Last Frontier News

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) recently released survey results highlighting concerns among small business owners in Alaska regarding two legislative issues. The survey, conducted annually by the NFIB, aims to gauge the opinions of its members on matters impacting their ability to operate and expand their businesses. These findings are used to shape the NFIB's lobbying efforts in Juneau.

The survey posed questions about potential changes to sales tax and pension systems. When asked if Alaska should implement a statewide sales tax, 14% of respondents supported the idea, while 78% opposed it, and 8% remained undecided. On the topic of reinstating a defined benefit pension program for state workers, 13% were in favor, 68% opposed it, and 18% were undecided.

Thor Stacey, NFIB Alaska State Director, commented on the implications these issues could have: “Both of these issues could have far-reaching tax and budget implications for Alaska small business owners that employ more than half of all workers in the state,” he said. “We will be watching these issues and others to be certain that small business concerns are heard.”