With small business optimism at its highest levels in more than four decades, the 2018 midterm elections were some of the most important ever. Pro-small business control of Congress was on the line, and you came out and made your voices heard.
Over the course of the year, we mobilized for the midterm elections. NFIB endorsed 272 congressional candidates, ran successful major advertising campaigns in four races, and deployed road teams in states including Florida, Tennessee, Virginia, Indiana, and Minnesota.
With almost all the results in, Congress experienced a shift in power, with Democrats gaining seats in the United States House of Representatives and Republicans gaining seats in the United States Senate. Twenty-four NFIB members were elected or re-elected to the Congress, which will convene on January 3rd, 2019.
Forty-six states held elections, which resulted in Democrats holding 14 states (Governor and both chambers), Republicans holding 22 states (Governor and both chambers), 13 states with split control, and Georgia undecided at the time of my letter to you.
What does this mean for you, the small business community? I’ve been hearing from our members consistently that you’re implementing plans to expand, hire more workers, and increase wages. Business is booming, and much of it is thanks to policies implemented by the 115th Congress and the Administration, like the removal of several costly regulations and making small business tax relief a reality. It is imperative the 116th Congress and incoming statehouse leaders understand that good small business policies are good for the economy, regardless of party affiliation or political leaning.
As we look ahead to the new makeup of Congress and several statehouses, we will continue to weigh in on legal and regulatory matters. Protecting the tax cuts that were signed into law almost a year ago, including the Small Business Deduction, will be a key priority for us. We’ll continue to lead the charge for small businesses on state legislation and ballot initiatives.
Issues like small business tax cuts aren’t partisan issues; they’re good business issues. I’ve heard time and again from small businesses across the country that the tax cuts are making a significant difference in their day-to-day operations. Your voice has been crucial in helping Members of Congress understand how the tax cuts have affected business. Please consider taking a moment to go here and remind them once again.
We are committed to standing up to protect this law to help provide the certainty that small and independent business owners, like yourself, need. We look forward to welcoming and working together with the 116th Congress to advance policies like the small business deduction that keep small businesses strong.
Thank you for being involved.
