To win the 2016 election, candidates are starting to realize they need the small business vote. It's about time.
After some initial neglect—including getting snubbed during the first Republican debate—candidates on both sides are starting to talk about small business directly. Below is a round-up of what some hopefuls have said recently.
And for more on candidates’ stances, explore NFIB’s campaign coverage, including parts one and two on where candidates stand on major issues. Plus, NFIB members can sign up for our exclusive Presidential TeleForum calls. If you’re not a member but want access to the 2016 candidates, join today.
Jeb Bush
With rate reductions and encouraging long-term fixed investments, Bush claims his proposed tax plan would benefit small business. However, one provision states that businesses would be no longer able to deduct interest payments, something that could hurt small business owners.
Hillary Clinton
Clinton recently laid out her promise to support entrepreneurs with her four ways to jumpstart small business. Her stances include: cutting red tape, expanding access to capital, providing tax relief and expanding access to new markets.
Carly Fiorina
Hewlett-Packard’s former CEO blames government rules for many of the problems that American small businesses face today, and she has advocated for trimming regulations on small companies.
Carly Fiorina in Greenville: Small business is “real engine” of economy and “were crushing them.”
— Rudolph Bell (@DolphBell) August 9, 2015
Marco Rubio
Fighting for a reformed tax plan, Sen. Rubio says he supports the American dream and will work to break down barriers for small business owners. “If we reform our tax code, reduce regulations, control spending, modernize our immigration laws, and repeal and replace Obamacare, the American people will create millions of better-paying modern jobs,” Rubio said during a speech in Miami.
‘No community values entrepreneurship and small business more than the Hispanic community.’ #Rubio #Rubio2016 #GOP #HispanicHeritageMonth
— Team Marco KC (@TeamMarcoKC) October 6, 2015
Donald Trump
The current frontrunner among many in the small business community, Trump’s talk of improving the economy, coupled with his lower tax rates across the board, has grabbed the attention of small business owners.
Trump’s Tax Plan Is Justice for Small Businesses http://t.co/4hXhjZaeVw pic.twitter.com/piR4zLvffz
— One Technologies (@onetechnologies) October 3, 2015
*Note: This news coverage does not equate to an endorsement of any candidate by NFIB.
