Golden State Today

California's leading small business association, the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), has unveiled its primary legislative goals for the 2025-2026 session of the California State Legislature.

John Kabateck, NFIB's state director in California, expressed concern over recent wildfires in the Los Angeles area, stating, "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 added that once these fires are under control, efforts must focus on establishing policies to expedite rebuilding.

Rebuilding wildfire-affected communities is one of NFIB California's top eight priorities. The other priorities include stabilizing California’s Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund, opposing higher minimum wage bills, repealing Senate Bill 553 on Workplace Violence Prevention Plans, rejecting Beneficial Ownership reporting proposals, protecting Proposition 36 retail theft reforms, repealing conflicting CARB regulations with federal standards, and opposing new paid leave mandates.

Kabateck emphasized that while these eight issues are currently prioritized, NFIB will advocate for or against many more bills throughout the two-year session. "These are the ones that command our immediate lobbying energies and will have our full attention for the entire two-year session," he said.

NFIB encourages those interested in California small-business news to visit their website or follow them on social media platforms X and Facebook.

The NFIB has been supporting small and independent business owners across America since 1943. It remains a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization dedicated to its members nationwide.