The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), Pennsylvania’s leading small business advocacy organization, responded to Governor Shapiro’s recently announced additional investment for “Main Street Matters,” a program labeled to strengthen small businesses across the Commonwealth.

“The Main Street Matters program is unfortunately a way for the governor’s office to attempt to be small business friendly. Instead of advancing actual legislation that would ignite economic growth and strengthen our workforce, this program is a photo-op for elected officials,” said NFIB Pennsylvania State Director Greg Moreland. “If leaders in Harrisburg want to really invest in Main Street, they should prioritize lowering taxes and allowing small businesses and individuals to invest in their own communities.”

The Main Street Matters program is funded by Pennsylvania taxpayers. Gov. Shapiro’s press release can be found here.

According to NFIB’s latest research, the percent of small business owners reporting taxes as their single most important problem rose to 18% in February – the highest level since November 2021. The net percent of owners expecting better business conditions fell 16 points to a net 21% (seasonally adjusted).