NFIB

Small Business Remains Central to Security and Economic Recovery Efforts
10/09/2001

While some political pundits have questioned the importance of advocacy organizations at a time of national crisis, NFIB Senior Vice President Dan Danner says that when it comes to small business, the role of NFIB is more--not less--important, not only to the political debate, but to the nationÆs economic recovery.

"It is true that the congressional agenda has changed dramatically since the events of Sept. 11 and with that our responses to it," Danner said. "However, small business will continue to play a pivotal role in lawmakers deliberations at both the state and federal level."

In Washington, the focus is appropriately on security and economic recovery, Danner explains. "These issues are extremely important to small business. Enhanced security will likely result in new regulations. While they may be necessary, how they are drawn up and implemented will be critical. NFIB will have a seat at the table to remind lawmakers that 'one size fits all' regulations drawn with corporate America in mind often have a very negative effect on small business.

"Similarly, significant tax and health care changes are being considered in an effort to stimulate the nationÆs economy," Danner continues. "While the debate could easily focus on corporate tax rates, capital gains and depreciation, NFIB will be there to show that small business relief, such as expensing, payroll taxes, meal deductions and association health plans, will have a greater impact on AmericaÆs job creation engine."

The state legislatures are also considering ways to increase security while dealing with a slowing economy. NFIB Vice President of State Public Policy Steve Woods says, "After a time of fiscal surpluses in many states, legislatures want to further increase spending at a time when state coffers are shrinking due to the slowing economy and recent tax cuts. To pay for these things, legislatures will either need to raise taxes or increase mandates on business. We will be active in all 50 states to ensure that the voice of small business is heard on issues that impact the backbone of the nationÆs free enterprise system."

Danner says, "We all support the president and congressional leaders in Operation Enduring Freedom. However, when tax money is being spent and government regulations are being considered, NFIB will make sure that the interests of small business--as the backbone of the nationÆs free enterprise system-- are part of the solution."