Golden State Today

A recent poll conducted by NFIB California, the state's largest small business association, indicates a strong opposition among small business owners to further state intervention in gasoline pricing. John Kabateck, the state director for the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), expressed that "none of the questions we asked were good ideas in the best of times." He added that as California rebuilds from wildfires and recovers economically from the pandemic, these interventions seem even less sensible.

The annual poll surveys NFIB members on significant state and federal issues. The typical member employs between one and nine people and reports gross sales around $500,000 annually. The 2025 ballot included four questions relevant to current legislative discussions.

On whether California should pass legislation allowing employees to ignore employer communications during nonworking hours, 79% opposed it while only 12% supported it. Regarding enshrining the right to unionize in the state constitution, 84% were against it with just 7% in favor.

A notable result was seen in response to potential new regulations on private businesses to control gasoline prices: 92% opposed such measures while only 5% supported them. Additionally, when asked if small business websites should be regulated for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, 91% said no compared to 4% who agreed.

For more information about NFIB's advocacy efforts or updates on small-business news in California, visit their website or follow them on social media platforms X and Facebook.

NFIB has been representing America's small and independent businesses for over eight decades since its founding in 1943. As a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization, it remains dedicated solely to advocating for these enterprises across all states.