And proposed labor mandates will devastate small businesses, hurt workers, and the state economy
HARRISBURG, PA (February 6, 2018) – The Executive State Director of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) Pennsylvania today warned Gov. Wolf is doing nothing in his 2018-19 budget proposal to address significant economic threats facing our state. At the same time, the governor’s budget speech was silent on proposed costly labor mandates that will cripple many Pennsylvania small businesses.
“Working Pennsylvanian’s are leaving the state in droves, and they are taking their paychecks and purchasing power with them,” said Kevin Shivers, executive state director for NFIB PA, citing Pennsylvania IFO and IRS data showing an outmigration of 80,000 Pennsylvania workers over the next decade. “This is a grave concern for the economic health of our state. Gov. Wolf didn’t mention it today or devise a plan to solve it.
In today’s budget address, Gov. Wolf said he wanted to help businesses grow and attract new businesses to Pennsylvania. But Shivers noted the Governor’s words and his actions are at odds.
“Nationally, small-business optimism has reached an all-time high as companies look to expand, hire and increase wages,” Shivers continued. “Gov. Wolf seems resolved to halt that growth in Pennsylvania by imposing costly labor mandates and job-crushing taxes. Pennsylvania’s unemployment rates lag well behind the national average.
“His support of a $15 minimum wage will eliminate entry-level jobs and reduce hours for workers. His proposal to raise overtime eligibility will create even more financial hardship for small-business owners and force thousands of workers back to punching a time clock.
“Gov. Wolf’s recent action to reverse full expensing rules allowed under the new Tax Cuts and Jobs Act on equipment and capital investments at the state level is foolhardy. It’s time for our governor to stop putting the brakes on the economic recovery in Pennsylvania and start giving more than lip service to small businesses and their employees so Pennsylvania can prosper.”
