Workforce

On February 26, New York Director Lindsey Vigoda testified in support of the 2025 Executive Budget Proposal to update the state's paid medical leave program. 

On February 18, Small Business Majority Colorado Director Hunter Nelson testified in support of HB25-1011, legislation that would protect Colorado's entrepreneurs, families and childcare small businesses from the negative impacts of an institutional investment entity acquiring a childcare center.

On January 16, Small Business Majority Director Hunter Nelson sent a comment letter to Colorado Department of Early Childhood Executive Director Dr. Roy in supoort of the proposed Colorado Child Care Assistance Program rule to implement HB24-1223.

On March 24, Small Business Majority Georgia Director Rachel Shanklin submitted written testimony to the Georgia House Rules Committee on SB 207, legislation which would improve the process for obtaining an occupational license in Georgia so that more returning citizens can rejoin the workforce and pursue careers in licensed industries. 

Today, Public Policy Director Awesta Sarkash, submitted a letter opposing House File 1768, which amends the Minnesota Statutes of 2024 by rolling back components of Minnesota’s noncompete bans. If passed, this bill would make it increasingly difficult for small businesses to hire skilled employees in an already struggling labor market. 

Today, Public Policy Director Awesta Sarkash sent a letter to the Pennsylvania House Labor & Industry Committee urging them to pass HB 200, which would create a paid family and medical leave insurance fund in the state. This program would allow small business owners to access and offer this benefit to their employees, helping them overcome challenges in the workforce. 

Today, Public Policy Director Awesta Sarkash sent a letter to Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin urging him to sign SB 826, Predetermination for licensing eligibility; prior convictions. The bill would provide much-needed clarity and fairness in Virginia’s occupational licensing laws by ensuring that entrepreneurs with prior convictions are not unfairly denied a license to work in their chosen profession.

Small Business Majority has created a comprehensive state policy agenda to ensure entrepreneurship is at the center of a thriving and inclusive economy in New York. It’s critical that state lawmakers enact short- and long-term policies to support and empower entrepreneurs by guaranteeing their access to capital, an infrastructure that can support their ability to offer quality jobs, and their ability to compete on a level-playing field. To achieve these goals, policymakers should consider the policy proposals outlined in our New York state policy agenda.

On February 13, Small Business Majority Public Director Awesta Sarkash submitted written testimony to the Virginia House Subcomittee on Health Professions on SB 826. This legislation would provide much-needed clarity and fairness in Virginia’s occupational licensing laws by ensuring that entrepreneurs with prior convictions are not unfairly denied a license to work in their chosen profession.