August is a time when Washington, D.C., gets comparatively quiet when Congress goes into recess, but because of NFIB’s influential presence in all 50 states it presents a huge opportunity for NFIB members. Senators and representatives traditionally flee the capital this time each year to escape the swampy summer heat. But that doesn’t mean that they’re all on vacation.
Many lawmakers will use this time to travel back to their district to reconnect with voters — and this is a great time to have your voice heard. It’s worth taking a few minutes to find out whether your congressional representatives are holding town hall meetings or attending events in your area. If so, let them know how you feel about making small business tax relief permanent, reducing regulatory burdens, or many other federal issues that affect how you operate your business. For more on NFIB’s member-driven positions on issues, visit our advocacy page.
NFIB also has proven instrumental in bringing elected officials to you, our members. Last month, the NFIB Small Business Challenge brought U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis to Illuminating Technologies in Greensboro, N.C. The senator spoke with NFIB members about issues affecting them, and even got up on a ladder and installed an LED light fixture replacement kit, spending time “on the job” with the company’s employees.
Sen. Tillis has been an ally of ours, having received the coveted Guardian of Small Business Award. It says a lot that he was willing to spend so much of his time to experience the issues that affect innovators first-hand, like the dozens of his colleagues who’ve also participated in the program.
Events like Small Business Challenges are effective because of involvement by NFIB members. I can’t thank you enough for all you do to ensure our elected officials consider how the policies they pass affect you. If you’d like to get more involved, visit our Advocacy Center hub. And if you’d like to step up and host a Small Business Challenge, our Communicate with Elected Officials page has information about how to get started.
So, whether you go to your lawmakers or they come to you, take the opportunity to let them know what you think about the policy issues that affect you most as a small business owner.
Juanita D. Duggan
