ICYMI: Arizona Business Leaders & IFA Discuss Concerns Over Julie Su Nomination
ICYMI: Arizona Business Leaders and IFA Discuss Concerns Over Julie Su Nomination
Earlier today, the International Franchise Association (IFA), alongside Danny Seiden with the Arizona Chamber of Commerce, Kim Sabow with the Arizona Lodging & Tourism Association, Tony Bradley with Arizona Trucking Association, and Chad Heinrich with the Arizona National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), hosted a virtual discussion with members of the Arizona and Washington, DC press to discuss the grave concerns the Arizona business community has with the nomination of Julie Su to lead the U.S. Department of Labor.
During the call, participants were quick to reference Ms. Su’s record as California Labor Commissioner and U.S. Deputy Secretary of Labor that has called into question her support for helping local businesses and workers alike.
“There are nearly 800,000 franchised businesses in the U.S. with 8.7 million employees, including Arizona’s more than18,000 establishments that employ nearly 200,000 Arizonians. Because of the substantial role of franchising in the U.S. economy and in communities across the country, IFA members could be dramatically affected by this nomination,” said Matt Haller, president and CEO of IFA. “As this nomination remains in jeopardy, we urge all senators to recognize that local businesses and the Main Street economy cannot afford Julie Su leading the Labor Department – and vote no. We can do better.”
“Arizona has benefitted from California’s failed labor policies, but all states should be concerned about importing California’s track record to D.C.,” said Danny Seiden, president and CEO of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce. “Policies implemented and supported by Ms. Su during her time as Secretary for California’s Labor agency have been highly detrimental to independent entrepreneurs, employers, and the state’s overall business climate.”
“The Arizona Lodging and Tourism Association opposes the Biden Administration’s nomination of Julie Su as U.S. Labor Secretary. At the heart of our industry is small businesses, and Ms. Su’s track record speaks for itself, and hers is a track record of anti-small business,” said Kim Sabow, president and CEO of the Arizona Lodging and Tourism Association. At a time when our nation faces supply chain challenges, inflation, and workforce shortages, confirming a labor secretary with a record of putting roadblocks in the way of solving the current workforce shortage is not only shortsighted and ill-advised but dangerous to the economy. We urge Senator Sinema and Senator Kelly to oppose this nomination and implore the Administration to put forth a nominee who will champion policies that not only support workers but the businesses that employ them.”
“Based on Ms. Su’s record in public service, we are deeply concerned about the potential of her leadership of the U.S. Department of Labor, a critical agency that regulates employers and employees in Arizona. During her time as Secretary of the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency, Ms. Su supported a devastating law known as A.B. 5 that threatens the livelihood of independent entrepreneurs and franchisees,” said Tony Bradley, president and CEO of the Arizona Trucking Association. “We are alarmed that Ms. Su’s anti-small business record shows that she will likely stretch the law, rather than enforce the law, as Labor Secretary in a manner that would shutter small businesses and increase costs for consumers, especially as the economy continues to struggle.”
“Ms. Su’s record makes clear that she is no friend to small business owners. Arizonans have had a front-row seat to her disastrous tenure in neighboring California and are urging lawmakers to vote ‘no’ on Ms. Su to lead the Department of Labor,” said Chad Heinrich, Arizona State Director for NFIB. “From her radical labor policy in California, her disregard for the challenges small business owners face, and her mismanagement of UI benefits that resulted in massive tax hikes on job creators, Ms. Su is disqualified to lead the Department of Labor.”
Small businesses deserve a balanced Secretary of Labor to run the Department, who will treat small businesses as partners, not adversaries. Julie Su has unfortunately failed that test. IFA urges members of both parties to oppose this harmful nomination.