Fellow NFIB members:
I hope you all have had a chance to read the email from Dan Danner dated January 22nd. In that email there was an article by our State Director Jan Meekcoms about the upcoming legislative session in Salem and some of the bills that have a direct impact on small business.
These include
- mandated paid sick leave
- a minimum wage increase
- state run retirement plans
- and low carbon fuel standards, just to name a few.
As small business owners we need to make OUR voice heard. This can be done through different avenues:
- I encourage you to testify in Salem
- write an opinion article in your local paper
- or write your legislator.
As Jan pointed out, we have over 7,000 members in the state of Oregon. The power of your voice is strong and we need it heard, whether you are opposed or in support of an issue.
Having testified in the past, I can tell you that legislators REALLY do listen to business owners and constituents. The legislature sees the lobbyists every day, but also, they appreciate hearing about “real life” situations and specific impact on your business. Jan has a tremendous impact in Salem, and has helped tremendously in fighting for small business, but she needs our support. I am urging you to do what you can to help OUR voice be heard.
So, if you can help with talking or writing to your legislators, or if you have the time to testify, please do so. If you are not sure how to get started or how best to help, feel free to email any of us listed at the bottom of this memo, or you are free to call me at 503-653-5301.
We can’t afford to take a “wait and see” approach. We can and must effect change, the future success of small business depends on it!
Sincerely,
Steve Ferree
Chair/NFIB Oregon Leadership Council
Mr. Rooter Plumbing
