NFIB Members,
Big national topics like tax reform and healthcare grab lots of headlines, and rightfully so. They’re important. But you and I know that issues in your state, the ones that show up in your papers and on your local stations, are just as important. Many of the daily pain points you face as a business owner start at the statehouse, and now increasingly at the county and city level.
Local issues like mandated paid leave, minimum wage rates, and local ordinances are just a few of the things that might be keeping you up at night. You tell us about these and other issues in your NFIB State Member Ballot responses each year. This is why NFIB has a state director in every state capital and grassroots staff across the country. These are not chapters or affiliates. We are all one NFIB, and we’re committed to being the voice of small business, your voice, at all levels of government.
From now through early June, our state directors and NFIB members are visiting statehouses across the country, telling legislators what really matters to small business owners. These Small Business Day at the Capitol events are taking place in more than 30 states. Find your state here.
Last week, I had the pleasure of joining nearly 100 NFIB members at Indiana Small Business Day in Indianapolis, where we discussed key local issues, heard engaging words from U.S. House Rep. Susan Brooks, and met with state senators on our members’ top issues. While each part of the event was important, perhaps the most inspiring moments of the day came when NFIB members stood up, one after another, to describe how the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is providing relief at their business. Hiring new employees, giving bonuses and raises, purchasing much needed equipment—the results of our hard-fought efforts on tax reform are real.
This progress will be challenged at the state level in 2018. We must continue to press on local issues while at the same time protect federal wins, like tax relief, from being undone in the states. The elections this fall play an important role in that work.
Hundreds of legislative and statewide races will take place. In the 36 governor races, 26 of those seats are currently occupied by pro-small business governors. Half of these will be open seats. NFIB’s State Voting Records and Voter Guides, which we will mail to you before the elections, indicate the legislators who support small business.
You can also stay involved with NFIB by visiting your state page on our website to find events, read the latest news, and connect with your state director. Our state teams are your resource on the ground and they would love to hear from you.
Thank you for being an NFIB member, and for being the voice of small business from Main Street all the way to the U.S. Capitol.
Sincerely,
Juanita D. Duggan, NFIB President & CEO
