At the time we went to press, both chambers of the Pennsylvania General Assembly were in voting session.
House Labor & Industry Committee Approves Two Bills Bad for Small Business
On October 18, the House Labor & Industry Committee approved two bills which would negatively impact the small business community, despite opposition from NFIB.
The first, House Bill 1481 would make striking workers eligible for Unemployment Compensation (UC) Benefits. NFIB is staunchly opposed to allowing those that make the conscious decision to strike to be eligible for UC payments. The passage of this legislation would stretch the UC system even thinner than it currently is and take resources away from those that actually need it.
The second, House Bill 1751 would place an enormous burden on the backs of small business owners that use independent contractors. This legislation would amend the independent contractor law in Pennsylvania, which is already confusing for small business owners, with increased burdens and penalties.
At a time when employers still cannot find skilled workers to fill their vacancies, amendments to the independent contractor law are not the answer.
NFIB will continue to push back against these bills and other burdensome legislation.
