The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) State Director Leah Long welcomed Gov. Jeff Landry’s focus on workforce development and tax policy during his State of the State address, delivered on Mar. 10, and called on lawmakers to continue addressing Louisiana’s insurance costs and legal climate during the legislative session.
Long said small business owners appreciate the governor’s attention to workforce development and reducing the tax burden. “Small business owners appreciate the governor’s focus on workforce development and reducing the tax burden,” Long said. “Both are critical to helping Louisiana’s small businesses grow and compete.”
She also urged legislators to keep working on issues that drive high insurance costs in Louisiana, such as frivolous lawsuits. “Small business owners know how costly lawsuit abuse can be,” Long said. “For many small businesses in Louisiana, high insurance costs are already a major burden and continue to put pressure on Main Street employers.”
Long explained that defending even a single lawsuit can be expensive for small businesses. “Defending even a single lawsuit can cost thousands of dollars, even when the claims have little merit,” she said. “That kind of legal exposure can be devastating for a small business operating on a tight budget.”
In addition, Long stated that NFIB supports efforts by the legislature to strengthen workforce development, streamline government operations for a modern economy, and eliminate state income tax.
“When you reduce the cost of doing business, you give small businesses a real chance to grow,” Long said. “Louisiana has a real opportunity this session to make the state a better place for small businesses.”
