Jim Brown discusses how the Tennessee legislature is well-positioned to help small business.
Dear NFIB/Tennessee Members,
Summer is a quiet time in Nashville. Our part-time legislature has gone home, so the pace slows considerably. There are still hearings, which you can always track at www.capitol.tn.gov, but no substantive votes.
Many small business owners and their families take much-needed vacations over the summer. Rest and rejuvenation are important components for many successful entrepreneurs. This is also a good time to reflect on what we have going in Tennessee. Times are good for small business in the Volunteer State. Our problems pale in comparison to those in other less business-friendly parts of our nation.
One reason for this good news is the legislature, comprised of 132 members, has many small business owners. Did you know there are 37 current NFIB members who serve in the Tennessee General Assembly? Both speakers, many committee chairmen and our governor are all NFIB members. They’ve been in your shoes, so they usually view legislation as you would expect. What are the costs and benefits? Can it be implemented effectively? Will it slow down progress or operations?
Please thank your legislators over the summer, tell them good job, and ask them to stay vigilant against proposals that undermine what we have going in the great state of Tennessee. I hope you get to enjoy more time with your family and friends, and the fruits of your labor and your employees’ hard work.
Jim Brown
NFIB/Tennessee State Director
