Dear NFIB Members,
The 2016 Republican National Convention concludes this evening with Donald J. Trump accepting the party’s nomination for President. We hope he will focus on some of the important issues, such as taxes, regulations, and healthcare, that affect your business.
Mr. Trump has already laid out a tax plan that features fewer income brackets and lower rates. That’s consistent with NFIB’s position on tax reform, which we believe is long overdue. Tax reform should be a high priority for both candidates.
Another important issue for NFIB members is the cost and complexity of federal regulations. According to our data, regulations now rank among the top three concerns for small business owners. Mr. Trump could boost his support among entrepreneurs by featuring that subject as well.
Indeed, we hope he will explain the real importance of small business to Americans. Ninety seven percent of all businesses are small businesses. They employ more than half the workforce. They generate half of the GDP. And they pay more in federal taxes than large corporations. Small business is the economy. Whether we can create more jobs, lift wages for Americans, and finance essential government services all depend on whether small businesses can do better in the next four years.
Other speakers during the convention have focused on small business, including several owners who related to Americans burden of high taxes and excessive regulations. We were pleased as well to have heard from so many members of Congress, including Senators Joni Ernst (IA), Governor Asa Hutchinson (AR), Senator Ron Johnson (WI), Senator Shelley Moore Capito (WV), Governor Chris Christie (NJ), Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (KY), and Speaker Paul Ryan. Most of them are NFIB Guardian Award winners whom we’ve endorsed in the past, and every one of them has been a true friend to small business.
Governor Pence of Indiana, now the nominee for Vice President, has been a strong ally in Congress and as Governor. Most observers credited him with a very good speech last night, setting the stage for Mr. Trump tonight.
I’m sure you’ll be watching. Small business is the key to America’s economic strength, and it should be a major issue in the campaign.
NFIB will be live tweeting Trump’s speech. Be sure to follow @NFIB for coverage tonight and next week at the DNC.
Visit NFIB’s Republican National Convention hub for daily recaps. And stay updated on the 2016 races with NFIB’s Election Center.
Sincerely,
Juanita Duggan, NFIB President & CEO
