46°
AUBURN, Mass. – State Sen. Michael Moore (D-Millbury) has been named a “Friend of Small Business” by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) for his commitment to small business health-care cost relief during the 2011-2012 legislative session.
“It truly is an honor to be recognized by the NFIB for my work on behalf of small business,” Moore said. “I believe small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy, and I’ve worked hard over the last four years to promote job growth and economic development by supporting their priorities.”
In the letter to the senator, NFIB Massachusetts state director Bill Vernon thanked Moore for his sponsorship and successful passage of the fair share contribution bill.
“Your support for legislation to provide immediate and substantive health care cost relief to small businesses is greatly appreciated by Main Street business owners and the hundreds of thousands of people who work in Massachusetts small businesses,” Vernon said.
The fair share legislation eliminates fines for businesses that do not provide insurance for employees already covered under another plan. Previously, businesses were fined $295 per year per employee in such instances. If a business hired veterans, spouses, students or retired workers already covered under another plan they were punished because the wording of the law didn’t make exceptions for them. Moore said his legislation fixed this loophole.
“That big financial burden is lifted from small businesses,” Moore said. “The business can hire more people and expand as a result.”
Other small business issues Moore supported include: freezing the Unemployment Insurance Tax Rate, sales tax holiday, small business tax relief and low-interest loans for veteran-owned businesses, among others.
Moore was also recognized recently by Associated Industries of Massachusetts with a 67 percent approval rating.
In addition, he was named a Great 8 legislator by the Restaurant and Business Alliance, which is led by CEO and President Dave Andelman. Four Senate Democrats and four House Republicans were selected as Great 8 legislators for their efforts at creating a more business-friendly environment in the commonwealth.
NFIB is one of the largest small-business advocacy organizations in Massachusetts and the country.
Comments (4)
Look at how Senator Moore has over all supported programs that increase spending which in turns increases taxes:
While many of us struggle to pay for gas to get to our full time jobs. Senator Moore is not even 50 years old is drawing a government pension, is being paid a full time salary by the government for a legislative position with part time hours (at best) and according recent reports was one of ... well actually they all failed to make it to work for an informal session.
http://cltg.org/cltg/clt2012/CLT_2011-2012_Legislative_Rating.pdf
The Citizens for Limited Taxation Rates MA State Senate Second Worcester Mike Moore at 30% ... I wonder if businesss could do more hiring if Senator Moore supported businesses outside of those causes of the Labor Unions and Industry Specific Lobbying groups.
'Great Job Mike'
Keep Up The Excellent Work For Northbridge!
Nice to see Steve Simonian sitting right there in the front row cheering Mike Moore on. What a good sport. Maybe in a few election cycles I'll consider voting for him.