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State of the Union Reaction: Small Business Owners Applaud Economic Progress, See Bipartisanship as Pathway to Stronger Economy

Small business owners across the country share their reactions to the SOTU and their outlook on the economy 

Feb. 7, 2023–-After hearing President Joe Biden’s State of the Union Address, which focused on the economy and the growing strength of small businesses, small business owners from across the country expressed optimism about our economic progress and  called on lawmakers to work together to ensure a full recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.

While the economy is still recovering it is showing signs of resiliency with low unemployment, strong hiring and a record number of small businesses created in the past two years. 

Here is what small business owners in the Small Business for America’s Future network from states across the country are saying about the road ahead:

Arizona

“As the Biden-Harris Administration looks ahead, my hope is that they will continue to focus on small businesses and pursue policies like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that help provide small businesses with opportunities and support during an unpredictable economy.”
Patricia McKinley
Founder and Owner, KHAVL Transport LLC.
Phoenix, Arizona

California

“I am grateful that the administration has been able to navigate through the political noise and focus on economic policies that work for small business owners. We need more bipartisan action and less damaging political posturing as serious issues like debt ceiling loom. As a small business owner, I need to pay my bills. So does the government. In the weeks to come, raising the debt limit needs to be a priority or Main Street will suffer the most.”
Candace Combs
Owner, Combs Business Consulting and In-Symmetry Spa
San Francisco, California 

“Small business has come a long way since the start of the pandemic. Our restaurant had to lay off over 50 people. But now we are heading into a brighter future thanks to economic policies like the Inflation Reduction Act, allowing us to return to what we do best: welcoming the community to our table. We are indebted to the initiative, flexibility and creativity during Covid from all levels of government and hope that spirit continues in the days to come as we work to create a brighter future for our children and grandchildren.”
Patrick Mulvaney
Founder and Owner, Mulvaney's B&L
Sacramento, California

Colorado

“Small businesses are the backbone of the economy. In order to support us and keep the economy on a positive track, we need more common sense policies like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act, not radical legislation that will derail our progress. It was pleasing to see that the Biden-Harris Administration  understands and values our place in the economy.”
Masaru Torito
District Manager, Kokoro Restaurant
Denver, Colorado

Florida

“The administration has accomplished a lot in the last few years, from boosting the economy to helping secure a well-functioning democracy. I was particularly pleased to see the passage of the Election Reform Act last year garnered bipartisan support but more is needed to protect our democracy from radical political ideologies. This is no time to revert to the politics of division or to tear down what the federal government has achieved. We have proof that strong, steady leadership can advance American values and prosperity. Let’s leave behind the leaders who pull cheap political stunts to grab headlines and advance only themselves.”
Conchie Fernández
Founding Partner, CF Creative
Boca Raton, Florida

“There is no doubt in the minds of small business owners that a strong economy and a strong small business sector require a stable government, and we want our leaders to value it as much as we do. We have made progress on protecting democracy but it is something that requires constant vigilance and attention.”
Jeff Lamm
Lamm Properties
Tampa, Florida

Georgia

“Small businesses were battered by the pandemic, but with the recent record-breaking jobs report and a record number of people interested in starting new businesses, we are seeing real signs of strength in our economy. I hope lawmakers can continue to work together to pass legislation that moves our small businesses and our country forward.”
Sissy Blanchard
Founder & Owner of Saltwater
Saint Simons Island, Georgia 

“Our economy has its challenges, but it shows amazing resiliency with record-low unemployment, strong hiring, and a historic number of new small businesses created since the start of the pandemic. My hope is leaders will continue to pass legislation that will boost Main Street for decades to come.”
Malik Lee
Managing Principal & Founder, Felton & Peel Wealth Management
Atlanta, Georgia

Idaho

“Homegrown businesses provide the building blocks for a strong community and have a greater vested interest in their community and employees. The only way we can thrive is with strong economic policies like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. I am always encouraged when legislators remember why they were elected and stop unnecessary partisanship to benefit the people they serve.”
Marcella Medor
President, MARCOM LLC.
Idaho Falls, Idaho

Maryland

“The current pathway to success is through bipartisanship. We saw what can happen when lawmakers work together. The people benefit from legislation like the CHIPS Act and the Infrastructure Act. Both are pieces of legislation that address the needs of small business owners and will help them flourish in the future. It's my hope that similar action continues.”
Joe Reddix
President and CEO of The Reddix Group
Hanover, Maryland

Nevada

“As we continue to navigate the post-pandemic waters, much has changed.  There are new opportunities and developments that are affecting the small business landscape.  Continued attention needs to be paid to our economy, particularly as it applies to inflation and unemployment. Legislation that helps Main Street, like the Inflation Reduction Act, should be a main focus. I applaud the president for signing this into law because it ensures that large corporations will be required to pay their fair share in taxes. In addition, addressing the high cost of prescription drugs is a step in the right direction for demonstrating changes that will help small businesses access affordable healthcare.”
Jenay Aiksnoras
Bliss Experiences & Lake Tahoe Yoga
South Lake Tahoe, Nevada

“It’s a defining moment for our economy. There was a record number of new small businesses created in the last two years, unemployment numbers are low and inflation appears to be cooling. But there is a lot more to do. I’m particularly interested to see if we can get to work on passing Paid Family Medical Leave, which would help small business owners by creating a deeper and more stable labor pool .”
Tiara Flynn
President & CEO of Sumnu Marketing and Founder of Phenomenal Mama
Las Vegas, Nevada

“I applaud recent efforts to strengthen our economy including the Inflation Reduction Act that invests in the IRS. The money won’t be used to go after small businesses like mine but will provide tools and resources to be more efficient and effective. The agency will be able to handle more complicated taxes in higher brackets. I hope to see more legislation in the future that evens the playing field for small businesses.”
Shaundell Newsome
Small Business for America’s Future Co-Chair
Founder, Sumnu Marketing
Las Vegas, Nevada 

North Carolina
“There is great power in bipartisanship. Legislation like the CHIPS Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law gained the support of members from both parties and resulted in laws that will help our economy for decades to come. As inflation continues to ease, the small business community needs lawmakers to put aside their differences and work together for the benefit of everyone.”
Alicia Parr
Founder & CEO, Performentor LLC
Durham, North Carolina

"It is encouraging to see lawmakers work together and pass legislation like the Infrastructure Law and the CHIPS Act. We're looking forward to these policies propelling small businesses into a strong economic future by creating jobs, strengthening supply chains, repairing our nation’s aging roads and bridges and opening diverse opportunities to gain access to capital. My hope is that similar bipartisan action will happen during this legislative session.”
Kristi Tally
CEO & Founder, KD7 Enterprises Inc.
Raleigh, North Carolina 

Ohio

“We are highly appreciative of the support provided during the pandemic crisis, which saved our business. We also appreciate the support of the administration with the passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. This act directly impacted us by providing funding for the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project, which will drastically improve the transportation system in the Cincinnati area and bring countless jobs to the region. We look forward to the government coming together to provide further improvements moving forward.”
Todd Hamblin President
CEO, Global Aerospace Design Corp.
Cincinnati, Ohio

“Our economy has come a long way since the start of the pandemic, but I fear that radical political ideas could cause immense turbulence in the markets and working families and small businesses like mine would suffer the most. My hope is that lawmakers will heed the president’s call to stay the course and focus on important issues like  raising the debt ceiling and ensuring large corporations are contributing their fair share of taxes.”
Anne Zimmerman
Small Business for America’s Future Co-Chair
Founder & Owner, Zimmerman & Co CPAs Inc.
Cincinnati, Ohio

“I appreciate the administration’s focus on small business needs, and success in passing bipartisan legislation. The pandemic really took a toll on small business owners and we need legislation that will help us conquer the current economic climate and help us thrive for decades to come.”
Patty Young
Salon Manager at Young Hair, Inc.
Springfield, Ohio

Oregon

“I am impressed by how adept the Biden Administration has been at negotiating across the aisle to get important legislation like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Election Reform Act, and more passed. It gives me hope about what more can be done to boost the fortunes of small businesses and the entire economy if we can continue to work together.”
Christine Chin Ryan
Owner, Synergy Consulting, Inc.
Portland, Oregon

Pennsylvania

“I am grateful that building a better economy is a priority for the current administration. Our battered economy is continuing to heal but needs policies like the CHIPS Act that is helping small businesses by improving clogged supply chains and strengthening manufacturing investments needed to stimulate our entrepreneurial environment. Lawmakers worked together to get this legislation passed. There’s no telling the heights our economy can reach if policymakers put people before politics.”
Walt Rowen
Small Business for America’s Future Co-Chair
President of Susquehanna Glass Co.
Columbia, Pennsylvania

Texas

“Bipartisanship, working together for the common good of the people, has been proven to be the best way for communities, cities, states, and countries to succeed. This administration has adopted this proven pathway to enable all people and businesses to succeed, particularly the small businesses, our economic engine. The CHIPS Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law received both parties’ support and empowered Americans across the board. With the current makeup of Congress, compromise is the only way to improve the lives of small business owners and working families. We know bipartisanship works. Let's not try to reinvent the wheel and hurt the American dream.”
Muneer Baig
Founder & CEO, SYSUSA Inc.
Murphy, Texas

“The  Inflation Reduction Act helps control high healthcare costs–which have plagued small businesses for years–through key provisions that address soaring prescription drug prices, extend tax credits for Affordable Care Act insurance plans, and stabilize health insurance prices. But this is a long-term problem that needs a lot more attention. Looking at what we have accomplished in the last couple of years makes me hopeful that we can tackle big challenges as a country  like making healthcare and prescription drugs more affordable.”
Dr. Erika Gonzalez
Small Business for America’s Future Co-Chair
CEO, President, & Co-Founder of South Texas Allergy and Asthma Medical Professionals (STAAMP) and STAAMP Clinical Research
San Antonio, Texas

Wisconsin

“The small business community is growing by record numbers but in order for these businesses to succeed they need support in Washington. What does that look like? Well lawmakers need to work together and push aside radical ideas and focus on sound legislation like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act that is set to create new jobs and help with the flow of supply chains.”
Daniel Guerra
Founder and CEO for AltusLearn
Madison, Wisconsin

To request an interview with an SBAF Co-Chair or Small Business Council member 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 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.