Gem State Wire

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) released the results of a poll conducted among its Idaho small-business members. The poll aimed to provide legislators with insights on several key issues. NFIB, a prominent small-business association, annually surveys its members regarding state and federal matters that impact their business operations.

Suzanne Budge, NFIB's Idaho state director, highlighted the relevance of the survey findings for the current session of the Idaho Legislature. "Of immediate relevance to this session of the Idaho Legislature are small-business owners’ opinions on property tax reduction and Medicaid expansion," she stated. Additionally, Budge emphasized strong opposition among business owners to adopting certain policies from other states: "On the other two questions, it’s resoundingly clear they don’t want Idaho adopting California’s vehicle emission standards or policies hamstringing the operations of state agencies."

The 2023 Idaho State Member Ballot presented four questions to participants:

- When asked if Idaho should raise the state sales tax rate in exchange for reducing property taxes, 20% responded yes, while 69% said no. An undecided 11% did not take a position.

- Regarding whether state agencies should be prohibited from doing business with institutions adhering to environmental and social justice principles, 72% were in favor, while 18% opposed. A further 10% were undecided.

- On continuing Medicaid expansion after the COVID-19 public health emergency declaration is lifted, only 12% supported continuation compared to 78% who opposed it. Again, 10% remained undecided.

- Concerning implementing California’s vehicle emission standards for greenhouse gas emissions in Idaho, just 3% agreed with adoption versus a significant 96% who disagreed. A minimal 1% was undecided.

The NFIB has been representing America's small and independent business owners for nearly eight decades at both national and state levels. As a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization founded in 1943, NFIB remains committed exclusively to supporting these businesses.

Further information can be found on their website at nfib.com/idaho or by following them on Twitter at @nfib_id.