On September 13, 2022, NFIB announced its endorsement of Tom Barrett for Congress during a tour of Highland Engineering in Howell.  Tom Barrett is running in Michigan’s 7^th Congressional District which includes Eaton, Ingham, Shiawassee and Livingston Counties.

Highland Engineering, Inc. (HEI) was founded in 1986 and is one of the leading small business suppliers of Ground Support Equipment to the Dept. of Defense. Ralph Beebe, President, provided a tour of the business, as he and Barrett, an army veteran, spoke about the importance of small businesses like his in keeping our troops adequately supplied with what they need.  Beebe explained that small businesses are often more agile and innovative in providing the DoD what it needs.  However, they are also less likely to be able to absorb costs that come with increased inflation, taxation, and regulation.

During the tour, NFIB State Director Amanda Fisher announced the endorsement of the MI Fed PAC for Tom Barrett for Congress, citing current Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin’s poor small business voting record.  “Tom Barrett has served in the Michigan Legislature since 2014 and has proven to be a strong supporter of small businesses. He has advocated for pro-small business policies and understands the various challenges small businesses in Michigan are currently facing including the lack of qualified workers, onerous regulations, and over taxation. Tom Barrett has committed to focusing on inflation and burdensome regulations in Congress. We look forward to continuing to work with him.”

Highland Engineering completed the tour by providing lunch for its approximately 45 employees and invited Tom to speak and take questions.  Ralph Beebe indicated that he has provided this opportunity to elected officials for years.  “As a small business owner I would never tell my employees who to vote for, but it is important that they understand that who they elect has a direct impact on our business and their paycheck. These lunches are a chance to meet candidates and meet them face to face.” 

Barret highlighted his record of voting against tax breaks to large corporations, fighting to reduce regulations and taxes, and working on behalf of veterans.  He vowed to do the same in Congress.  Click HERE to learn more about Tom Barrett’s campaign.