The Alaska State Legislature, from 2015 to 2022, saw significant advocacy efforts by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) focused on reducing tax burdens and protecting small businesses. During the pandemic years of 2020-2022, unemployment claims in Alaska surged, drawing heavily on the state’s unemployment insurance trust fund. The balance dropped from $500 million in late 2019 to $300 million in 2021. NFIB advocated for federal CARES Act funds to be allocated directly to this trust. Governor Mike Dunleavy responded to these calls, recognizing the potential impact on small businesses.
Before the pandemic, between 2015 and 2019, several legislative proposals aimed at increasing state revenues through new taxes were defeated. Notably, House Bill 115 proposed by Governor Bill Walker for a new state income tax was opposed by Rep. Charisse Millett and others and was ultimately blocked in the Senate.
Efforts were also made to protect independent contractors within workers’ compensation laws. House Bill 79 included language defining independent contractors but faced reservations about penalty provisions.
NFIB opposed House Bill 142 which sought to increase unemployment benefits as it would have raised UI taxes. The bill was eventually modified but did not pass the Senate Finance Committee.
Crime legislation also saw changes with House Bill 312 granting judges more flexibility in felony theft cases while keeping the felony threshold low due to NFIB’s lobbying efforts.
House Bill 264 proposing a shopping bag fee was opposed by NFIB and died in committee after amendments.
Insurance mandates like House Bill 25 mandating contraceptive coverage faced opposition from NFIB due to cost concerns for small businesses.
Efforts were made against environmental regulations perceived as harmful to industries such as salmon fishing through opposition to House Bill 199.
Support was given for veterans through legislation like House Bill 3 extending employment reinstatement rights and allowing veteran hiring preferences under House Bill 2.
Proposals like raising minimum wage or mandating sick leave did not advance past initial committees due largely to NFIB’s opposition citing potential negative impacts on small businesses.
NFIB’s involvement across various legislative issues reflects its ongoing commitment to supporting small business interests in Alaska’s legislative processes over these years.
