2019 Small Business Day on Beacon Hill

On May 9, RAM hosted Small Business Day at the Parker House in Boston.   The keynote address was provided by Senate President Karen Spilka. Among other issues discussed, one key take away was her confirmation that the EMAC tax will sunset as planned.

An update was provided on issues pending before the Legislature including bills pertaining to Restrictive Scheduling, Teen/ Training Wage and Energy Costs.

Attendees heard from a panel on complying with the new Paid Family and Medical Leave law.  Guest speakers included: David Robinson Esq., Ruberto, Israel & Weiner; William Alpine, Esq., Director, Department of Family and Medical Leave; and Mike Doheny, Undersecretary of Labor and General Counsel, Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development.

RAM President Jon Hurst hosted another panel on small business health care costs.  Panelists included: Josh Archambault, Pioneer Institute; Mark Gaunya, Borislow Insurance; Senator Vinny deMacedo, Plymouth & Barnstable District & small business owner; and Rep. Matt Muratore, 1st Plymouth District.

RAM partnered with NFIB/MA, AIM, MA Food Association, MA Restaurant Association, MA Package Store Association, MA Association of Chambers of Commerce, MA Farm Bureau and New England Convenience Store & Energy Marketers Association. Local chambers who also promoted and brought members to the event included: Blackstone Valley, Cape Cod Canal Region, Springfield Regional, Metro South, Nashoba Valley, Neponset River, North Central MA, North Suburban, Cranberry Country, South Coast, Tri-Town, Reading/ North Reading, Arlington and Worcester Regional.

Some members visited the State House following the presentations and met with their elected officials and their staff on key businesses issues.