Small business owners from across the Pine Tree State gathered in Augusta.
On March 6th, small business owners and business leaders from across Maine traveled to Augusta to advocate their positions on a wide range of issues including high taxes, the declining availability of affordable health care, energy costs and rate regulation, the new state-mandated retirement program, labor challenges, and other measures that impact the state’s business climate and affordability.
State Director David Clough kicked off the event, noting proudly that NFIB members and fellow small business owners were gathering in-person to speak with policymakers face-to-face for the first time since the pandemic, having convened successful virtual Capitol advocacy days the last three years.
NFIB member activists called on lawmakers to give serious consideration to Main Street issues as they work through this year’s budget and the remainder of the legislative session.
The NFIB-hosted event was attended by more than 40 Small Business Day participants, who heard from policy experts, including State Director Clough and NFIB Vice President of Federal Government Relations Jeff Brabant, and key legislators and state regulatory officials, and concluded with small business owners being addressed by Maine Governor Janet Mills and then participating in a robust Q&A with state’s chief executive.
“Small Business Day recognizes the importance of small business owners to our state, and it also serves as a critical reminder to lawmakers of the complex issues owners are burdened with and how legislation can worsen these challenges,” said Clough. “From tax relief to public safety to sensible regulations, including implementation of the new, expanded paid leave law, the small business agenda is essential to the sustainability of Maine’s small business owners and Main Street jobs. Small business is the backbone of Maine’s economy, Main Streets, and job growth, and we are proud of the effort and impact our members made and grateful to Gov. Mills for meeting with our activists.”
