Today, CEO John Arensmeyer shared a letter with congressional leadership outlining key policy recommendations that must be included in the forthcoming human infrastructure package. These investments are critical because small businesses need more support to ensure a successful long-term recovery from the pandemic, and to promote a more resilient workforce and economy.
Small Business Majority’s Illinois policy agenda ensures that small business is at the center of a thriving and inclusive economy and advance policies that promote equitable pathways for entrepreneurship, with a particular emphasis on addressing systemic racism and sexism that impede economic inclusion and harm businesses owned by people of color, women and other underserved owners. The state’s 1.2 million small businesses employ 2.5 million people (about 45% of the private workforce), with firms less than 20 employees creating the largest net job gains.
On April 28, Small Business Majority's Colorado Director Lindsey Vigoda submitted comments concerning the outsourcing of the benefits process for the Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program, a move that could compromise the integrity of this essential benefit for small business owners in Colorado.
On March 23, 2022 Small Business Majority submitted a letter to the Georgia House Committee on Industry and Labor in support of the Georgia Family Insurance Act (HB 1517), which would establish a state-run insurance program that would guarantee all eligible workers 12 weeks of paid medical and family leave.
On April 4, Small Business Majority, alongside Good Business Colorado and members of its national network, filed an amicus brief in support of Colorado's paid family and medical leave program, which will benefit small businesses and their employees.
Today, Government Affairs Director Awesta Sarkash, submitted a letter of support to the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee during the 2022 Virginia General Assembly in support of SB 1, which would create a paid family and medical program in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of accessing paid family and medical leave. Now more than ever, there is a need for a modernized and robust benefits infrastructure, which would greatly benefit small business owners and their employees.
Today, Small Business Majority along with 13 local, state, and national organizations, sent a letter to President Joe Biden, Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer, and West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin urging the leaders to reignite negotiations surrounding the Build Back Better package. The Build Back Better package provisions include access to affordable healthcare, childcare, paid family and medical leave, and leveling the playing field on taxes, which would benefit the small business ecosystem.
Georgia leads the nation in production of peanuts, pecans, blueberries and spring onions. Don’t forget the peaches. The warm weather, diverse soil types and rural surroundings make for fresh, rich produce. For Sarah O’Brien, owner and founder of Little Tart Bakeshop in Atlanta, this luscious produce is one of the main reasons she moved to the South to start her business in 2010.
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted and exacerbated the failing infrastructure systems we have in this country, particularly when it comes to a lack of investment in the “care economy.” Small business owners and employees alike have struggled to afford healthcare during a public health crisis and to take care of their young and elderly family members. As small business owners and representatives of the small business community, we’ve seen firsthand that a lack of access to affordable child care, healthcare and paid leave is hampering our workforce participation and our recovery.
On September 2, Small Business Majority submitted procedural recommendations concerning the establishment and administration of premium collections for the Colorado Family Medical Leave Insurance program. This program will help level the playing field for small businesses that struggle to offer paid leave benefits to their employees.
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