Max Ordonez chairman of the NFIB California Leadership Council | Official Website
Max Ordonez chairman of the NFIB California Leadership Council | Official Website
The NFIB California Main Street Minute for January 13-17 addresses several key issues affecting small businesses and the broader community in California. The ongoing wildfires in the Los Angeles area are a primary concern, with State Director John Kabateck expressing deep worry for those affected. "No news can compete with our state’s collective worry – first and foremost – for the safety of our fellow citizens caught in the Los Angeles-area wildfires," he stated.
NFIB has created an online resource to provide information on financial assistance for rebuilding efforts, which will be updated regularly. Currently, it includes top state and federal resources, with plans to add city and county information.
In legislative matters, the state Senate's insurance committee is without a chairperson as lawmakers focus on recovering from what could be one of the nation's costliest natural disasters. Senate leader Mike McGuire has not filled this position following recent leadership announcements.
The NFIB is opposing Senate Bill 22, which proposes changes to gift certificate redemption laws that would affect retail members. The bill suggests making certificates under $25 redeemable in cash, adjusted annually for inflation.
Governor Gavin Newsom has presented his budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, totaling $322.3 billion. It includes significant allocations to reserves but highlights concerns over unemployment insurance loan interest payments. The Legislative Analyst’s Office reports that employer contributions have been insufficient to repay federal loans taken during the pandemic.
Fresno-area members are invited to a meeting hosted by BizFed Central Valley Business Federation and CalMotion on January 16 to discuss regulations impacting transportation fuel supply and economic activity.
On a national level, NFIB continues its advocacy through various channels including podcasts and webinars focused on small business policies and tax planning strategies.
The next edition of Main Street Minute will be released on January 20.
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