Lawmakers should be laser-focused on policies that lead to economic growth
Montpelier, January 7, 2020 — As the legislature convenes today in Montpelier, there are many legislative initiatives that will increase the cost of doing business and hinder the owner’s ability to operate and to succeed. NFIB, representing hundreds of small businesses across the state, will be closely monitoring these bills and explaining the consequences to lawmakers. More than half of the Vermont workforce is employed by small businesses (63.3%), and there are 77,615 small businesses in the state.
“The Legislature needs to be laser-focused on policies that lead to economic growth, rather than adding more costs for Vermont’s small business sector,” said Shawn Shouldice, state director of NFIB in Vermont. “The conversations about expanding paid leave funded with a payroll tax, artificially increasing Vermont’s base wage, double-digit property tax increases, fuel taxes and higher health insurance premiums have our members very concerned.”
“With more and more Vermonters seeking greener pastures, placing more financial pressure on the state’s small businesses is endangering job creation and the ability for workers to meet their financial needs,” added Shouldice.
###
