NFIB State Director Leah Long said today that tax relief, workforce development and protecting small businesses from costly government mandates will be the organization’s top priorities when the Louisiana Legislature gavels into session on March 9.

“Our members are urging their lawmakers to stay focused on spending, reducing the income tax, and avoidingb new mandates that drive up the cost of doing business in Louisiana,” Long said.

“Reducing and eliminating the income tax would be a game changer for small businesses,” she said. “Small businesses already operate on tight margins. Easing the financial burden on Main Street businesses would enable them to grow and invest in their communities.”

Long said workforce development is another important issue for Louisiana small business owners. The most recent NFIB Small Business Economic Trends survey found that labor quality ranks second only to tax as the most important issue facing small businesses.

“Our members want practical solutions that help people get the training they need for good-paying jobs,” she said.

Other legislative priorities include:

• Protecting Employers from State Mandates. NFIB opposes new mandates that increase costs and limit flexibility for small employers. “Every new mandate adds pressure to already tight budgets,” Long said. “Lawmakers should be careful not to create more red tape.”
• Workers’ Compensation Reform. Long said small businesses need a fair and predictable system is critical to protecting injured workers while keeping costs manageable for employers.
• Stopping Lawsuit Abuse “Rising insurance costs and excessive litigation continue to burden small businesses and drive up prices,“ she said.

“Small businesses are the backbone of Louisiana’s economy,” Long said. “When lawmakers support small businesses, they support communities across our state.”