The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), Maryland’s leading small business advocacy organization, released the following statement from NFIB Maryland State Director Mike O’Halloran ahead of the Maryland General Assembly convening:

“Small businesses across Maryland are managing rising business costs, staffing shortages, and burdensome government mandates. As the General Assembly convenes in Annapolis, it is essential that they focus on pro-small business policies and truly invest in Main Street. Lawmakers should avoid legislation that would exacerbate the challenges small employers are currently facing, especially any tax increase on small businesses. We look forward to working with members of the Maryland Legislature.”

NFIB’s latest research shows that small business optimism rose in December to the highest reading since June 2021 following the election. Twenty percent of owners reported that inflation was their single most important problem in operating their business (higher input and labor costs), down three points from October and surpassing labor quality as the top issue by one point.