NFIB's Duggan: Continuing Our Momentum in 2019

Date: January 03, 2019

A new year creates opportunity for small business.

This week, we marked the end of an exceptional year and the start of a pivotal 2019. The last year was record-breaking for the small business community, and I look forward to NFIB taking an offensive position in the New Year to help accomplish even more.

President Ronald Reagan said in a 1983 New Year’s radio address, “I’ve always thought New Year’s Day was an especially American tradition, full of the optimism and hope we’re famous for in our daily lives—an energy and confidence we call the American spirit. Perhaps because we know we control our own destiny, we believe deep down inside that working together we can make each new year better than the old.”

After a year when we celebrated tax cuts, regulatory reforms, and numerous victories at the federal and state levels, we demonstrated that small businesses are fundamental to that “especially American tradition.” Small business optimism continues to soar, with 2018 producing 45-year record highs in job openings, hiring plans, actual job creation, compensation increases (actual and planned), profit growth, and inventory investment.

None of this would be possible without you. You advocated for changes in our tax and regulatory structure and then did exactly what you told Congress you would do—increase compensation, expand, and create more jobs. In 2019, policymakers in Washington, D.C., and state capitols across the country must understand what a difference these policies make. That’s where we need you more than ever.

Starting in January and going through the summer, NFIB will host state small business days where you can get involved, meet with your state lawmakers, and make a difference in how they view the policies that affect small businesses. Watch for more details in the bi-monthly e-newsletter or check with your state director to see how you can get involved. In the summer, NFIB will hold our annual fly-in as well. Last year, it corresponded with our 75th anniversary celebration when we welcomed hundreds of you to Washington, D.C. This year, we’ll continue our push to make the small business tax deduction permanent and implement other policies that help small businesses thrive.

Lastly, we remain focused on providing the most effective ways to amplify the voice of small business and position our members, and the issues they care about, in front of policymakers. That’s why we recently rolled out the NFIB Engage App. As an NFIB member, you can use the app to vote your federal and state ballots, respond to surveys on small business issues, contact your elected officials, and much more. You can download the app here.

I’m optimistic about what we can accomplish in the New Year. I look forward to meeting with many of you at small business days, and I thank you for all the work you’ve done.

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