New NFIB project seeks to put more small business owners in Congress.
Imagine how much more sensible laws and regulations would be if they were made by people who know what it takes to run a small business. NFIB knows that good small business policy starts with electing good small business candidates, so we are actively helping members get more involved in the political arena.
NFIB held its first-ever political action session during its recent DC Fly In to train small business owners who want to do more. At the session entitled, “Political Action: How to Win Elections and Influence Public Policy,” NFIB’s National Political Director Sharon Sussin moderated an interactive program with Rep. Pete Stauber from Minnesota and Rep. Kevin Hern from Oklahoma who shared their first-hand experience as small business owners and NFIB members who pushed their involvement in public policy all the way by winning seats in Congress.
Also on the panel was Nancy Bocksor, Director of the Center for Women in Politics at Texas Women’s University, who observed, “If you don’t have a seat at the table, you’re on the menu.”
Fortunately, small business owners have a big advantage in winning that seat at the table. As job creators, small business owners share deep connections with their community. They speak with the authority of someone with a deep understanding of the economic problems and solutions the public faces.
Of course, not everyone can run for political office — especially when they have a business to run. As discussed at the session, there are several things NFIB members can do to have a big impact on public policy. For example, sending letters to the editor does not take too much time, but it can help shape the debate on major issues. NFIB members can also invite candidates running for office to come to their small business so that they can learn what businesses need to thrivemore about how it works. Importantly, NFIB members can host events in support of small business-friendly candidates and their elected officials as well. For more ideas, check out NFIB’s Political Action Guide.
All of these actions can help move public policy in the right direction for small business. Already, there are 27 small business owners in Congress. If you are interested in helping expand this number, NFIB has developed the Small Business Guide to Running for Office. That and other resources are available to members on our candidate resources website.
