Maryland State Wire

On February 12th, members of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) and other small business proprietors gathered with state lawmakers and policy experts from Charles County, Calvert County, St. Mary’s County, and Prince George’s County. The event at the College of Southern Maryland in Prince Frederick offered a platform for an engaging discussion on legislative matters emerging from Annapolis and the challenges confronting Maryland's Main Street businesses. Attendees also enjoyed breakfast and networking opportunities with the small business community.

The NFIB event was hosted in collaboration with the Maryland Retailers Alliance (MRA) and the Calvert County Chamber of Commerce. This gathering aimed to connect NFIB members and business owners with Southern Maryland state representatives, allowing them to introduce their enterprises and convey their concerns to the legislators. Additionally, NFIB, MRA, and the Chamber provided briefings on their advocacy efforts for their members and the state's free enterprise.

Attendees were given the chance to pose questions to the speakers and highlight their experiences as small business owners to state delegates. Among the topics discussed were changes to the unemployment insurance program, elimination of the state's tip credit, bans on natural gas, heating oil, and propane, and the looming budget deficit.

The discussions underscored the grim fiscal outlook for the state. By the fiscal year 2028, Maryland anticipates a budget deficit of $2.2 billion. The manner in which the General Assembly addresses this budget crisis, through possible tax increases or budget cuts, will significantly impact small businesses, their workforce, and the state's economic health in the coming years.

For further information about the event or other inquiries, NFIB Grassroots Manager Julianna Rauf can be contacted at julianna.rauf@nfib.org or 857-228-9978.