Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact Nazirah Ahmad nazirah@emccommunications.com (704) 290-6869 Small business group supports Medicaid expansion in Mississippi, a step toward providing much needed relief to Main Street entrepreneurs Statement by Rhett Buttle, Senior Advisor of Small Business for America’s Future, about the state Legislature reaching an agreement to expand Medicaid to Mississippians Washington, D.C., April 30, 2024 —“For small business owners who have been struggling with the high cost of health for years, the announcement of a compromise bill to expand Medicaid in Mississippi is welcome news. The high cost of healthcare has been keeping small businesses from growing and hiring for too long. We need common-sense reforms that help expand access to affordable coverage, and we encourage the House and Senate to pass this legislation. “Expanding Medicaid in Mississippi will make nearly 200,000 low-income residents eligible for the program, helping small business employees and owners. This extension of health coverage will also benefit the state’s economy by supporting a healthier workforce, decreasing medical bankruptcies and debt, and reducing financial pressures on Mississippi’s struggling hospitals. “Small businesses comprise 99.3% of all businesses in Mississippi, employing almost half of the state's workers. They need policies that help increase access to healthcare for them and their employees so they can grow their bottom lines and create the jobs and economic activity that strengthen all our communities.” To request an interview with a small business owner or Senior Advisor Rhett Buttle, contact Nazirah Ahmad nazirah@emccommunications.com or (704)290-6869. ### About Small Business for America’s Future Small Business for America’s Future is a national coalition of small business owners and leaders working to provide small businesses a voice at every level of government. We’re committed to ensuring policymakers prioritize the nation’s 30 million small businesses to create an economy that works for them, their workers and their communities. Visit www.smallbusinessforamericasfuture.org . Follow us on Twitter and Facebook . #SmallBizAF.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Janel Knight Trulear janel@emccommunications.com ( 6 17) 875-6581 Small business group celebrates Main Street business growth, urges innovative policies that support their success during Small Business Week Statement by Small Business for America’s Future Co-chair Shaundell Newsome, CEO of Sumnu Marketing in Las Vegas, NV LAS VEGAS, April 28, 2024 – “This Small Business Week we celebrate the historic boom in entrepreneurship with more than 17 million new small business applications filed since 2021. We need to capture and support this entrepreneurship enthusiasm because it will stimulate local economies and strengthen our communities by providing new jobs and economic vitality. “Ensuring the success of these new entrepreneurs will require the proper tools and resources as well as policy that supports them. I know first hand how economic policies like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act are changing communities by creating project opportunities for small businesses like mine and improving the infrastructure we depend on to deliver our goods and services. “But there is more we can do. An overhaul of the tax code is long overdue, particularly the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which failed to help small businesses and their employees. Most small business owners have told us that the TCJA did not help them hire new employees, increase salaries, or purchase new equipment. We need tax policies that have a material impact on small businesses and their employees so we can empower these millions of new entrepreneurs—and those of us who have been at it for a while—to create a more prosperous economy. “It’s our hope that this Small Business Week is one of celebration and action from lawmakers to create policy that supports Main Street entrepreneurship.” Small Business for America’s Future Co-Chair Shaundell Newsome is available for interviews upon request, contact Janel Knight Trulear janel@emccommunications.com or 617-875-6581. ### About Small Business for America’s Future Small Business for America’s Future is a national coalition of small business owners and leaders working to provide small businesses a voice at every level of government. We’re committed to ensuring policymakers prioritize the nation’s 30 million small businesses to create an economy that works for them, their workers and their communities. Visit www.smallbusinessforamericasfuture.org . Follow us on Twitter and Facebook . #SmallBizAF.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Nazirah Ahmad nazirah@emccommunications.com (704) 290-6869 Small business owner tells Congress TCJA failed Main Street, calls for reform Statement by Small Business for America’s Future Co-Chair Walt Rowen, CEO of Susquehanna Glass Company in Columbia, Pa. who testified at the US House Committee on Small Business hearing “Tax Day: Exploring the Adverse Effects of High Taxes and a Complex Tax Code.” Washington D.C. April 10, 2024 – “This morning I testified before Congress about how the tax code, particularly the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), fails to address the needs of small businesses, does not recognize their contributions, nor does it invest in their success. This is evident in our latest survey , where a majority of business owners said the TCJA did not help them hire new employees, increase salaries, or help them purchase new equipment. They also believe the law favored the wealthy and large corporations. “With many provisions in the TCJA set to expire next year, now is the time to implement tax policy that helps small businesses thrive, help stimulate business growth and job creation to support the historic surge in new small business starts in recent years. This diverse wave of entrepreneurship represents a tremendous opportunity to build a more robust economy, but only if we provide these new businesses with the support they need to succeed. As a nation, we must seize this moment and ensure that our tax policies and investments are aligned with the needs of these fledgling small business owners. “We also should ensure that taxes rightfully owed are collected and will open up pathways to address the challenges that small businesses and their employees face. By supporting policies that help small businesses and their employees, we can build a more resilient and prosperous economy for all.” During his testimony Walt Rowen proposed the following solutions to the nation’s tax code that would benefit small businesses: A tax credit for a small business owner hiring their first employee to stimulate business growth and job creation Making the first $25,000 in profit for a small business tax-free Doubling the startup tax deduction for small businesses Ensuring tax equity for the self-employed. Raising the top corporate tax rate to 28% and ensuring billion-dollar corporations pay at least 21% of their income in taxes to give lawmakers the means to make impactful economic investments. Link to watch Walt Rowen’s testimony Link to read Walt Rowen’s Testimony Small Business for America’s Future Co-Chair Walt Rowen is available for interviews upon request, contact Nazirah Ahmad at nazirah@emccommunications.com or 704-290-6869. ### About Small Business for America’s Future Small Business for America’s Future is a national coalition of small business owners and leaders working to provide small businesses a voice at every level of government. We’re committed to ensuring policymakers prioritize the nation’s 30 million small businesses to create an economy that works for them, their workers and their communities. Visit www.smallbusinessforamericasfuture.org . Follow us on Twitter and Facebook . #SmallBizAF.

WRITTEN TESTIMONY FOR THE UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES COMMITTEE ON SMALL BUSINESS BY WALT ROWEN CO-CHAIR OF SMALL BUSINESS FOR AMERICA’S FUTURE PRESIDENT OF SUSQUEHANNA GLASS IN COLUMBIA, PA APRIL 10, 2023 My name is Walt Rowen, and I am the President of Susquehanna Glass in Columbia, Pennsylvania, and Co-Chair of Small Business for America's Future (SBAF). Susquehanna Glass is a family-owned glass decorating business that has been in operation for 114 years, with each generation having navigated various economic upheavals. Despite these challenges, our business has figured out how to persevere and continue operating. We currently employ around 35 people and are proud to play an active role in our local community by providing good jobs and economic activity since 1910. Our success is intrinsically linked to the success of our community, and I believe that investing in small businesses is an investment in the prosperity of our workers and neighborhoods. Small Business for America's Future is a national coalition of small business owners and leaders dedicated to providing a strong voice for small businesses at every level of government. SBAF has long advocated for tax reforms that benefit small business and is committed to ensuring that policymakers prioritize the needs of Main Street by promoting a just and equitable economic framework that supports small business owners, their employees, and the communities they serve. Small Business Success Leads to Community Success As a small business owner, I am deeply embedded in my community, and I recognize that the success of my business, like that of all small businesses, is inextricably linked to the success of my community. Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy, creating jobs, driving innovation, and investing in the communities they serve. In fact, the country's 30 million small businesses are responsible for nearly half of all private-sector employment and have been the primary source of job creation for decades. My family's business, Susquehanna Glass, having navigated World War I, the Great Depression, World War II, the Great Recession, and, most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic, has been a proud contributor to our local economy for more than a century. However, our ability to weather these storms and continue serving our community has not been solely due to our own efforts. During times of crisis, government programs like the Paycheck Protection Program and the Small Business Administration's EIDL loans have been crucial lifelines that have allowed us to keep our doors open during the most challenging times. Given the vital role that small businesses play in our economy and our communities, I have high expectations for how the government should support Main Street. We need investments and policies that create an economic climate that allows small businesses to thrive, which in turn will lead to thriving communities. When small businesses succeed, they create jobs, stimulate economic activity, and generate tax revenue that can be reinvested in local communities. While smart tax policy is undoubtedly an important piece of the puzzle, it is not the only tool at the government's disposal. To truly support small businesses and the communities they serve, the government must take a comprehensive approach that includes investments in creating new economic opportunities and building a strong workforce. This means investing in training programs to ensure that small businesses have access to skilled workers, making healthcare and childcare more affordable, and investing in infrastructure projects that can help small businesses reach new markets and provide new business opportunities. To fund these investments, we need tax reforms that support small business success, close loopholes, and ensure that everyone pays their fair share. These reforms will generate the revenue needed to create new economic opportunities and build a stronger economy that works for everyone. In short, supporting small businesses is not just about creating a favorable tax environment, but also about making strategic investments that create new opportunities for growth and success. The Impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) on Small Businesses The current tax code, particularly the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), has not adequately addressed the needs of small businesses, does not reward their impact, nor does it invest in their success. The TCJA in particular heavily favors large corporations and has failed to create an environment that promotes growth on Main Street. A recent national survey of more than 1,100 small business owners conducted in February by SBAF shows how little the law has done for entrepreneurs: 80% of small business owner respondents said the TCJA did not help them hire new employees 76% said it did not help them increase salaries 76% said it did not help them purchase new equipment 72% believe the tax code favors large corporations over small businesses These results highlight the disparities in benefits received by large corporations and small businesses under the TCJA. While corporations received a permanent 40% tax cut (from 35% to 21%), pass-through entities—the majority of small businesses—received a meager temporary 20% deduction that, as the survey results show, had little material impact on small businesses. Furthermore, contrary to promises made by the TCJA's proponents, the tax cuts have not paid for themselves. The small business community takes long-term fiscal responsibility seriously, and it is now clear that these tax cuts have not been fiscally prudent. The TCJA's failure to deliver meaningful benefits to small businesses while adding significantly to the national debt is a concern for small business owners who value sustainable economic policies. The TCJA's failure to adequately support small businesses represents a missed opportunity to create jobs, raise wages, and empower entrepreneurs to invest in their businesses and contribute to the growth and vitality of their communities. As Congress considers future tax legislation, it is crucial that they prioritize the needs of small businesses and create a system that promotes Main Street success. A Need for a Tax Code Designed to Support Small Business Many provisions in the TCJA are set to expire, but merely extending them beyond 2025 would lock in a tax scheme that does not work for small businesses. Instead, we need to take this opportunity to implement tax reforms that enable Main Street success. Helpful policies for small business include: A tax credit for a small business owner hiring their first employee to stimulate business growth and job creation Making the first $25,000 in profit for a small business tax-free Doubling the startup tax deduction for small businesses Ensuring tax equity for the self-employed. Raising the top corporate tax rate to 28% and ensuring billion-dollar corporations pay at least 21% of their income in taxes to give lawmakers the means to make impactful economic investments. Importantly, policymakers must simplify tax matters for small business owners.The tax code is far too complicated, and compliance is time-consuming and costly. Small businesses simply do not have the resources, time, or expertise to find every benefit available to us. Simplifying the tax code would be a game-changer for small businesses, allowing us to focus our energy on what we do best—serving our communities and growing our businesses. Increased Revenue Enables Creative Solutions Smart tax reforms and ensuring that taxes rightfully owed to the Treasury by large corporations and the wealthy are collected—the recently allocated funds to modernize the IRS are crucial in this regard—will open up pathways to address the challenges that small businesses face. This will provide the means to implement policies that truly move the needle for small businesses and their employees, such as affordable child care, child tax credits, training incentives, immediate write-offs for new equipment purchases, affordable health insurance, and infrastructure improvements. These policies would not only benefit small businesses directly but also strengthen the communities they serve. When small businesses succeed, they create jobs, stimulate economic activity, and contribute to the vitality of their communities. By using the revenue generated from tax reforms and improved tax collection to fund policies that support small businesses and their employees, we can build a more resilient, and prosperous economy for all. The Need for Tax Reform and Smart Investments in Light of Record Entrepreneurship The need for smart tax reform and smart policies supporting Main Street is particularly urgent given the historic surge in new small business starts in recent years. U.S. Census Bureau data shows the nearly 16 million new recorded business applications since 2021 represent an approximately 85% increase in the average flow of monthly applications compared to the period between 2004 and January 2021. The monthly average of 440,000 new business applications over the past three years is 46% higher than the average from 2017 through 2020 combined. This growth in entrepreneurship has been particularly pronounced among women, Latinos, and Black Americans. Black business ownership is growing at the fastest pace in 30 years, with the share of Black households owning a business more than doubling from 5% to 11% between 2019 and 2022. Similarly, Latino business ownership rose from 7% to 10% during this period, the fastest pace in over a decade. Women-owned businesses have seen the most dramatic growth, with the rate from 2019 to 2023 outpacing that of men-owned businesses by 94%. This diverse wave of entrepreneurship represents a tremendous opportunity to build a more robust economy, but only if we provide these new businesses with the support they need to succeed. As a nation, we must seize this moment of historic entrepreneurship and ensure that our tax policies and investments are aligned with the needs of these fledgling small business owners. By doing things like providing tax credits for hiring the first employee, making the first $25,000 in profits tax-free, simplifying tax compliance, lowering the cost of health insurance, and making investments in childcare, we can create an environment that nurtures these new small businesses and enables them to grow into the job-creating engines our communities thrive on. Conclusion The current tax system, including the TCJA, has failed to address the needs of small businesses. It is time for bold action to create a tax code that works for Main Street and provides the revenue required to make transformative investments in the workforce and economic opportunities. Tax policy can and should be made to help small business owners because investing in small businesses is not just about supporting individual enterprises; it is about building vibrant, thriving communities where everyone has the opportunity to participate and prosper. Thank you for your consideration. Walter Rowen President Susquehanna Glass, Co. Columbia, PA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Nazirah Ahmad nazirah@emccommunications.com ( 7 04) 290-6869 Small business group urges Youngkin to sign bill for lower medicine costs in Virginia Statement by Adrianne Mickens, owner of The Fitting Room in Virginia, on efforts to lower healthcare costs for Virginians Richmond, VA, April 3, 2023 – “Prescription drug affordability has emerged as a pressing concern for Virginians, imposing significant financial strain on individuals and small businesses like mine. The continuous escalation of medication prices not only burdens patients but also undermines the competitiveness of small businesses, directly impacting our bottom lines. “Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy, but we’re being squeezed by skyrocketing healthcare costs, particularly prescription drug expenses. I urge Governor Youngkin to support legislation such as HB570 and SB274, which will establish a Prescription Drug Affordability Board. This board would serve to regulate exorbitant drug prices, providing relief to Virginians struggling to afford essential medications. “A recent survey conducted by Small Business for America’s Future found that 88% of small business owners believe prescription drug prices are too high, and 94% of respondents believe the current prescription drug pricing market needs to be changed. These escalating costs have forced many businesses to confront difficult decisions, including whether to provide health insurance or limit growth and innovation. “The proposed Prescription Drug Affordability Board would play a pivotal role in addressing this crisis by conducting affordability reviews of prescription drugs and implementing price limits where necessary. By ensuring that healthcare remains accessible and affordable, this legislation is fundamental to fostering a healthy and prosperous workforce, essential for the continued growth and success of Virginia's economy.” Adrianne Mickens is available for interviews upon request, contact Nazirah Ahmad at nazirah@emccommunications.com or 704-290-6869. ### About Small Business for America’s Future Small Business for America’s Future is a national coalition of small business owners and leaders working to provide small businesses a voice at every level of government. We’re committed to ensuring policymakers prioritize the nation’s 30 million small businesses to create an economy that works for them, their workers and their communities. Visit www.smallbusinessforamericasfuture.org . Follow us on Twitter and Facebook . #SmallBizAF.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Janel Knight Trulear janel@emccommunications.com (617) 875-6581 Small business group supports efforts to lower healthcare costs, a step toward providing much needed relief to Main Street entrepreneurs Statement by Small Business for America’s Future senior advisor Rhett Buttle on President Biden’s healthcare event today. WASHINGTON, D.C. April 3, 2024— “We welcome today’s event where the Biden Administration is focused on lower healthcare costs. The soaring cost of healthcare bites deeply into the small business bottom line, if entrepreneurs are able to afford it at all, hampering their ability to grow and attract and retain workers. In fact, the cost of healthcare is consistently ranked as the top issue facing small business owners. “Today’s event comes amidst a historic small business boom with 16 million new small businesses created in the last three years, and we need policies that support their success. A growing number of them are owned by people of color, with the number of Black entrepreneurs doubling and Latino business ownership up by 40% since 2019. These are the same populations who historically face disproportionate challenges in obtaining health benefits. “We appreciate the administration's action on the cost of inhalers which has led to companies announcing caps on out-of-pocket expenses at $35 per month which will go into effect soon. Some inhalers can cost $200-$600 in the U.S. compared to $49 in the United Kingdom . It's an example of how exorbitant prescription drug prices can be impacting the professional and personal budgets of small business owners and their employees. “Other efforts including the Inflation Reduction Act lowers costs for life-saving medications for people who receive health coverage through Medicare. It is popular among small business owners, with 81% of small business owners supporting the Inflation Reduction Act’s measures to lower prescription drug prices. “We are happy that lowering healthcare costs is a priority and not an afterthought.” Small Business for America’s Future Senior Advisor Rhett Buttle is available for interviews upon request, contact Janel Knight Trulear at janel@emccommunications.com or 617-875-6581. ### About Small Business for America’s Future Small Business for America’s Future is a national coalition of small business owners and leaders working to provide small businesses a voice at every level of government. We’re committed to ensuring policymakers prioritize the nation’s 30 million small businesses to create an economy that works for them, their workers and their communities. Visit www.smallbusinessforamericasfuture.org . Follow us on Twitter and Facebook . #SmallBizAF.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Janel Knight Trulear janel@emccommunications.com (617) 875-6581 Small business group applauds efforts to lower healthcare costs, a top concern for Main Street business Statement by Small Business for America’s Future Senior Advisor Rhett Buttle on administration’s efforts to lower healthcare costs ahead of President Bident and Vice President Kamala Harris’ trip to North Carolina Washington D.C., March 26, 2024 – “High healthcare costs have long been a concern for small business owners because it cuts into their bottom lines and hurts their ability to hire new employees. “We are encouraged by policies like the Inflation Reduction Act that will help bring down drug prices–a key driver in the high cost of health insurance. It empowers Medicare to negotiate the price of expensive medications that treat life-threatening conditions like blood clots, cancer and heart failure for the first time. “This will be an important step for small business owners as the ever-increasing cost of healthcare has forced them to raise the prices of their goods and services to compensate for the price of coverage or consider dropping it altogether. It is no surprise that 81% of small business owners support the Inflation Reduction Act’s measures to lower prescription drug prices. “Efforts to make cuts to programs like Medicare or the Affordable Care Act, which had a record number of people sign up for open enrollment this year, are misguided and could have devastating consequences. We need policies that help keep our workforce healthy so we can bolster our growing economy.” Small Business for America’s Future Senior Advisor Rhett Buttle is available for interviews upon request, contact Janel Knight Trulear at janel@emccommunicaitons.com or 617-875-6581. ### About Small Business for America’s Future Small Business for America’s Future is a national coalition of small business owners and leaders working to provide small businesses a voice at every level of government. We’re committed to ensuring policymakers prioritize the nation’s 30 million small businesses to create an economy that works for them, their workers and their communities. Visit www.smallbusinessforamericasfuture.org . Follow us on Twitter and Facebook . #SmallBizAF.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Janel Knight Trulear janel@emccommunications.com ( 6 17) 875-6581 Small business group applauds US Treasury secretary’s testimony on the administration’s tax vision Statement by Small Business for America’s Future Co-chair Anne Zimmerman, owner of Zimmerman & Co CPAs Inc., on U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen’s testimony before the Senate Finance Committee March 21, 2024– “Small business owners want a tax code that is fair and does not favor the wealthy and large corporations. We are pleased that the administration has the same vision. “Investments in the IRS from the Inflation Reduction Act are set to transform the agency, bolstering its ability to serve small businesses and ensure large corporations and the wealthy pay their fair share. Treasury Secretary Yellen has repeatedly said that the focus of tax enforcement will not be on people making under $400,000 like most small business owners. “We are encouraged by the secretary’s testimony that there is a desire to do more. We know that the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was a complete failure for small businesses in fact, an overwhelming number, 68% of small business owners in a Small Business for America’s Future survey said they believe the law favored the wealthy and large corporations and did little to help them grow their own businesses. We don’t want to fix TCJA but have a serious conversation about how we can replace it, creating a pro-worker, pro-small business environment that allows communities to grow and thrive.” “With a record number of small business openings, now is the time to get serious about how we can ensure our tax code is working for America’s small businesses and workers. We hope lawmakers will put the needs of Main Street ahead of scoring political points and pass policy that is fair for everyone.” To request an interview with Small Business for America’s Co-Chair Anne Zimmerman, contact Janel Knight Trulear at (617) 875-6581 or janel@emccommunications.com. ### About Small Business for America’s Future Small Business for America’s Future is a national coalition of small business owners and leaders working to provide small businesses a voice at every level of government. We’re committed to ensuring policymakers prioritize the nation’s 30 million small businesses to create an economy that works for them, their workers and their communities. Visit www.smallbusinessforamericasfuture.org . Follow us on Twitter and Facebook . #SmallBizAF.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact Nazirah Ahmad nazirah@emccommunications.com 7 0 4-290-6869 Small business group applauds legislation that addresses high healthcare prices in WA Small Business for America’s Future network member and owner of Hot Diggity in Vancouver, WA Jill Nelson comments on H.B. 1508 which recently became law Olympia, W.A., March 15, 2024 – I am glad that H.B. 1508, which will improve affordability by increasing transparency into healthcare pricing, passed with bipartisan support in the House and Senate and was signed yesterday. It is a critical piece of legislation that addresses a top concern among small business owners and families in Washington – rising healthcare costs - and ensures that an employer voice will be represented on the healthcare cost transparency board. As a small business owner in Washington state, I have been burdened with the soaring costs of healthcare and I am not alone. A recent survey conducted by Small Business for America’s Future found that 97% of small business owners experienced increased premiums last year, with nearly one in three facing more than a 15% hike, indicating the severity of rising healthcare costs. The escalating costs of healthcare threaten my financial stability and hinder the growth of my business. As a result, I have had to make tough decisions like delaying hiring and contemplating increasing prices due to offset these rising costs. The support this bill received in both the House and the Senate is a testament to the pressing need for a comprehensive solution to the issue of healthcare affordability. While there is more to be done, I am glad that legislators are stepping in with practical, common-sense solutions. To request an interview with Jill Nelson contact Nazirah Ahmad at nazirah@emccommunications.com or 704-290-6869. ###  About Small Business for America’s Future Small Business for America’s Future is a national coalition of small business owners and leaders working to provide small businesses a voice at every level of government. We’re committed to ensuring policymakers prioritize the nation’s 30 million small businesses to create an economy that works for them, their workers and their communities. Visit www.smallbusinessforamericasfuture.org . Follow us on Twitter and Facebook . #SmallBizAF.