Small business owners from across Massachusetts convened at the State House on June 18 for a Small Business Summit. The event aimed to update participants on key issues affecting employers and encouraged them to engage with their legislators.
The summit began with a presentation by Michael Caljouw, Commissioner of the Massachusetts Division of Insurance. He addressed concerns about proposed double-digit rate increases by insurers and responded to questions from attendees. Rising health insurance costs remain a significant challenge for employers striving to provide affordable benefits.
Senator Ryan Fattman offered introductory remarks, sharing insights into the current legislative session.
A subsequent segment focused on the state’s unemployment insurance crisis. NFIB State Director Christopher Carlozzi and Ryan Kearney, General Counsel for the Retailers Association of Massachusetts, discussed the $5 billion in pandemic-related UI debt that employers are required to repay, including $2.1 billion due to a state error. They proposed solutions to alleviate this debt and reform what is considered one of the nation’s most problematic UI systems.
Bill Ryan, leader of the Mass Coalition for Sustainable Energy, explained last winter’s surge in energy bills as a consequence of state energy/environmental policies.
Jessica Moore, Director of Government Affairs for the Massachusetts Restaurant Association, concluded with an update on legislation that would permit businesses to pass credit card swipe fees onto users. Currently, Massachusetts is one of two states prohibiting such convenience fees.
Afterward, business owners met with their elected officials to advocate for reduced healthcare costs, elimination of UI debt and system reform, control over energy expenses, and opposition to bills increasing labor costs. Those unable to attend were encouraged to contact lawmakers through the Small Business Summit Issue Alert.
