Last Frontier News

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) has expressed approval for Alaska legislators' decision to conclude their session without introducing new taxes. Thor Stacey, the state director for NFIB in Alaska, described this outcome as a positive development for small-business owners.

“This was a nice gift to give our members on their association’s 80th birthday,” said Stacey. He acknowledged that while no state budget satisfies everyone, the recently established budget contains favorable elements providing some relief to small businesses.

Stacey emphasized that the relief stems not only from the absence of new taxes but also from the passage of a spending plan that prevented a potential state government shutdown. “Many small-business owners will tell you the one thing they’d like from their governments at all levels is predictability, so they can make better hiring and expansion plans,” he stated.

He further highlighted the challenges faced by small-business owners, who have dealt with pandemic-related issues, labor shortages, supply chain disruptions, and inflation. The quick approval of a new state budget during a special session was crucial in avoiding additional hardships. “Alaska small businesses thank all the legislators who rallied to the challenge and solved it,” added Stacey.

For more information about NFIB's activities and research related to small businesses across America, visit nfib.com.