President̢???s Economic Speech Highlights Key Small Business Concerns
Statement by John Arensmeyer, Founder & CEO of Small Business Majority, about the president̢???s economic speech Wednesday
Washington, DC̢??The president̢???s economic speech Wednesday addressed many of small business owners̢??? key concerns, including fortifying the middle class, investing in America̢???s infrastructure, continuing to grow the economy through innovation and investments in clean energy and focusing on full and robust implementation of the Affordable Care Act.
The policies the president outlined are ones for which small business owners have expressed strong support. First, full implementation of the Affordable Care Act is important to small business success this year and beyond. Our extensive opinion polling demonstrates strong small business support for key provisions in the law aimed at reducing costs and creating more avenues for entrepreneurs to secure affordable coverage. Robust implementation of the new law, including the establishment of health insurance marketplaces set to begin open enrollment in October, is one of the best ways to make that happen.
What̢???s more, entrepreneurs strongly support proposals to boost the economy by investing in our nation̢???s infrastructure. Taking steps to invest in infrastructure projects that would generate jobs is something small business owners have long supported and believe will help build a foundation for business and overall economic success.
Additionally, small businesses stand behind bold policies to address climate change while spurring innovation in clean energy. Our polling found 87 percent of small business owners believe improving innovation and energy efficiency are highly effective ways to increase prosperity for small businesses.
The president focused much of his speech on the middle class̢??a portion of the economy crucial to small business success. Small businesses view the middle class as their main customer base. Furthermore, the vast majority of small employers are part of the middle class. Policies that help small business consumers are not only good for our entrepreneurs, but are key to ensuring the success of our economy now and in the future.
We expect the president and policymakers to work hand-in-hand with small business owners to ensure smart economic policies are implemented, and look forward to working with them to make that happen.
<p><strong>About Small Business Majority</strong><br />
Small Business Majority is a national small business advocacy organization, founded and run by small business owners to focus on solving the biggest problems facing America's 28 million small businesses today. Since 2005, we have actively engaged small business owners and policymakers in support of public policy solutions, and have delivered information and resources to entrepreneurs that promote small business growth and drive a strong, sustainable economy. We are a team of more than 30 working from our 11 offices in Washington, D.C. and 9 states, with a network of more than 45,000 small business owners and more than 2,000 business organizations, along with a formal strategic partnership program of more than 125 business organizations, enabling us to reach more than 500,000 entrepreneurs. Our extensive scientific polling, focus groups and economic research help us educate and inform policymakers, the media and other stakeholders about issues including taxes, healthcare, access to capital, entrepreneurship, workforce development, clean energy and immigration. Learn more about us on our website and follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/SBM_Media" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SmallBusinessMajority" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://instagram.com/smlbizmajority/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>.</p>