Victories
Killed Attempts to Increase the Minimum Wage and Efforts to Mandate Paid Leave, etc.
Killed Attempts to Roll Back Recent Cost-Saving Reforms to Our Workers’ Compensation Laws.
Passed Major Reform of the Unemployment Insurance System
NFIB/Kansas helped shape legislation that will move employers from an erratic, arrayed UI tax system, to a stable, fixed system. The new law, which should save positive balanced employers millions over time, will provide predictability and stability for small businesses that pay UI taxes. Additionally, the new law eliminates the indexing of weekly UI benefits. This new law eliminates the automatic spiraling and will save employers tax dollars.
Secured a “Lid” on Property Taxes
As part of the final tax package, NFIB/Kansas helped to secure a check on runaway increases in city and county property tax rates. The provision requires local voters to approve proposed city or county property tax increases under certain circumstances. This new law will give small businesses a stronger voice at the local level to weigh in on ever increasing property taxes.
Challenges
Sales Tax on Professional Services
This proposal directly increases the tax burden on many small professional services, such as lawyers, accountants and web designers. Further, it will increase the cost of doing business for small businesses who rely on these professional services.
Unemployment Insurance
Through the recession, many small businesses experienced unpredictability and volatility in the unemployment insurance (UI) system, with tax rates fluctuating significantly. Many employers continue to face significant fluctuation in their rates and need a UI system that offers more predictability and stability. In addition to fighting for stability in the system, NFIB/Kansas will continue to push for reforms that ensure unemployment benefits are paid to those who truly qualify.
Minimum Wage
Labor groups continue to fight for bills that would increase the minimum wage and index it to inflation. Like most government mandates on business, raising the minimum wage will have a deep and disproportionate impact on the small business sector.
Paid Sick Leave
Stop special interest groups that are pushing to mandate that small businesses provide special benefits like paid sick leave, mandatory vacation, and others.
