NFIB’s D.C. Fly-In event provides an opportunity to discuss small business priorities with legislators
Small business owners descended on Capitol Hill this week for the annual NFIB Washington, D.C. Fly-In. The two-day event is an opportunity for small business owners to meet others who understand their priorities and tell their stories to lawmakers on Capitol Hill.
“Legislators rarely hear from small business owners in their districts and states,” said NFIB President Brad Close. “Most of them have never owned a business. Most of them don’t know what you go through on a daily basis. They need to learn what it means to run a business, to employ people, to take a risk, to pay employees and not pay yourself. Also, they need to hear what it’s like to deal with supply chain disruptions, worker shortages, and inflation. Hearing it from you directly is key.”
Small business owners telling their real-world experiences is essential in helping members of Congress and their staff understand the potential impact of tax increases and other anti-small business policies. This year, attendees had two legislative priorities they focused on in their Hill meetings. They urged their members of Congress to co-sponsor the Main Street Tax Certainty Act and the Credit Card Competition Act and thanked those who already have.
Both of these bills are crucial for small business owners. The Main Street Tax Certainty Act would make the 20% Small Business Deduction permanent. Currently, that is set to expire after 2025. Eighty-one percent of small business owners believe the Small Business Deduction is important, and it allows small businesses to invest in their employees, expand their businesses, and create jobs.
The Credit Card Competition Act would stop anti-competitive behavior in the credit card processing market by giving small businesses the choice between multiple processing networks. Small businesses do not have the market power to negotiate with large credit card companies on “swipe fees,” which have more than doubled since 2012.
Along with focusing on the legislative agenda, the NFIB Fly-In offered a variety of programs and speakers to update the attendees on current advocacy issues and prepare them for their Capitol Hill meetings.
Good Morning with Members of Congress
Over breakfast, attendees heard from Representative Kevin Hern on his experience as a small business owner and advocate. “If America runs like a small town, it’d be a happier place,” explained Hern. “If the collective voice can be heard every single day and can be realized and understood we could change America.”
Political Update
Special guest speaker David Wasserman of the Cook Political Report provided insights into the candidates and dynamics shaping the 2024 elections. He talked about results from the 2022 election and how those trends might impact the 2024 elections.
Legislative Briefing & Hill Meeting Roundtables
Attendees gained critical background for making the most of their Capitol Hill meetings with legislators. This session also gave small business owners the chance to get their questions answered about current and potential legislation that impacts their business from NFIB’s Federal Government Relations team who is in the weeds with all of the bills important to small business.
“The most important part of meeting with legislators is sharing your stories and the impact on your business,” said NFIB Vice President of Federal Government Relations Kevin Kuhlman. “It’s your job to just share your impact. The more stories we have the stronger the small business voice will be.”
A new Congress with many first-time legislators provided a need for small business owners to educate them on how laws impact their specific businesses, employees, and the communities the lawmakers represent. NFIB provided a personalized experience for attendees with a new app so they had all the information they needed about programs and their Capitol Hill meetings at their fingertips.
“The ultimate goal when you leave these meetings is that these offices don’t see you as another small business in their community, but that they see your face every time they have to weigh-in on policy that affects small businesses,” said NFIB Grassroots Manager Elizabeth Parks.
The NFIB members that attended the Fly-In know how important it is for them to make their voices heard and traveled from across the country for the opportunity to meet with their members of Congress.
Take Action: Now is the time to join what these members have started and urge your lawmakers to co-sponsor the Main Street Tax Certainty Act and the Credit Card Competition Act.
