ANNAPOLIS (Jan. 11, 2023) – As Maryland’s 445th General Assembly gaveled into session today, NFIB State Director Mike O’Halloran issued the following statement urging legislators to keep small businesses’ interests in mind:

“Small business is the backbone of Maryland’s economy, anchoring Main Streets across the state and creating a majority of all net new jobs. There is much work to be done to ensure small businesses in Maryland can thrive. Local job creators continue to pay an inequitable and onerous share of the tax burden and face a myriad of challenges from inflation to supply chain issues.

“Further, new threats and burdens loom on the legislative agenda. Namely, an acceleration of the state’s minimum wage, which will exacerbate inflation and endanger a still fragile Main Street recovery. We stand ready to work with Governor-elect Moore, his cabinet members, and the Senate and House to adopt policies that help improve the business environment for small businesses in Maryland.”