FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONCORD, NH (Jan. 20, 2026) – The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the nation’s leading small business advocacy association representing more than 1,700 members in New Hampshire, is urging lawmakers to reject a massive new payroll tax and labor mandate on small businesses. House Bill 1761 would create a state-run paid leave program that allows nearly every worker to take up to 26 weeks off per year at an estimated cost of $375 million per year.

“This massive mandate is expensive, unnecessary, and unworkable for small businesses in New Hampshire,” said John Reynolds, NFIB New Hampshire State Director. “The Granite State is already suffering from a severe worker shortage and high business tax burden, and this mandate would make those problems even worse. Also, it’s completely unnecessary – the voluntary New Hampshire Paid Family and Medical Leave plan already offers affordable access for every worker in the state.”

The New Hampshire Voluntary Paid Family and Medical Leave program serves state employees, businesses, and individuals seeking paid leave benefits. Employers and individuals can buy into the program, which offers a base level of six weeks of paid leave at 60% wage replacement. Individual premiums are capped at $5 per week. Employers can opt for a 6-week or 12-week leave plan. The voluntary program is administered by MetLife rather than a government agency.

For more information about NFIB NH’s concerns, CLICK HERE.

HB 1761 is scheduled to be heard in the New Hampshire House Commerce and Consumer Affairs Committee on January 21 at 11:15 am.

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For over 80 years, NFIB has been advocating on behalf of America’s small and independent business owners, both in Washington, D.C., and in all 50 state capitals. NFIB is nonprofit, nonpartisan, and member-driven. Since our founding in 1943, NFIB has been exclusively dedicated to small and independent businesses, and remains so today. For more information, please visit nfib.com.