Dylan Rosnick, Principal of Federal Government Relations at the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), has addressed concerns about labor threats facing small businesses in a recent op-ed published by The Washington Reporter. In the piece, Rosnick discusses how current policy proposals in Congress could negatively impact Main Street businesses.
Rosnick points out that small businesses play a significant role in the U.S. economy, employing nearly half of the country's workforce and making up 99.9% of all American businesses. He states:
“Small businesses employ nearly half this country’s workforce and represent 99.9% of all American businesses. For the American workforce to be successful, small businesses must be successful."
He also cites findings from an NFIB study, noting ongoing difficulties for small business owners in hiring qualified staff:
“Yet nationwide research shows that workforce challenges are a problem. According to a recent study by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), nearly 25% of small businesses list “locating qualified employees” and “finding and keeping skilled employees” as critical issues facing their business. Further, 36% of small businesses report job openings they can’t fill."
Rosnick warns that certain legislative proposals under consideration could increase regulatory requirements and costs for these companies:
“Making this problem worse, certain policy proposals in Congress are a direct threat to small businesses and their workforce. These proposals could decimate Main Street businesses by dramatically increasing government involvement in everyday operations, increasing labor and employment mandates, and increasing costs to acquire and retain qualified employees.”
The NFIB has been representing independent business owners for more than 80 years across all 50 states as well as Washington D.C., focusing on advocacy efforts tailored exclusively to support smaller enterprises.