OLYMPIA, Wash., January 12, 2015—The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the voice of Washington State small businesses, has launched an online and radio advertising campaign to educate Washington voters on the potentially harmful effects of Governor Inslee’s proposed climate agenda. Recent surveys conducted among both small businesses and likely voters in Washington State showed overwhelming concern over the potential increase in fuel costs and the prospect of moving too quickly to adopt such measures until more information is made available.
The two online ads feature local Washington small business owners whose businesses, like many small enterprises in Washington, depend on access to affordable energy and are disproportionally hurt by increases in fuel costs. The videos have been highly impactful since their launch on December 26. The first online ad highlighting Frank Riordan, president of Becker Trucking in Tukwila, has received 141,747 impressions, and the second ad featuring David Degon, owner of Degon Farms in Fairfield, has received 141,703 views.
“Small businesses do have a responsibility to protect the environment, but we’re also an energy-reliant business,” says David Degon in the ad. “Affordable energy is critical to my farm, and my family.”
Noting the overwhelming support by both small businesses and voters for transparency and alternatives to increased gas taxes, Frank Riordan says, “We know there’s a cost, but how much? If all Washingtonians will pay more at the pump because of the governor’s plan, we should all have a say in the process and the decision.”
The radio and online ads highlight the burden new energy taxes have on families, small businesses, and workers, and call on Washingtonians to contact Governor Inslee and urge him to keep his promise not to raise taxes.
“Small businesses and working families have struggled enough through this long recession,” said Patrick Connor, NFIB’s Washington state director. “Before they and other Washingtonians are asked to sacrifice more – through higher gas and heating prices, more delayed pay increases, or jobs lost – Governor Inslee must demonstrate clear, measurable improvements in the environment will result, and the Legislature needs to allow a full public debate on the merits of this plan.”
Listen to the radio ad featuring Becker Trucking here. Listen to the radio ad featuring Degon Farms here.
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For more than 70 years, the National Federation of Independent Business has been the Voice of Small Business, taking the message from Main Street to the halls of Congress and all 50 state legislatures. NFIB annually surveys its members on state and federal issues vital to their survival as America’s economic engine and biggest creator of jobs. NFIB’s educational mission is to remind policymakers that small businesses are not smaller versions of bigger businesses; they have very different challenges and priorities.
NFIB/Washington
711 Capitol Way South, Suite 505
Olympia, WA 98501
Twitter: @NFIB_WA
