Hoosier State Today

NFIB Indiana State Director Natalie Robinson has been actively involved in legislative hearings concerning several small business issues. Recently, she provided testimony on various bills impacting small businesses.

Robinson expressed opposition to HB 1461, which proposes a retail delivery fee. She argued that this could be seen as a hidden tax increase that would likely pass costs onto consumers and hinder small businesses' competitiveness. NFIB is advocating for the removal of this provision from the bill.

In contrast, Robinson showed support for HB 1003, aimed at increasing healthcare pricing transparency. She believes this will help small employers offer health insurance by providing more affordable options and reducing administrative burdens.

Robinson also backed SB 443, which seeks to raise the acquisition cost threshold for business personal property tax exemption and gradually reduce the minimum valuation percentage over three years.

SB 3 received Robinson's endorsement as well. This legislation requires third-party administrators and other entities acting on behalf of a plan or sponsor to owe a fiduciary duty to that plan sponsor.

Another supported bill is SB 405, which prohibits governmental entities from mandating labor organization membership as a condition for business operations involving government-owned assets.

HB 1172 also gained Robinson's approval. It establishes the Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation to develop programs supporting small business growth in Indiana.

However, Robinson opposed SB 513, which proposes a state-administered retirement program automatically enrolling employees of businesses without qualified retirement programs in the past two years. She warned it could impose additional burdens on small businesses.

The NFIB encourages participation in their Small Business Day program scheduled for March 5 at 10 a.m., where key issues will be discussed with legislative leaders to influence policy decisions for the upcoming year.