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Small business owners urge lawmakers to pass a clean debt ceiling 

Over 100 small business owners and leaders signed on to Small Business for America’s Future’s letter urging lawmakers to pass a clean debt ceiling bill that does not risk economic catastrophe

Washington, D.C., May 4, 2023 – Over 100 small business owners and leaders from across the country signed a letter, organized by Small Business for America’s Future urging lawmakers to pass a clean debt ceiling bill rather than use it to force spending cut negotiations and risk a government default for the first time in U.S. history.

“Small businesses are the backbone of the U.S. economy, providing jobs and supporting their communities. As a CPA and a small business owner, I know firsthand the terrible impact that political conflicts over ensuring the country can pay its debt can have on small businesses, said Small Business for America’s Future Co-Chair Anne Zimmerman, founder and owner of Zimmerman & Co CPAs. “It is imperative that lawmakers swiftly resolve the debt ceiling issue to safeguard the economic progress that the country has achieved.” 

The letter, signed by small business owners and the leaders of organizations that advocate for and provide services to Main Street businesses, reads: 

“Small business owners acknowledge the progress the U.S. economy has made since the pandemic. However, a political fight over raising the debt ceiling will result in economic repercussions and threaten the well-being of small business owners. Past debt ceiling debates have led to increased borrowing costs, stock market turbulence, and diminished consumer and business confidence. Such outcomes disproportionately impact small businesses, which generally have fewer resources to navigate economic uncertainties compared with larger organizations.

“Debates about the nation’s fiscal health should occur in the normal legislative process. Delaying the credit of the U.S. is not a good idea for Main Street. Small business owners urge lawmakers in Washington to prioritize resolving the debt ceiling issue swiftly and focus on preventing a default that would harm small businesses that provide jobs and economic vitality in every community across the country.”

Here’s what small business owners are saying: 

"The debt ceiling is not just a matter of fiscal responsibility - it's a matter of survival for businesses like mine. If the government defaults on its debt, it could trigger an economic collapse that would devastate Main Street."

Don Marette

Occum Health, LLC.

Cape Charles, Virginia

"The debt ceiling creates a cloud of uncertainty that makes it difficult to plan for the future. It is hard for us to plan for the future if we don't know what the economic landscape will look like in a few months. Congress needs to find a long-term solution to this issue so that we can get back to focusing on our businesses."

Elizabeth Race

Eco-Baggeez, LLC.

Cazenovia, New York

“As a small business owner, I understand the importance of fiscal responsibility, but holding the debt ceiling is not the answer. We need our lawmakers to work together to ensure that our economy remains strong and that small businesses have the support they need to succeed.”

Connie Sparks 

WadeCo Business Center 

Newhall, California 

Read the full letter here.

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About Small Business for America’s Future
Small Business for America’s Future is a coalition of small business owners and leaders nationwide working to provide small businesses a voice at every level of government. We’re committed to ensuring policymakers prioritize Main Street by advancing a just and equitable economic framework that works for small business owners, their employees and their communities. Visit www.smallbusinessforamericasfuture.org. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook. #SmallBizAF.