Governor Greg Abbott and Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick were sworn in on January 20 at a ceremony on the south steps of the Texas Capitol.
As the Legislature continues its business, NFIB will keep you informed of issues that matter to your business.
Here are three issues NFIB is tracking with special attention:
1. Minimum Wage
“The minimum wage is a ‘starting wage’ and increasing it will hurt the very people it aims to help – young, entry level workers who will no longer have the skills to qualify for higher paying jobs,” said NFIB Texas State Director Will Newton. “A previous study by the NFIB Research Foundation found that nearly 50 percent of the time, small business owners would lay off employees, cut hours, or leave vacancies open. Many small business owners will consider price increases to compensate for increased wage costs. The truth is that employees pay for the minimum wage increase in the form of fewer hours, lost jobs and benefits, and increased living costs.”
2. Franchise Tax
Newton said lawmakers should “phase out the franchise tax or continue to increase small business exemptions and make them permanent.”
3. Employer Mandates
“NFIB is against anything that further adds to the already numerous employer mandates, or to employer liability,” Newton says.
What are four things NFIB members can do to ensure your voice is heard, loud and clear?
Attend the 2015 Small Business Day at the Capitol;
- Attend Small Business Day at the Capitol;
- Write or call your legislators;
- Be available to share your personal testimony at the Capitol; and
- Inform the NFIB/Texas office of any other issues that impact your business.
Question: What small business issues do you want the legislature to address in 2015?
