FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:
Janel Knight Trulear
janel@emccommunications.com
(617) 875-6581

N.C. small business group commends SCOTUS Moore v. Harper decision, which safeguards democracy for a strong economy

Statement by Small Business for America’s Future North Carolina Director Jim Duffett on SCOTUS “independent state legislature” theory ruling



Raleigh, N.C.,  June 27, 2023–We are relieved by the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to reject the “independent state legislature” theory, affirming that the North Carolina Supreme Court did not exceed its authority in striking down the legislature’s excessively partisan congressional redistricting plan. This ruling upholds the principles of representative government and the essential role of checks and balances.

The "independent state legislature" theory would have undermined the integrity of our electoral system and given state legislatures unchecked power in federal elections. This would have been damaging for small businesses as lawmakers in districts drawn to guarantee their re-election would pay no penalty for failing to address small business needs.

In a survey of the Small Business for America’s Future network, 89% of small business owners said a well-functioning democracy is very important to a strong small business economy, and 78% said they are very concerned with the current state of our democracy. The same concerns were also discussed during a briefing by The Business and Democracy Initiative. 

Political stability is the cornerstone of thriving economies, communities, and businesses. It’s clear that this case was nothing but a power grab and an alarming attempt to manipulate our electoral system, posing a significant threat to both our democracy and our economy. 

Our hope is lawmakers will focus on legislation that supports a well-functioning democracy that prioritizes the needs of small businesses and promotes economic growth. 

To request an interview with a small business owner or SBAF North Carolina Director Jim Duffett, contact Janel Knight Trulear at (617) 875-6581 or janel@emccommunications.com. 

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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.