“Movers & Shakers” in Small Business State Public Policy
State legislatures are often called the “laboratories” of Democracy, proposing new laws and regulations, before being (or in lieu of being), considered by Congress. A few states are key public policy “movers and shakers” that could impact small businesses in those states and perhaps even nationwide.
Key policy proposals
Learn more about new proposed policies that could impact small businesses
Texas
Texas is home to 3.3 million small businesses that power the state’s economy and employ nearly half its workforce. As these businesses navigate a rapidly evolving digital economy, policymakers must ensure that new regulations protect, rather than jeopardize, the state’s small businesses.
California
California is a leader in enacting new policies and regulations, and other states, particularly in the West and Pacific Northwest, follow California’’s lead and adopt similar policies. California has over 4.15 million small businesses (SMBs) employing over 7.5 million people. Policymakers must consider the impacts of new laws and regulations on SMBs before supporting legislation.
Maine
Maine is home to over 145,000 small businesses (SMBs) that employ over 250,000 people. Policymakers must consider the impacts of new laws and regulations on SMBs before supporting legislation.
Maryland
Maryland has more than 500,000 small businesses (SMBs) employing over 1 million people. Policymakers must consider the impacts of new regulations on SMBs before supporting legislation.
Minnesota
Minnesota is home to over 500,000 small businesses (SMBs) that employ over 1.3 million people. Policymakers must consider the impacts of new laws and regulations on SMBs before supporting legislation.
New York
New York is a leader in enacting new policies or regulations, and other states, particularly in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, often follow New York’s lead and adopt similar policy proposals. New York is home to over 2 million small businesses (SMBs) employing over 4 million people. Policymakers must take new regulations’ impacts on SMBs into account before supporting legislation.
Vermont
Vermont is the proud home of more than 78,000 small businesses that collectively employ over 157,000 people. Policymakers need to thoroughly evaluate the potential impacts of any new laws and regulations on these small businesses before endorsing any legislation. It is crucial to mitigate any negative consequences on SMBs to ensure that they can continue to thrive and effectively support Vermont’s economy.