On October 28, 2020, a small group of NFIB Virginia members participated in a virtual roundtable discussion with Governor Ralph Northam. The meeting was part of the Governor’s Economic Recovery Tour where he’s meeting with various business organizations, non-profits and community groups to address how the Commonwealth can best support workers and businesses during the economic recovery from the COVID-19 crisis.
The conversation will help the Governor and his administration while they review and determine legislative and budget priorities to help Virginia businesses recover during these troubling economic times.
After some opening remarks from Governor Northam and Dr. Megan Healy, Chief Workforce Officer, NFIB members provided information on the economic difficulties they are facing with the pandemic. One member, Keith Boitnott, spoke the Richmond Times Dispatch afterwards for an article announcing the Governor’s decision to expand eligibility for the small business Rebuild Virginia grant fund. During the call, Mr. Boitnott pointed out that while he’s experienced an 80% loss this year, he was not eligible under the previous criteria. You can read more HERE.
Several issues were discussed by members including:
–Conform state tax law to federal law to ensure any federal grant/loan amounts are not subject to state income tax.
–Build up Virginia’s unemployment trust fund with any remaining Federal CARES Act money to reduce anticipated increase in employment taxes Virginia businesses will face in 2021.
–Reject efforts to impose new mandates on small businesses such as paid sick leave.
–Refuse to make the COVID-19 Workplace Safety emergency regulations permanent.
–How to get employees back to work.
–Assistance with testing availability for employees.
