The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) is inviting small business owners in Massachusetts to attend a Small Business Summit at the Massachusetts State House on June 18. The event will provide an opportunity for NFIB members and partner organizations to gather at Beacon Hill and discuss pending legislation that affects their businesses.
Regulators and officials, who play a role in shaping state policy, will be present at the summit to engage with business owners directly. Following the program, participants will have the chance to meet with their respective state representatives and senators. Discussions are expected to focus on concerns related to unemployment insurance (UI) taxes, energy costs, health insurance expenses, and labor mandates.
An incident from last week was highlighted as an example of why lawmakers need education from employers. During a budget debate, a Senate committee chair expressed confusion over an amendment concerning unemployment insurance. This followed remarks regarding a $2.1 billion mistake by the Baker administration related to ARPA dollars:
“The $2.1 billion mistake that the Baker administration made misusing ARPA dollars put us in the situation we find ourselves in today. Where employers over the next 10 years could be forced to be paying $2.1 billion back to the federal government.”
It was clarified that there was no misuse of ARPA funds since little was used for shoring up the fund; instead, repayment relies on contributions from businesses unless legislative action is taken.
The summit aims to emulate successful advocacy efforts seen in New York where officials allocated $6 billion from their rainy-day fund for UI relief following lobbying by small business owners.
Business owners are encouraged to register for this event and bring guests along.
