Oregon business association challenging constitutionality of BOLI bill. * Dianne Lugo, Salem Statesman Journal * 3 hrs ago Oregon Business and Industry, the National Federation of Independent Business and the Portland Metro Chamber filed a lawsuit July 14 in Oregon Tax Court against the Oregon Department of Revenue and the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services, arguing that the state legislature violated Oregon's constitution when it passed a bill to help support the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries. Oregon's BOLI has struggled for years with a significant backlog of wage claims and civil rights complaints. Lawmakers during the 2025 session increased BOLI's budget by 30%, or $22 million, to fund growth in the agency's staffing capacity. The funding meant the agency ended an income threshold for wage claims and saw a reduction in backlogs. The agency returned to the legislature in 2026, asking for a "long-term, reliable funding mechanism" as the increased funding ended. BOLI said lawmakers convened a bipartisan, bicameral workgroup after the 2025 allocation to evaluate what a sustainable funding option looked like and made two recommendations that were adopted with the passage of House Bill 4027. The bill establishes the BOLI Expenses Fund in the Oregon State Treasury and directs the director of the DCBS to manage the fund. The bill adjusted the Prevailing Wage Cap, increasing the cap on the fee contractors pay from $7,500 to $12,500. The increase was expected to generate approximately $1.5 million per biennium for BOLI, according to a fiscal impact analysis. HB4027 also updates the Worker Benefit Fund Assessment, currently 1.8 cents per hour worked. The bill added two-tenths of one cent per hour - about $4.16 per employee per year, split evenly between employee and employer, according to BOLI. The bill will require the BOLI Expenses Fund to receive deposits of at least $2.25 million on or before June 30, 2029, and $9.5 million as of June 30, 2031. OBI characterized the change to the Worker Benefit Fund withholding as a "new revenue-raising scheme." OBI and its partners argue that as a revenue-raising bill, the legislation was required to receive approval from three-fifths of both chambers. The bill received 33 aye votes in the Oregon House, meaning it did not hit a three-fifths threshold in the chamber. There were 16 representatives excused from the vote on Feb. 27, according to the Oregon Legislative Information System. On March 4, the Oregon Senate passed the bill with 18 ayes and 12 nays. Gov. Tina Kotek signed the bill on March 31. "During the 2026 legislative session, NFIB, our partners in the business community, and some legislators themselves repeatedly stressed that the state constitution mandates any revenue-raising measure to pass by a three-fifths majority," Anthony Smith, state director for the National Federation of Independent Business in Oregon, said in a prepared statement. "Each time, this concern was ignored. Regardless of the particular bill at issue, the Legislature cannot circumvent a constitutional requirement put in place by the people of Oregon." In a press release and during legislative testimony, OBI said the statewide business association did not take issue with the bill's underlying substance. The association said, rather, that its "improper" passage carried "significant implications" for future bills. "Process matters. Simply delegating rate-setting to a director or hitching new revenue-raising plans to existing taxes does not negate the obligation before the Legislature," OBI said in a news release. "Employees and employers cannot stand by while process is violated. If we are to have a state Constitution, then it and its provisions must mean something." Dianne Lugo covers the Oregon Legislature and equity issues. Reach her at [email protected] on X @DianneLugo or Bluesky @diannelugo.bsky.social. This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Oregon business association challenging constitutionality of BOLI bill. Reporting by Dianne Lugo, Salem Statesman Journal / Salem Statesman Journal USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

NFIB names new Iowa state director. Cody Carlson NFIB Iowa The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) has named Cody Carlson as its new state director in Iowa, where he will oversee the organization's advocacy, operations, political engagement, communications and programming on behalf of its members statewide. Mr. Carlson brings five years of government affairs experience at the state and national levels, most recently serving as manager of government affairs for the Iowa League of Cities. In that role, he helped advance small-government priorities in consecutive legislative sessions, including a sweeping property tax reform package. "Cody has an extensive background in government affairs and extensive knowledge of small business priorities," NFIB Regional Director Tim Nungesser said in a statement. "All of this will serve him well as he represents thousands of small businesses throughout Iowa." Mr. Carlson said he looks forward to returning to advocacy work for Iowa entrepreneurs. "NFIB has an exceptional reputation for representing diverse small businesses and emphasizing the critical role that they play in our state," he said. "I'm looking forward to working with this team." Founded in 1943, NFIB is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that advocates for small and independent business owners in Washington, D.C., and all 50 state capitals.

NFIB holds Small Business Day at the Capitol in Montgomery. Rosemary Elebash NFIB Alabama State Director - Official Website Mar 25, 2026 The National Federation of Independent Business held its annual Small Business Day at the Capitol in Montgomery on March 24, bringing together members from across Alabama to discuss legislative issues and business concerns. The event provided small business owners with an opportunity to learn about current legislative developments and share their perspectives on matters affecting their operations. "This was a great opportunity for members to learn more about what's happening in the Legislature and speak out on the issues affecting their ability to operate and grow their businesses," Rosemary Elebash, NFIB State Director, said. Speakers at this year's gathering included Franklin Johnson of the Alabama Department of Workforce's Workforce Pathways Division; Revenue Commissioner Vernon Barrett; Tax Policy Director Heather Lowe; Executive Counsel Mary Martin Mitchell; Senator Will Barfoot, chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee; Robin Stone, executive director of the Alliance for Alabama Healthcare Consumers; and Amanda Senn, director of the Alabama Securities Commission. During the event, Elebash also presented a 30-year NFIB membership plaque to Allen McBride, director of Camp Mac in Munford. The National Federation of Independent Business empowers small business owners in Alabama to influence public policy and foster economic conditions according to its official website. The organization aims to advocate for policies that promote economic growth and protect small business interests according to its official website. It maintains a presence across all 50 states while providing dedicated support for small businesses in Alabama according to its official website. NFIB engages in state-level advocacy efforts designed to shape policies benefiting small businesses in Alabama according to its official website. The group also offers resources such as research tools, legislative updates, and networking opportunities for business owners according to its official website. "I want to thank all of our speakers for engaging with our members, and I want to thank our members for ensuring that the voice of small business is heard in the Alabama Legislature," Elebash said.