NFIB State Director Rosemary Elebash says workforce development will be one of the organization’s top priorities in this year’s session of the Alabama Legislature, which begins on Tuesday.

“Finding qualified applicants has become one of the most stubborn challenges facing Alabama’s small businesses,” Elebash said. “Our members will continue to urge legislators to develop solutions that help prepare people to enter the workforce and fill the positions that are available.”

One key concern is Alabama’s labor force participation rate, which stood at 57.7% in December—significantly below the national average of 62.5%. Addressing this gap will be essential to ensuring small businesses have access to the workers they need to thrive, Elebash said.

NFIB will advocate for policies that strengthen workforce training programs, expand career readiness initiatives, and remove barriers to employment. “Alabama lawmakers have a real opportunity to help small businesses grow by making workforce development a priority in this year’s session,” Elebash said.

Other issues

Unlike other business groups, the National Federation of Independent Business’ positions on public policy are based solely on input from its members. The NFIB member ballot is a crucial part of that process.

This year’s Alabama ballot showed that 70% of members agreed that Alabama prevent local governments from imposing new regulations on businesses beyond the existing federal OSHA standards for workers performing duties in hot or cold temperatures.

Seventy-two percent agreed that Alabama reform the civil liability laws to allow for more transparency in evidence admissibility, advertising, and litigation financing.

Finally, 78% disagreed that small businesses should be required to implement workplace violence prevention plans and training. “Our members believe in the need for safe workplaces, but mandated training raises questions about cost and who would pay for it,” Elebash said.