FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SPRINGFIELD (Jan. 12, 2023) – Today, the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the nation’s leading small business advocacy association with more than 11,000 members in Illinois, articulated its opposition to newly passed legislation mandating paid leave for all employees in the Prairie State. SB 208 as passed by the General Assembly this week imposes a one-size fits all mandate on all employers; regardless of size, number of employees, revenue, nature of business, and the ability to afford a new, burdensome tax on employers. The following comments may be attributed to NFIB State Director Chris Davis:

“Small business owners are best positioned to provide flexibility and work with employees to meet their personal needs and requirements for time off. For many small business owners, their employees are like a part of the family. So, it is disheartening that Illinois Legislators characterized small business owners in such a negative way. This could not be further from the truth.

“This legislation contains a number of safe harbors and policy protections for larger employers. However, it completely fails to address the unique needs of small business owners. In 2020, small business owners were deemed ‘non-essential’ and forced to close their operations and prohibited from earning revenue. Since then, small business owners have battled inflation not seen in a generation, increased fuel and energy costs, supply chain disruptions, and an absence of qualified workers. 

“Now, on top of all of these serious threats to their businesses, they are being slapped with an employment tax that too many of them simply can’t afford. The message from Illinois lawmakers is loud and clear, ’Your small business isn’t essential.’ There is little doubt that this one additional burden will be a reason why small businesses across the state close their doors and more Main Street jobs are lost.”

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For nearly 80 years, NFIB has been advocating on behalf of America’s small and independent business owners, both in Washington, D.C., and in all 50 state capitals. NFIB is nonprofit, nonpartisan, and member-driven. Since our founding in 1943, NFIB has been exclusively dedicated to small and independent businesses, and remains so today. For more information, please visit nfib.com.