8 Things to Know About NFIB/OH's Small Biz Legislative Agenda for 2015

Date: January 12, 2015

In 2015, NFIB will be busy working to protect your right to own, operate and grow your small business.

Buckle your small business policy seatbelts. 
From unemployment compensation to workers’ compensation, from tax reform to civil justice reform, NFIB will be busy working on your behalf, protecting your right to own, operate and grow your small business. 
1. Workforce Development
A strong, skilled workforce is necessary to give Ohio an edge when it comes to competing in the global economy. Government should work hand in hand with the business community to understand its needs and tailor programs to meet those needs.
2. Workers’ Compensation Reform
Workers’ compensation is a significant cost of doing business in Ohio, and is often seen as an impediment to job growth and retention. Workers’ compensation continually ranks among the top three issues our members in Ohio raise when asked where state government is most in need of reform. 
3. Healthcare
Affordable and available health insurance has ranked as our members’ No. 1 issue for the last 25 years. NFIB/Ohio has continued to oppose all introduced healthcare mandates in the Ohio General Assembly as they only impact the small group market and allow ERISA and union plans to avoid these mandated coverages.
4. Unemployment Compensation
Ohio’s unemployment system is insolvent, and the state will continue to owe interest payments to the federal government if the over $1.3 billion in loans is not repaid. In order to help make the system solvent, a number of items must be accomplished to end the annual increases on Ohio employers.
5. Civil Justice Reform
NFIB has been a leader on tort reform efforts in Ohio and has seen a great deal accomplished in this area. Creating certainty for employers is instrumental in fostering a predictable, healthy business climate for retaining and attracting businesses of all sizes.
6. Employment Law Reform
Ohio’s system of handling employment discrimination suits has proven challenging for Ohio’s smallest employers. Additionally, employer mandates are particularly onerous for small businesses. The cost of compliance can be significantly higher than for larger companies. Employment law is one of the fastest growing areas of costly litigation.
7. Taxes and Fees
A competitive tax climate is critical to attracting and retaining businesses. A fee is a tax and a tax is a fee. When reforming the state tax code, government should avoid picking winners and losers.
8. State Government RefProject labor agreements eliminate competition and force the use of union labor. Ohio’s prevailing wage law limits the available work pool and drives up tprojects. 
The state’s new legislative session begins in mid-January. No bills will be issued until then. Check NFIB.com/OH regularly for updates. 
What issue matters most to your small business this year? Tell us in the comments section below.

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