The Small Business Legislative Council (SBLC), of which PPAI is a member and Association President and CEO Paul Bellantone, CAE, is the 2020 chair, has released its legislative priorities for the year ahead. They include taxes, workforce and employment issues, global business concerns such as tariffs and trade, cybersecurity and regulatory reform.

“In a year that is almost sure to be rife with political tension and uncertainty, the SBLC’s role will be more important than ever to ensure that the interests of small businesses, which play such a vital role in our economy, are considered and protected,” says SBLC President and General Counsel Paula Calimafde.

The SBLC’s priorities were determined by its board of directors and membership, and the organization has announced that it will be working towards bi-partisan solutions that ensure an ample flow of qualified and reliable workers for businesses of all sizes and that small businesses are given the room and support that they need to grow and thrive in the global economy.

“I am very proud to represent the promotional products industry as chair of the Small Business Legislative Council,” says Bellantone. “As chair, I look forward to helping support SBLC as it works with Congress and the relevant agencies to solve the labor shortage crisis for small businesses, make tax reform work for small business, improve our nation’s infrastructure, rural development and trade opportunities, and bring stability and affordability to our health care system.”

The SBLC is an independent, permanent coalition of national trade and professional associations whose goal is to maximize the advocacy and presence of small business on federal legislative and regulatory policy issues, and to disseminate information on the impact of public policy on small businesses.