NFIB members from across the state pressed for small business personal property tax relief, additional tort reform, and stronger regulatory review at this year’s Small Business Day at the Capitol. The event took place on April 30 at the South Carolina State House.

“Small Business Day gives our members a chance to meet face-to-face with lawmakers and explain how public policy affects their ability to operate and grow,” NFIB State Director Ben Homeyer said. “We want legislators to understand what’s at stake for Main Street businesses across South Carolina.”

Top priorities for NFIB members included:

• Reducing the small business personal property tax. “Small business owners already pay sales tax when they buy equipment, furniture, and fixtures,” Homeyer said. “They should not have to pay taxes on those same items year after year. House Bill 5006 would cut both the tax burden and the paperwork.”
• Improving regulatory oversight. “Small businesses don’t have teams of lawyers or compliance staff to manage complex rules,” Homeyer said. “House Bill 3021 would require state agencies to review the cost of regulations and regularly update or remove outdated rules.”

Following the presentation outside the State House, small business owners met with their local legislators to discuss the issues affecting their businesses and their employees.