06/27/2008
In the months leading up to the November elections, we will be spotlighting NFIB member activists who have been working to ensure the voice of small business is heard in their state as well as in Washington.
Debbie Wicker, owner of Mission Enabled, a not-for-profit Web publishing business based in Oconomowoc, Wisc., knows the power of speaking out for small business. An NFIB member for four years and an activist for the last three, Wicker has been making sure her voice is heard across her state and on the national level regarding healthcare reform—her top small business issue.
"It's been 20 years that NFIB has been working on [healthcare reform]," Wicker says. "It's more of an issue now than it's ever been."
Wicker is on NFIB's national taskforce for healthcare reform, and she regularly participates in roundtables on the issue. She supports the NFIB-backed Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) Act, feeling that it's "a step forward." Wicker recently attended Rep. Kind's press conference where he announced the House version of the SHOP Act, and thinks that it might have a chance in passing Congress because of its bipartisan sponsorship.
Being involved in politics is important to Wicker because she feels that in Congress, small business does not have a voice.
"The Democrats represent the individual and the Republicans support Big Business," says Wicker, who identifies herself as an Independent. "I don't think either side represents small business."
And though she sees good aspects to each of the healthcare plans proposed by presidential candidates John McCain and Barack Obama, Wicker stresses that small business must make its voice heard.
"We need to be involved and at the table so that when the final legislation is put forth they don't forget about small business," she says.
For small business owners looking to get involved in politics, Wicker recommends joining NFIB as a first step, and then making an effort to stay involved.
"It seems overwhelming at first," she says, "But you need to stay involved enough so that you understand the issues."
She also suggests choosing one issue that you're passionate about and focusing solely on it.
"It's harder to have an impact if you try to be conversant on all issues," she cautions. "Don't spread yourself too thin by trying to be involved with everything."
For information on how NFIB can help you get involved this political season, visit NFIB.com/politics.
