Despite the June 30^th deadline, legislators failed to pass the state budget, and negotiations have stalled after the democrat-lead House passed their version of a budget bill on July 14^th. The House and Senate have no concrete plans to address the budget shortfall and are still considering harmful proposals that could negatively impact the small business community.

Legislation we’re monitoring:

• The Pennsylvania House introduced a proposal to increase the minimum wage to $15, which is supported by Governor Shapiro. According to an economic study commissioned by NFIB, more than 104,000 jobs would be lost over the next 10 years if the minimum wage were increased to $15. TAKE ACTION: The cost of doing business is already rising drastically – let your elected officials know that you cannot afford an increased minimum wage!
• A proposal to create a mandatory statewide paid family and medical leave program, requiring all businesses to provide up to 20 weeks of paid leave. Employers would be responsible for 50% of the program’s funding, resulting in over $2 billion in additional taxes for the small business community – the largest tax increase on small businesses in the Commonwealth’s history. TAKE ACTION: Tell your lawmakers to stop saddling small businesses with unnecessary burdens like this program!

Stay tuned for more information on the Pennsylvania General Assembly’s 2025 legislative session and legislation impacting small businesses.

ICYMI: NFIB Pennsylvania State Director Greg Moreland wrote a letter to the editor in Broad + Liberty describing how the political stalemate in Harrisburg hurts small businesses. Read it here!