HB 2 “Fix” Doesn’t Solve Any Problems for Small Businesses
Statement by Chris Armstrong, Director of Partnerships & Government Affairs for Small Business Majority, on how the revised version of HB 2 continues to be bad for business
The new version of HB 2, which Governor Pat McCrory signed into law today, keeps the most harmful parts of the law intact and is just as bad for small businesses as the original version of the law. Small businesses need a full repeal of HB 2, not a rehash of the same legislation.
The bill leaves in place key aspects of the law including the revocation of local nondiscrimination protections for LGBT people. This provision is particularly harmful considering that Small Business Majority’s polling found 67 percent of North Carolina entrepreneurs believe the state should have a law prohibiting employment discrimination against gay and transgender individuals. Additionally, eight in 10 small business owners across the country support a federal law to protect LGBT individuals against discrimination in public accommodations, such as restaurants, hotels and other businesses that are open to the public.
The new version of HB 2 will continue to drive away North Carolina’s paying customers and talented employees at the expense of small businesses. Entrepreneurs need a full repeal of HB 2 – they can’t afford to wait out patchwork fixes.
About Small Business Majority
Small Business Majority was founded and is run by small business owners to focus on solving the biggest problems facing small businesses today. Since 2005, we have actively engaged small business owners and policymakers in support of public policy solutions, and have delivered information and resources to entrepreneurs that promote small business growth and drive a strong economy. We regularly engage our network of 50,000 small business owners and more than 6,000 business organizations, along with a formal strategic partnership program of more than 145 business organizations, enabling us to reach more than 500,000 entrepreneurs. Our extensive scientific polling, focus groups and economic research help us educate and inform policymakers, the media and other stakeholders about key issues impacting small businesses and freelancers, including access to capital, taxes, healthcare, retirement, entrepreneurship and workforce development. Learn more about us on our website and follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Insta