The National Federation of Independent Business – California (NFIB California), an organization representing over 35,000 small business owners statewide and advocating for their interests through legislative engagement, has released its Main Street Minute update for January 12-16. The group is recognized for delivering resources, legislative updates, and tools to support small businesses and safeguard them against excessive regulations and taxes. More about the organization’s mission can be found on its official website.
Governor Gavin Newsom presented his final state-of-the-state speech on January 8, followed by the unveiling of a $348 billion spending plan for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 by his finance director, Joe Stephenshaw. The budget proposal shows a $2.9 billion deficit—smaller than projections made in November by the Legislative Analyst’s Office.
Despite ongoing advocacy from NFIB California regarding unemployment insurance (UI) loan repayment—a key concern as the state owes around $22 billion in UI loans—the proposed budget does not address this issue directly. It does include $662.2 million to cover interest payments on the UI loan using General Fund money, as required by law.
NFIB State Director John Kabateck commented on this omission: “Because we have been beating the drums loudest and longest, NFIB would have been the first group to know if the governor was going to tackle the issue, so we’re not surprised by its absence in his proposed spending plan. That’s why we’ve been quietly laying the groundwork for legislative remedy.”
The update also notes recent leadership changes within NFIB California. In a news release issued January 7, Beth Booth and Jeff Pardini were named chair and vice-chair of the Leadership Council. Paul Cramer will continue as chairman of NFIB’s Political Action Committee (PAC). Kabateck said: “I’m very excited Beth Booth and Jeff Pardini have agreed to lead NFIB California… I’m also very grateful Paul Cramer has agreed to stay on as chairman of our PAC in this crucial election year. Finally, I want to commend the stellar job our outgoing Leadership Council Chairman Max Ordonez did in leveraging his extensive public policy experience to open a few more doors for the small business message to be heard by policymakers.”
The passing of Congressman Doug LaMalfa was also addressed in last week’s news release from NFIB California. Kabateck stated: “The passing of Congressman Doug LaMalfa is heart-breaking… California small businesses have lost a proven champion of Main Street enterprises. He was an NFIB member for 43 years and his expertise on agricultural and water issues will not easily be replaced.” Editorialist Tom Philp wrote that LaMalfa had long served as a strong advocate for agriculture and water issues important to many constituents.
Other updates include information about upcoming ballot initiatives—several are collecting signatures ahead of deadlines—and recent regulatory actions such as CalRecycle withdrawing proposed rules under SB 54 for further revision with focus on food and agricultural commodities.
At the national level, highlights from Federal Government Relations Principal Louis Bertolotti included publication of NFIB’s Small Business Legislative Priorities for 2026; testimony submitted ahead of a U.S. House Committee hearing titled “A Voice for Small Business: How the SBA Office of Advocacy is Cutting Red Tape”; and results from December’s jobs report showing that one-third of small business owners reported unfilled job openings.
NFIB California continues to provide representation statewide while working to protect small businesses from burdensome regulations and advancing policies that enhance opportunities for entrepreneurs (source). Further information about these efforts is available via their website.
