Empire State Today

Small business owners from New York gathered in Albany to discuss pressing issues with state legislators. The gathering, organized by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), focused on challenges such as high taxes linked to the state’s Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund debt and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, frequent pay-related lawsuits, and mandates concerning electric trucks. These and other concerns are seen as affecting the business climate and affordability in the state.

The event, held at Empire State Plaza, drew more than 60 participants who engaged with business leaders and policy experts. The discussions revolved around the key policy challenges facing small businesses and recent research from NFIB. Concluding the day, the participants met with lawmakers in their offices at the Capitol to advocate for NFIB's legislative priorities and to share their personal business experiences.

Ashley Ranslow, NFIB’s New York State Director, emphasized the role and importance of small businesses in the state. “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 stated. “From crushing UI taxes to outrageous frequency of pay lawsuits, our agenda is essential to the sustainability of New York’s small business owners and Main Street jobs. Small business is the backbone of New York’s economy, Main Streets, and job creation, and we are very proud of the work our members did today to advocate and tell their stories. We are grateful to the Senators, Assembly Members, and staff who met with our activists today.”

NFIB, a prominent small business advocacy group with 11,000 members in New York, has been advocating for small business owners for over 80 years. It continues to be a nonprofit, nonpartisan, and member-driven organization dedicated to supporting small and independent business needs.