the legislature approves a permanent program the state will be stuck with the bill.
“Why are we again talking about a program that has failed to pass in several sessions with little or no support in the legislature?” said Quandt. “We don’t need another expensive program that will only be used by big corporations who can more easily absorb the costs from the COVID crisis. Our small business owners are reeling, and many will not recover. What Indiana lawmakers should be focused on is helping them get their doors open, that’s the fastest way to get Indiana’s economy back on track.”
In a recent NFIB survey, most small business owners believe it will take beyond 2020 and into the years following to get back to normal activity. A quarter of owners believe it will not be until 2022 or later before the economy returns to normal. You can read the full survey here.
