NSBA Past Priority Issues

NSBA brings together small businesses from across the country to discuss pertinent issues and vote on the top priority issues for the upcoming session of Congress. This select group of small-business owners significantly influences how policymakers address small-business issues throughout the Congressional Calendar — issues that directly impact small business. Below are the issue areas that will be covered during the 2011 Small Business Congress.

Economic Development
Panelists will explore current state of small-business lending and financing, what steps the federal government has taken so far to increase the availability of capital, and what further steps might be necessary. Panelists also will discuss the ongoing effort to reform the credit-card industry, financial regulatory reform and the state of affairs for SBA programs.

Health & Human Resources
Speakers will discuss the recently-passed health care reform law, how it will impact small business and what to look for in the coming months and years. Speakers also will address potential legislation on workforce issues, including the family medical leave act, employee free choice act, sick leave policies and immigration.

Environmental & Regulatory Affairs
Panelists will discuss the vital role innovative small businesses can play in developing and deploying the next generation of alternative energy technologies, energy efficiency initiatives, and various regulatory initiatives on the horizon for the 112th Congress.

Tax Policy
The panel will delve into critical tax issues such as the so-called “tax gap,” the estate tax, a long-term solution for ending the Self-Employment tax on health insurance, the repeal of the expanded 1099 reporting provision, and the ongoing efforts to address the deficit.