Empire State Today

Small business owners and leaders from across New York gathered in Albany to voice their concerns on various issues affecting the state's business environment. The event, organized by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), addressed topics such as high taxes, fees related to the UI Trust Fund debt, MTA taxes, lawsuit abuse, and electric truck mandates.

The gathering at Empire State Plaza included over 60 participants who engaged with business leaders and policy experts. They discussed key challenges facing Main Street businesses and reviewed recent NFIB research. The day concluded with small business owners meeting lawmakers in their Capitol offices to advocate for NFIB's legislative priorities.

Ashley Ranslow, NFIB’s New York State Director, emphasized the significance of Small Business Day: “Small Business Day recognizes the importance of small business owners to our state, and it also serves as a critical reminder to lawmakers that small businesses’ challenges can be made worse by legislative action and inaction.” She highlighted issues like "crushing UI taxes" and "outrageous frequency of pay lawsuits," underscoring their impact on the sustainability of small businesses in New York.

NFIB has been advocating for small and independent businesses for over 80 years across all 50 states. As a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, it remains dedicated to supporting these enterprises since its founding in 1943.