The State Director for NFIB, or the National Federation of Independent Business here in Wisconsin, testified against a bill that would punish an already struggling sector of Wisconsin’s economy: tourism.
Bill G. Smith, NFIB State Director in Wisconsin, told the Senate Committee on Education that Senate Bill 182, which would allow public schools to start fall classes before September 1, would eliminate job opportunities, reduce tax revenue, and undermine the recovery of an industry struggling to make a comeback in 2021.
If there is one sector of our state’s economy dominated by small businesses it would be tourism-related businesses. A strong tourism season drives the economies of many rural communities, provides thousands of jobs, and generates billions of dollars in state and local taxes, according to the Department of Tourism.
“The impact of tourism-related spending can be found in every corner of our state. It provides a critically important economic boost to a small business community in desperate need as it struggles toward recovery from 2020,” said Bill G. Smith, NFIB State Director in Wisconsin.”
“These are tough times for small businesses, including those that rely on tourists. Allowing schools to start earlier than September 1st shortens the tourism season and eliminates the ability of small businesses to have a full summer season. That could be a difference between these family-owned businesses earning a profit or experiencing continued economic hardships,” said Smith.
