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Conan Knoll
conan@emccommunications.com, (831)524-6764

Survey: Small businesses hit by Omicron, inflation and worker shortages say Build Back Better policies would help

A new national survey shows small business owners are concerned about Omicron’s economic impact and say policies in the Build Back Better Act would help address the challenges they are facing

Washington, D.C., Jan. 25, 2022— A new national survey from Small Business for America’s Future shows small business owners are worried about the economic impacts of the Omicron variant and believe policies proposed in the Build Back Better Act, as well as investments made by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal, would help with challenges presented by inflation, worker shortages, and supply chain woes. Furthermore, the survey of 1,744 small business owners, conducted between Dec. 8 - 30, 2021, shows small business owners say they are more likely to vote in the midterm Congressional elections for lawmakers who support the legislation. 

Specifically, the survey results show:

• Two thirds (67%) of small business owners say they were concerned about how the Omicron variant will impact their businesses
• Most small business owners have been impacted by recent economic challenges, including 88% who say that they have been impacted by inflation, 72% who say their business has been negatively impacted by supply chain issues, and 57% who say they have had trouble filling open positions
• However, small business owners believe the investments made by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal and policies proposed in the Build Back Better Act will help alleviate these challenges:
• 62% say they believe policies in the Build Back Better (BBB) Act would ease inflationary pressures, and 63% say they would help address the worker shortage
• When asked which policies in the BBB legislation would have the most positive impact on their community, the top three responses were: 
• Reforms to lower the cost of healthcare and bring down prescription drug prices
• Ensuring large corporations and the wealthy pay their fair share of taxes
• Extending the child tax credit and capping childcare costs for families

“Small business owners continue to face significant challenges resulting from the pandemic, but they think there are ways to alleviate the pressure and are eager for our leaders to take action,” said Frank Knapp, Co-Chair of Small Business for America’s Future. “This survey makes it clear that small business owners believe policies proposed in the Build Back Better Act that would bring down healthcare costs, ensure large corporations and the wealthy pay their fair share and ease childcare expenses that keep workers at home, among others, will help them address the challenges of an extended recovery. They are prepared to make their voices heard at the ballot box if Congress doesn’t act.” 

Small business owners responding to the survey said they are prepared to base their votes on lawmakers’ positions on these policies:

• 69% say they support the Build Back Better Act
• 66% say they would be more likely to vote for a lawmaker who supported the Build Back Better Act, and 68% say they would be more likely to vote for a lawmaker who supported the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal
• 49% of small business owners say they approve of the U.S. House of Representatives handling of small business issues, compared to 51% disapproving. 
• Small business owners surveyed were critical of the U.S. Senate, where the Build Back Better Act is stalled, with only 36% of small business owners approving of their handling of small business issues compared to 64% disapproving.

View the full survey report here. 

To request an interview with Frank Knapp, contact Conan Knoll at (831) 524-6764 or conan@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.