Small Business Majority

Our end of year wrap up is here! Learn about the work we've done both nationally and in the states on policy, education and research. https://lnkd.in/e93Mcrdd

Affordable healthcare remains challenging for many small businesses today, and small medical practices are no exception. Rising health insurance prices leave owners like SBM network member Dr. Tony Gerk MD in a balancing act when it comes to providing top-quality patient care and comprehensive health insurance for employees. Options to accept lower profits, see more patients, or cut costs offer "no perfect fix," and owners like Dr. Gerk are urging policymakers to step in. “In order to make health insurance more affordable for small businesses and employers nationwide, policymakers need to rein in skyrocketing premiums, reduce or eliminate facility fees, and improve hospital price transparency regulations” - Dr. Gerk said in a recent op-ed. Our polling found that businesses struggling with rising healthcare costs support bipartisan policy solutions and believe the government should set price caps for what hospitals can charge for particular services (82%). Learn more about the impact of rising costs on employer-provided health insurance from Dr.Gerk in his new Kevin Pho, M.D. blog post.

California has an unemployment insurance problem. Loans from the federal government taken out during the pandemic have left the state’s UI program insolvent. As a result, California businesses are being asked to contribute an additional $21 per employee in 2025 to replenish the fund – with more increases on the way. This type of increase in payroll taxes often proves regressive for small businesses. Instead, increasing the taxable wage base from $7,000 to $46,800 can bolster California’s unemployment insurance program while ensuring small business owners are protected. “So by increasing the taxable wage base, it won’t get us out of the water when it comes to making the unemployment insurance fund workable for everyone, but it will certainly be a major step in getting us there” - SBM California Director Bianca Blomquist said in a recent interview. Something needs to be done because small businesses and the communities they serve benefit from robust unemployment insurance programs. After all, when workers are on better financial footing they have more funds available to spend locally. Learn more about the impact of California's unemployment insurance program from Max Gorden of Fox News Media.

We're already looking towards the New Year! Join our Government Affairs Team, Engagement Team and CEO on January 9 for a briefing on what the new balance of power in DC means for #SmallBiz. https://lnkd.in/deG8a-HF

Many small business owners may face setbacks if President-elect Trump follows through on his promise to eliminate programs that provide temporary work permits to immigrants with no permanent legal status. For SBM network member and DACA recipient Alejandro Flores-Munoz, cutting programs like DACA and Temporary Protected Status could mean staffing shortages, unemployment or even deportation. “I know no other country but the U.S.A.,” said Flores-Muñoz, who came to America at the age of seven. Learn more about the impact of potential changes to immigration programs and work permits from Ruth Simon and Michelle Hackman of The Wall Street Journal.

We're taking a pulse check on how small business owners feel going into 2025. We'd love it if you took a few minutes to let us know what you think. https://ow.ly/PRSA50UsFf7

Meet the newest member of our Outreach Team, Alberto Sanchez! Alberto is serving our Southern California small business network and is taking his experience in state government to bring a fresh perspective to our advocacy and education work in the region. https://ow.ly/4KrP50UsEUo

Need to do some last minute holiday shopping? Our Holiday Gift Guide has something for everyone on your list. https://lnkd.in/eN6XbZ28

Yesterday, our Georgia Small Business Council held its annual holiday dinner to celebrate their hard work advocating for small business owners in the state. While there, members shared insights, reflected on milestones and brainstormed future collaborations for the new year! Learn more about how you can get involved with helping Georgia small business owners here! https://lnkd.in/dJDGySWj 

Colorado: the Division of Family and Medical Leave Insurance has updated their appeals process. Starting Jan 1, you will be able to use this for to file a grievance. Help us spread the word! https://ow.ly/lmKe50UqO9W