He National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB)Ohio’s leading small business advocacy organization, issued its Top legislative priorities for 2025 for the Ohio Legislature this session.
“As Ohio faces a more fiscally tight budget, lawmakers should avoid raising taxes or shifting tax burdens to small businesses,” he said Chris Ferruso, NFIB Ohio State Director. “Small business owners are reporting the highest level of optimism in years and are ready to grow their businesses; the Legislature must work to ensure this optimism grows and is not stifled by bad and costly policies.”
• Avoid tax increases on small business owners
NFIB will work to preserve the business income deduction (BID) and avoid shifting property tax burdens to the business class. Any erosion of the BID or an increase in the property tax is a small business tax increase.
• Modernization of unemployment compensation
NFIB supports modernizing Ohio’s unemployment compensation system to provide long-term solvency and security for employers.
• Reduce healthcare costs for small businesses
NFIB supports cost transparency and encourages employers to provide this benefit. NFIB opposes policies that put upward pressure on health insurance premiums.
• Avoid Energy Cost Increases for Small Businesses
NFIB supports policies that provide reliable, affordable energy. NFIB opposes policies that increase energy costs for small employers while offering discounted rates to large energy users.
• Workforce Development and Licensing Reform
NFIB supports TechCred to enable employers to receive reimbursement for upskilling their workforce.