Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact Janel Knight Trulear janel@emccommunications.com (617) 875-6581 100+ Small Business Owners Warn Congress During Recess That Continued Tariff Chaos Will Push Struggling Businesses Over the Edge 100+ small business owners signed on to Small Business for America’s Future’s letter urging President Trump and Congress to take action on tariffs that are forcing impossible choices between business survival and consumer price increases with 79% expressing concern about a U.S. recession within the next 12 months. WASHINGTON, July 30, 2025 – Unpredictable tariff policies are forcing small businesses across the country into a financial crisis. With Congress home on recess and an August 1 tariff implementation deadline looming, 100+ small business owners from across the country have signed a letter to President Trump, Treasury Secretary Bessent, and members of Congress demanding immediate tariff relief, as data reveals the devastating impact current trade policies are having on Main Street businesses. With 97% of U.S. importers being small businesses , when tariffs rise these companies face steep costs that threaten their survival. A Small Business for America’s Future survey shows a staggering 80% of Main Street businesses surveyed that are affected by tariffs view them as an existential or major threat to their survival, while 79% express concern about a U.S. recession within the next 12 months. “Small businesses like mine are facing an unprecedented crisis from unpredictable tariff policies that are forcing us to make impossible choices,” said Walt Rowen, President of Susquehanna Glass Company in Columbia, Pennsylvania. “Unlike large corporations, we don’t have the resources to absorb sudden cost increases or navigate supply chain disruptions. When tariffs drive up costs on essential materials, we either absorb costs, eating into our margins, or pass them on to consumers who are already struggling with inflation. It’s going to raise prices across the economy. This is untenable for Main Street and the country because a strong economy requires strong small businesses. ” The letter details the impact tariffs are having on small businesses. “Unlike large corporations that have the resources to navigate supply chain disruptions or absorb unexpected cost increases, small businesses operate on thin margins and have limited flexibility. When tariffs drive up the cost of essential materials and products, we face an impossible choice: Either absorb costs that threaten our survival or pass them on to consumers who are already struggling with inflation.” The signers are demanding immediate action on tariff relief that recognizes the disproportionate burden these policies place on small businesses. With the August 1 deadline fast approaching, they emphasize that the administration has the immediate authority to provide relief, while Congress can use its oversight role to ensure small business concerns are prioritized in trade policy decisions. They specifically call for solutions like the Small Business Liberation Act and trade policy reforms that provide the stability and predictability small businesses require to plan, invest, and grow. With more than 33 million U.S. small businesses desperately needing relief from overly broad and unpredictable tariffs that threaten their ability to compete, the letter makes clear that small businesses cannot and should not bear the disproportionate burden of trade policy decisions. As lawmakers return to Washington after hearing from struggling Main Street businesses in their home districts, these entrepreneurs are counting on Congress to prioritize policies that will keep the backbone of America's economy alive. Here’s what small business owners are saying: "I had to spend over $25,000 stockpiling cups from China just to avoid even higher tariff costs, but I'm still facing 12-15% increases on essential supplies like paper goods. These unpredictable policies are forcing me to make desperate financial decisions that strain my cash flow and limit my ability to invest in growing my business and serving my community." Gabe Hagen Founder Brick Road Community Corporation Tempe, Arizona "Unpredictable tariff policies forced us to delay a large project delivery by two months when suppliers suddenly demanded additional payments to cover unexpected tariff expenses. This created significant disruption for our client and damaged relationships we've worked years to build. Small manufacturers like us can't absorb these sudden policy changes without serious consequences." Carrin Harris Blitz Proto Farmington, Michigan “We distribute many products made with aluminum, and due to tariff volatility, these costs have increased exponentially. What's even more challenging is that our suppliers are now expecting us to handle the administration of customs, duty and taxes in addition to the product price increase which adds additional operational costs. As a small medical supply and manufacturing, we don't have the margins to absorb these compounding expenses without it threatening our ability to stay competitive.” Legrand Lindor LMI Textiles Milton, Massachusetts “Unpredictable tariffs on the globally sourced spices that give our soul food its signature flavor have put our family owned local business in a difficult position. Plans on expansion of our seasonings on a larger scale—creating new jobs and investing directly in our community— have been put on hold because of the uncertainty around these rising costs. Our restaurant can’t keep absorbing the increases on everyday essentials, and not pass these costs on to our customers, many of whom are working families who’ve supported us for years. Small businesses like ours are the backbone of local economies, and when we’re forced to scale back or stall growth, it doesn’t just hurt us—it limits opportunities for employment, slows economic development, and deepens hardship in the very neighborhoods we’re trying to uplift.” Gladys Harrison Owner Big Mama's Kitchen & Catering Omaha, Nebraska Read the full letter here . ### About Small Business for America’s Future Small Business for America’s Future is a national coalition of small business owners and leaders advocating for policy solutions that promote a thriving, inclusive economy. We work to ensure that lawmakers prioritize the needs of Main Street, advancing a just and equitable economic framework for small business owners, their employees, and their communities. For more information, visit www.smallbusinessforamericasfuture.org .

Dear President Trump, Secretary Bessent, Speaker Johnson, Majority Leader Thune, Minority Leader Schumer, and Leader Jeffries, Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy, representing 99.9% of all U.S. businesses and employing nearly half of the private workforce. We are the engine of innovation, job creation, and economic growth that drives communities across the country. As network members of Small Business for America's Future (SBAF), we represent small business owners across the country who are facing an unprecedented crisis. We are writing to you because our businesses, and the livelihoods they support, are under threat from current tariff policies. The crisis is immediate and severe. Recent Small Business for America's Future survey data reveals the devastating impact these policies are having on small businesses: 80% of businesses affected by tariffs view them as an existential or major threat to their survival 79% of respondents are concerned about a U.S. recession within the next 12 months 48% say they are unable grow or expand in the current economic environment Unlike large corporations that have the resources to navigate supply chain disruptions or absorb unexpected cost increases, small businesses operate on thin margins and have limited flexibility. When tariffs drive up the cost of essential materials and products, we face an impossible choice: Either absorb costs that threaten our survival or pass them on to consumers who are already struggling with inflation. Consider the real impact on small businesses across America: An Arizona coffee shop owner spent over $25,000 stockpiling cups from China to avoid tariff increases, yet still faces 12-15% cost hikes on paper goods and supplies. A Michigan engineering company had a medical device project delayed when suppliers suddenly demanded additional payments to cover unexpected tariff expenses. A Nebraska soul food restaurant may have to raise prices or delay hiring due to unpredictable tariffs on the globally sourced spices that define their dishes. We urgently need Congress and the administration to act on tariff relief that recognizes the disproportionate burden these policies place on small businesses. Solutions like the Small Business Liberation Act are a step in the right direction. We need trade policy solutions that provide the stability and predictability small businesses require to plan, invest, and grow. More than 33 million U.S. small businesses need relief from overly broad and unpredictable tariffs that threaten our ability to compete. This approach recognizes what policymakers must understand that small businesses cannot and should not bear the disproportionate burden of trade policy decisions. Adding to these challenges, the recently enacted Republican budget adds an estimated $3 trillion to the national debt while cutting health programs that small businesses and their families rely on. Combined with tax cuts that disproportionately benefit large corporations, these policies have worsened an already fragile economic environment where we are struggling to survive mounting tariff costs. These additional fiscal burdens compound the impossible choices small businesses face daily. The success of America's economy depends on the success of its small businesses. We employ your constituents, support your local communities, and drive the innovation that keeps America competitive. We are not asking for special treatment, we are asking for fair treatment and the opportunity to compete on a level playing field. Thank you for your consideration and leadership. Sincerely, Small Business for America's Future Alabama Henry Mcmullen, Mac's BBQ place, Aliceville, AL Arizona Nicole Bennett, Perry Consulting LLC, Goodyear, AZ Frances Cardenas, Dedicated Catering LLC, Glendale, AZ Leticia D'Amore, D’Amore Training & Consulting, Maricopa, AZ Ruth Graham, InfiniteTransitions LLC, Phoenix, AZ Gabe Hagen, Brick Road Community Corporation, Tempe, AZ Melissa Harlan, Drink Me! Tea Room, Tempe, AZ California Gernado Abrams, Bungi Enterprises, Huntington Beach, CA Karrye Braxton, Braxton Family Fund, Los Angeles, CA Michael Brown, Cantara Cellars, Flat Fish Brewing Company, Camarillo, CA California Association for Micro Enterprise Opportunity, San Francisco, CA Anna Chavez, Vez Guitar Academy, San Gabriel, CA Mary Johnson, Von Phreak, Los Angeles, CA Patricia Lounis, MYX Product Group, Claremont, CA Haley Pavone, Pashion Footwear INC, San Luis Obispo, CA George Sararu, Omega-Comfort LLC, Hemet, CA Christopher Sharpe, Norden Living LLC, San Francisco, CA Thomas Wesley, Mountaineers Fire Crew, Inc., Redding, CA Colorado Julie Rhodes, Not Your Hobby Marketing Solutions LLC, Broomfield, CO Masaru Torito, Kokoro Restaurant, Arvada, CO District of Columbia Kimberly Daniels, Mercantile Logistics & International Trade, Inc., Washington, DC Jefefry Shapiro, Fountain Square Beverage Concept, LLC, Washington, DC Florida Miriam Carlota Arthur-Sullivan, NieCat Blessings Academy, Miami, FL Andrica Durm-Williams, Dorays Hair Studio, Crestview, FL Leonor Galvan, ACCTAX-Accounting & Tax Services, Lauderhill, FL Joseph Kipnis, High Seas Innovation, Sunny Isles Beach, FL Alex Marron, E-Marine Systems and E-RV Solar, Fort Lauderdale, FL Gabrielle Smith, Lumen Mundi, Boynton Beach, FL Stephen Smith, Tollanis Solutions Inc, Boynton Beach, FL Miriam Sullivan, NieCat Blessings Academy, Miami, FL Georgia Patrick Brown, Sierra International LLC, Conyers, GA André Cross, Elements Of Life Wellness LLC, Atlanta, GA Illinois Dyann Berndt, Stenographic Court Reporter, Berwyn, IL Veronica Yepez, La Florencia Bakery, Chicago, IL Kansas Rebecca James, Abovo LLC, Prairie Village, KS Kentucky Oliver Sullivan, Mystic Dragon Fun Center, Georgetown, KY Louisiana Aimee Daigle, Noble Plastics, Youngsville, LA Maryland Connie Mazur, CyberVillage Networkers, Inc., Ellicott City, MD Carol Moorefield, Caldron Crafts , Windsor Mill, MD Massachusetts Cambridge Local First, Cambridge, MA Kerry Dietz, Dietz & Company Architects, Springfield, MA Shawn Laughlin, Caskata, Wellesley, MA Legrand Lindor, LMI Textiles, Milton, MA Christopher Schaffner, The Green Engineer, Inc., Concord, MA Doug Scheffel, Sajawi Corporation, Littleton, MA U.S. Haitian Chamber of Commerce, Inc., Randolph, MA Michigan Johnnie Jr Bellows, Aura Company LLC, Ann Arbor, MI Chris Casteel, Anew Life Prosthetics and Orthotics, Detroit, MI Carrin Harris, Blitz Proto, Farmington Hills, MI De Lorenco L Jackson, Damajha Systems, Lawton, MI Ron Kurnik, Superior Coffee Roasting Co., Inc., Sault Sainte Marie, MI Tonya McNeal-Weary, IBS Global Consulting, Inc., Detroit, MI Troy Morris, Kall Morris Inc (KMI), Marquette, MI Minnesota Deacon Kyllander, Kyllander, Taconite, MN Jannie Seibure, Cavalla Travel and Tour, Minneapolis, MN Faira Torchia, Connections XIII, Minneapolis, MN Missouri Dan Nix, PPLSI, Grain Valley, MO Nebraska Gladys Harrison, Big Mama's Kitchen & Catering Inc., Omaha, NE Nevada Jenay Aiksnoras, Lake Tahoe Yoga & Bliss Experiences, Stateline, NV Benjamin Asquith, Chubby Pet Products LLC, Las Vegas, NV Rony Delgarde, Global Paint for Charity, Inc, Las Vegas, NV Lee Henry, Retro Manufacturing, Henderson, NV Shaundell Newsome, Sumnu Marketing, Henderson, NV Andrea Vigil, Allegiant Electric LLC, Las Vegas, NV New Jersey Jean Alix Pierre Louis Seraphin, IT and PC Tech Field Services, Williamstown, NJ New Mexico Frank Spillers, Rural Community Solutions, Las Cruces, NM New York Todd Greenberg, Budget Blinds of Ossining, Pound Ridge, NY Patrick Hall, Elan Flowers, New York, NY Susanna Hollnsteiner, Metalocke Industries Inc, Woodside, NY Jane Parmel, Cardinal Profit Strategies, Rockaway Park, NY North Carolina Azania Herron, Zaja PR, Charlotte, NC Brandon Korman, The BDK Management Group Inc, Leland, NC Greater NC Black Chamber of Commerce, Winston Salem, NC Lukaso Onokoko, Health Markets, Charlotte, NC Ohio Marina Amaral, Sugar Emporium LLC, Mason, OH Prince Bonsu, All Star Academy Learning Center, Pickerton, OH Todd Hamblin, Global Aerospace Design Corp, Cincinnati, OH Melissa Supler, Lyman Steel Company, Cleveland, OH Anne Zimmerman, Zimmerman & Co CPAs, Cincinnati, OH Oregon Mike Roach, Paloma Clothing, Portland, OR Pennsylvania Darren Pearson, Dibbs BBQ, Philadelphia, PA Walter Rowen, Susquehanna Glass Co., Lancaster, PA South Carolina Cynthia Everette, ABC Locksmiths, LLC, Greenville, SC South Carolina Small Business Chamber of Commerce, Columbia, SC Tennessee India Fleming, Barber, Memphis, TN Texas Nancy Anderson, LED OEM Partners LLC, Houston, TX Rebecca Boenigk, Neutral Posture, Inc., College Station, TX Juan Galvan, Galsan Logistics , laredo, TX Coretta Graham, Graham Legal Services, Corpus Christi, TX Janice Jucker, Three Brothers Bakery, Houston, TX Alessandra Manzano, Apfelbaum Industrial Inc, El Paso, TX Mark Olinger, The Big Bear Group, LLC, Pittsburg, TX Adam Orman, L'Oca d'Oro, Austin, TX Jane Pettigrew, CPAj LLC, Dallas, TX Michael Reilly, Artifacture, Dallas, TX Utah William Fisher, Fisher Writing and Editing Services, Millcreek, UT Virginia Yvonne Finney, Loadstar Consulting, Inc., Newport News, VA Kenneth Hart, K Hart Holdings T/A signarama-norfolk, Norfolk, VA Michelle Thomas, M Design Studio, LLC, Alexandria, VA Frankye Thomas, Dynasty Jordan LLC, Alexandria, VA Washington Tanya Brooks, Tanya's Legal Services, LLC, Bremerton, WA Jill Nelson, Hot Diggity Dog Walking & Pet Sitting, Vancouver, WA Wisconsin Daniel Guerra Jr., Altus, Madison, WI Hugo Ramirez, Frio Mexican Treats, Appleton, WI

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact Conan Knoll conan@emccommunications.com (831) 524-6764  Small business group: Congress sends devastating bill to president’s desk, ignoring Main Street's real needs Statement by Small Business for America’s Future Co-chair Shaundell Newsome, Founder, Sumnu Marketing, Las Vegas, Nevada, on the passage of H.R. 1 Washington, D.C., July 3, 2025– “The House passage today of the reconciled version of H.R. 1 means this fiscally reckless legislation now heads to the president's desk, despite adding a staggering $3.4 trillion to the deficit and cutting healthcare for 17 million Americans. At a time when 80% of small businesses fear a recession, this massive borrowing to fund tax cuts for large corporations and the wealthy will drive up interest rates and crowd out the credit small businesses need to grow. “This staggering debt increase compounds the fundamental problems with H.R. 1 that already hurts small businesses through massive healthcare cuts that will strip coverage from millions of Americans and enshrine a tax system favoring large corporations over Main Street. We support helping entrepreneurs, but this bill takes the wrong approach by making permanent the Tax Cut and Jobs Act small business deduction that has failed to help most small businesses expand or hire. Meanwhile, it preserves the enormous corporate tax rate cuts large corporations received under the TCJA. Once again, big business wins while Main Street gets left behind with a massive debt burden for future generations. “What's worse, this bill devastates healthcare access by slashing more than $1 trillion from Medicaid and failing to extend key subsidies that make coverage more affordable. Small businesses depend on healthy workers and healthcare costs remain among the top concerns for owners, with 90% experiencing steep premium increases in the past year. Yet, about 22 million people, including 5 million small business owners, will see their healthcare costs soar or lose coverage because H.R. 1 failed to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. “Small businesses need real solutions—like extended ACA subsidies to make healthcare more affordable, a tax code that actually levels the playing field with large corporations, and responsible fiscal policies that don’t saddle future generations with debt. Congress has failed Main Street by passing this misguided legislation instead of focusing on policies that address our most pressing challenges: healthcare costs, economic uncertainty, and the unfair advantages given to large corporations over Main Street entrepreneurs. “Congress has sent the president legislation that harms the very businesses that create nearly half of all jobs and drive innovation in every community across America. Small businesses deserve economic policies that help us thrive and compete, not reckless legislation that makes it harder for us to succeed while adding trillions to the national debt.” To schedule an interview with a representative from Small Business for America's Future, contact Conan Knoll at conan@emccommunications.com or (831) 524-6764. ### About Small Business for America's Future Small Business for America's Future is a national coalition of small business owners and leaders advocating for policy solutions that promote a thriving, inclusive economy. We work to ensure that lawmakers prioritize the needs of Main Street, advancing a just and equitable economic framework for small business owners, their employees, and their communities. For more information, visit www.smallbusinessforamericasfuture.org .

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact Conan Knoll conan@emccommunications.com (831) 524-6764 Small Business for America’s Future: Senate’s spending spree represents unprecedented fiscal recklessness Statement by Small Business for America’s Future Co-chair Shaundell Newsome, Founder, Sumnu Marketing, Las Vegas, Nevada on Senate passage of H.R. 1 version that adds trillions to national debt Washington, D.C., July 1, 2o25– “The Senate's passage of a reconciliation bill that could add at least $3.3 trillion to the national debt is breathtakingly reckless and jeopardizes our economic future. This astronomical spending spree shows the Senate majority has abandoned any pretense of fiscal responsibility, to the detriment of Main Street. “At a time when 80% of small businesses fear a recession, this massive borrowing to fund tax cuts for large corporations and the wealthy will drive up interest rates and crowd out the credit small businesses need to grow. This staggering debt increase compounds the fundamental problems with H.R. 1 that already hurts small businesses through massive healthcare cuts that will strip coverage from millions of Americans and enshrine a tax system favoring large corporations over Main Street. “Small businesses create nearly half of all jobs in America, but this legislation treats us as an afterthought while mortgaging our children's future with unprecedented borrowing. We hope the House will be more responsible.” To schedule an interview with a representative from Small Business for America's Future, contact Conan Knoll at conan@emccommunications.com or (831) 524-6764. ### About Small Business for America's Future Small Business for America's Future is a national coalition of small business owners and leaders advocating for policy solutions that promote a thriving, inclusive economy. We work to ensure that lawmakers prioritize the needs of Main Street, advancing a just and equitable economic framework for small business owners, their employees, and their communities. For more information, visit www.smallbusinessforamericasfuture.org .

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact Janel Knight Trulear janel@emccommunications.com (617) 875-6581 Proposed Healthcare Cuts in Big Beautiful Bill Would Force Small Businesses Already Struggling with Economic Uncertainty to Shoulder New Costs National survey shows nearly 7 in 10 small business owners oppose trading vital healthcare programs for tax breaks for wealthy as proposed cuts threaten to further burden Main street WASHINGTON, June 18, 2025 – As the Senate Finance Committee announced deeper cuts to Medicaid funding in its revised version of H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, a new national survey reveals small business owners overwhelmingly oppose healthcare cuts that could shift new costs onto employers who have long struggled with the soaring price of healthcare. The survey of 574 small business owners shows 68% oppose cutting healthcare programs to fund tax breaks for large corporations and wealthy individuals, with only 27% supporting the proposals. The findings underscore how deeply small businesses depend on healthcare programs: 58% of small businesses surveyed have owners, employees, or family members who rely on Medicaid or CHIP coverage 56% have have owners, employees, or family members using ACA Marketplace coverage with premium tax credits set to expire—credits that H.R. 1 fails to extend The Congressional Budget Office estimates that about 16 million people would lose coverage, because of Medicaid cuts, changes to the ACA Marketplaces, and the expiration of enhanced premium tax credits for Affordable Care Act plans if this legislation is passed. Small businesses would be left to absorb these costs or lose competitive ground to larger employers. “Small business owners have been crying out for relief from crushing healthcare costs for years, and Congress’s response is to make it worse,” said Small Business for America’s Future Co-chair Walt Rowen, owner of Susquehanna Glass Company in Columbia, Pennsylvania. “These cuts don’t solve problems—they shift costs from government programs onto the businesses least able to absorb them, all while extending tax breaks for corporations that already pay lower effective rates than the corner store.” The survey reveals the economic impacts of these cuts would cascade through Main Street: 52% of those surveyed said small businesses would face new pressure to provide employee healthcare coverage, directly hitting their bottom line 48% say cuts would make it harder to compete with larger companies in hiring 47% expect business costs to rise if they must provide coverage for workers losing Medicaid 43% predict higher employee turnover 41% anticipate productivity losses from absenteeism or untreated health issues 41% believe local economies would suffer as healthcare costs drain consumer spending The findings come as small businesses face pressures from tariff uncertainty, supply chain disruptions, and a tax system that allows large corporations to minimize their obligations while Main Street pays full freight—a reality that tax proposals in H.R. 1 do nothing to fix. “As a healthcare provider, I see the heartbreak of patients when they can’t afford care they desperately need. As a small business owner, I live it personally,” said Dr. Alexia McClerkin, a chiropractor and owner of The Wellness Doc in Houston, TX. “I can't afford health insurance for myself. The cost of every appointment and procedure comes out of my pocket. My three sons are covered by Medicaid, which has been my only lifeline to affordable healthcare for them. These cuts threaten to take away that coverage, adding another huge financial burden to my business and family.” Rather than cuts that shift costs onto Main Street, small business owners want real solutions: 75% want policymakers to create more affordable health plan options for small businesses 63% support expanding tax credits for businesses offering coverage 55% want Medicaid access protected for low-wage workers 52% want to maintain and strengthen existing healthcare programs “Congress has a choice,” said Rowen. “They can continue prioritizing tax breaks for corporations that use complex strategies to minimize their obligations, or they can invest in the small businesses that create two-thirds of new jobs and anchor local economies. Shifting healthcare costs onto Main Street while large corporations get another tax cut isn't just unfair—it's economically destructive and catastrophic to working people's health.” The survey was conducted June 9-16, 2025, and included small business owners from diverse industries across the country. To schedule an interview with a representative from Small Business for America's Future, 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 business owners and leaders 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. For more information, visit www.smallbusinessforamericasfuture.org .

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact Janel Knight Trulear janel@emccommunications.com (617) 875-6581 Small Business Group: Court ruling on tariffs shows need for balanced power in trade decisions that cause chaos Statement by Walt Rowen, President of Susquehanna Glass Company in Columbia, Pennsylvania and Small Business for America's Future Co-Chair May 29, 2025 – “While I'm relieved that a federal court has temporarily blocked the bulk of President Trump's tariffs, the ongoing uncertainty shows why we can't allow one person to single-handedly destabilize entire industries with the stroke of a pen. The court was right to rule that the president overstepped his authority emphasizing why we have separation of powers. However, the damage from months of economic uncertainty has already been done to small businesses like mine. “As someone whose family business has survived 115 years through two World Wars, the Great Depression, and the Covid pandemic, I can say the economic uncertainty created by these unilateral tariff decisions has been some of the most challenging and unpredictable economic conditions I've ever experienced. “Right now, I should be preparing for our busiest time of the year,the fourth quarter when we make our profit decorating Christmas ornaments and glassware. I should be hiring seasonal workers for our holiday rush. Instead, I'm paralyzed by uncertainty. With tariffs that at one point reached 145% on Chinese-manufactured ornaments. I don't know what orders will look like or whether I can afford to hire the workers my community depends on. “Small Business for America’s Future’s recent survey found that 72% of small businesses agree that the whiplash effect of rapidly changing tariff policies makes it nearly impossible to plan effectively. This kind of erratic trade policy is devastating for small businesses -- 51% are putting all business decisions on hold, one-third are canceling expansion and hiring plans, and 66% believe these tariffs are actively hurting the U.S. economy. When small businesses can't hire or expand because of policy uncertainty, it creates exactly the conditions that can trigger a recession. “We hope the courts assert the rule of law and enforce the division of power. Small businesses need stable, predictable policies, and not the economic chaos that comes from too much authority in one person’s hands.” To schedule an interview with a representative from Small Business for America's Future, 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 advocating for policy solutions that promote a thriving, inclusive economy. We work to ensure that lawmakers prioritize the needs of Main Street, advancing a just and equitable economic framework for small business owners, their employees, and their communities. For more information, visit www.smallbusinessforamericasfuture.org .

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact Janel Knight Trulear janel@emccommunications.com (617) 875-6581 Small Business Group: House bill ignores needs of small businesses while adding $3.8 trillion to the deficit, favoring corporations over Main Street Statement by Small Business for America's Future Co-chair Anne Zimmerman, Owner of Zimmerman & Co CPAs Inc. May 22, 2025 – "The bill the House passed this morning favors large corporations, adds a staggering $3.8 trillion to the deficit and disregards the needs of Main Street businesses already struggling with the impacts of tariffs. The Senate should reject this expensive approach and create legislation that genuinely assists small businesses, nearly 80% of whom fear a recession is coming, while avoiding huge debt for future generations. We need responsible spending that truly helps Main Street. “Instead, this House bill would make permanent a small business deduction that has failed to help most small businesses expand, hire, or pay down debts. It also preserves the enormous 40% tax rate cut large corporations received under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Once again, big business wins while the real needs of Main Street are ignored. "The bill does nothing to address our most pressing challenges— soaring healthcare costs. Instead, it further damages a broken system by implementing changes to Medicaid that will lead to 10 million Americans being uninsured. What small businesses need are extended Affordable Care Act subsidies to make healthcare more affordable, allowing us to attract and retain talent while controlling costs. Healthcare costs remain among the top concerns for small business owners, with 90% experiencing steep premium increases in the past year. "Congress needs to recognize that small businesses are the backbone of our economy—creating nearly half of all jobs, driving innovation, and supporting communities in every corner of America. We deserve economic policies and a tax code that help us thrive and grow, not misguided legislation that makes it harder for us to compete with large corporations. Senators need to recognize this and deliver a bill that actually addresses our needs." To schedule an interview with a representative from Small Business for America's Future, 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 advocating for policy solutions that promote a thriving, inclusive economy. We work to ensure that lawmakers prioritize the needs of Main Street, advancing a just and equitable economic framework for small business owners, their employees, and their communities. For more information, visit www.smallbusinessforamericasfuture.org .

WRITTEN TESTIMONY FOR THE JOINT HOUSE & SENATE COMMITTEE HEARING ON TAX “Prosperity on Main Street: Keeping Taxes Low for Small Businesses” BY ANNE ZIMMERMAN CO-CHAIR OF SMALL BUSINESS FOR AMERICA’S FUTURE APRIL 8, 2025 Chairman, Ranking Member, and distinguished members of the Committee, thank you for the opportunity to submit this testimony for your consideration. My name is Anne Zimmerman, and I am the President & CEO of Zimmerman & Co CPAs, Inc., an accounting firm with offices in Cincinnati and Cleveland, Ohio. I also serve as Co-chair of Small Business for America’s Future—a national coalition of small business owners and leaders working to ensure policymakers prioritize Main Street by advancing policies that prioritize small business owners, our employees, and the communities we serve, through a tax code that provides economic opportunity. As a tax professional who has spent years serving small businesses and as a small business owner myself, I bring a dual perspective to this discussion. I witness firsthand how the tax code impacts small businesses’ ability to form, grow, and compete in a marketplace increasingly dominated by large corporations with vastly greater resources and influence. The Economic Importance of Small Business Small businesses form the backbone of the American economy. According to the Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy, they represent 99.9% of all U.S. firms, employ 45.9% of all private sector workers, contribute 43.5% of GDP, and generate 39% of private sector payroll.[1] The entrepreneurial spirit in America remains strong, with nearly 20 million new business applications filed since 2021—a historic surge in new business formation.[2] These new entrepreneurs represent a tremendous opportunity for economic growth and job creation, but only if they receive the proper support to survive their crucial early years and thrive beyond them. Small businesses have consistently proven their resilience and importance to American economic recovery. Following the Great Recession, small businesses created two-thirds of new jobs, and according to the U.S. Treasury Department, small businesses have created over 70% of net new jobs since 2019, outpacing their contribution of 64% in the previous business cycle.[3] Given their central role in and importance to the American economy, small businesses deserve an economic environment that helps them thrive, including doing the hard work of creating a tax code that allows them to compete on a level playing field with large competitors and supports their success. Despite their critical economic importance, these small businesses—especially the historic wave of new entrepreneurs—now face unprecedented challenges that threaten their ability to drive economic growth. A responsive, equitable tax code is essential to helping them navigate today's economic uncertainty. Supporting Small Business With Responsible Tax Policy In Challenging Economic Times Small businesses today are facing extraordinary challenges amid mounting economic uncertainty. Recent data from the MetLife and U.S. Chamber Small Business Index shows confidence falling to 62.3 in Q1 2025, erasing previous economic optimism. Meanwhile, the NFIB’s Uncertainty Index has reached near-historic levels, and recently announced tariffs have sent the stock market tumbling, adding to the unpredictability facing entrepreneurs. This uncertainty is paralyzing small business planning, with 51% of small business owners in Small Business for America’s Future surveys reporting they’ve put critical business decisions on hold until policies stabilize—representing delayed investments and frozen hiring plans across the country. At this moment of economic vulnerability, small businesses need a tax code that provides stability and support—not one that further tilts the playing field toward large corporations while threatening the social safety net that keeps our communities healthy and our workforce productive. As Congress considers the expiration of TCJA provisions, we face a critical choice between two fundamentally different approaches. One approach—simply extending tax cuts that primarily benefit large corporations and the wealthy—would force Americans to either accept dramatic cuts to crucial government services like Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security, to pay for it, or watch our national debt balloon to unprecedented levels. The CBO estimates that extending Section 199A alone would reduce federal revenues by nearly $700 billion over the next ten years[12]—a staggering investment for a tax provision that comprehensive research shows has delivered minimal economic benefits to most small businesses. The consequences of these choices extend beyond balance sheets. When we cut community services to fund tax breaks for the wealthy, we weaken the very infrastructure that small businesses rely on: educated workers, healthy customers, and stable communities. Main Street entrepreneurs understand this connection—they live and work in these communities and see firsthand how public investments strengthen local economies. A more responsible approach would focus on creating a tax code that genuinely empowers small business growth while maintaining the fiscal discipline to invest in our shared future. By ensuring large corporations pay their fair share through closing loopholes, modestly increasing corporate tax rates, and strengthening enforcement, we can generate significant revenue to fund targeted tax benefits that actually help small businesses grow without adding to our deficit or cutting vital services. Instead of using budgetary gimmicks or bypassing parliamentary rules to push through tax cuts that would add $3.8 trillion to the deficit, we can and should implement a balanced approach. By closing corporate tax loopholes, particularly those that allow multinational corporations to pay lower effective rates than Main Street businesses, we create a level playing field while generating revenue for strategic investments in both small businesses and the communities they serve. The expiration of TCJA provisions this year provides us an opportunity to create a tax code that works for all of Main Street, rather than making permanent old policies that failed to help most small businesses. America’s entrepreneurs need a tax system that helps them navigate our current economic turbulence while building toward future growth—one that funds the community investments their employees rely on while maintaining fiscal responsibility for future generations. As we consider how to provide tax stability during these economically turbulent times, we must honestly evaluate whether the TCJA has delivered on its promises to help small businesses thrive. The evidence clearly shows it has not. The TCJA: Benefits for a Few Small Businesses But Little Impact for Most While proponents of the TCJA argue it helped small businesses, a comprehensive look at the evidence reveals a more nuanced reality: while it did provide benefits to a subset of high-income business owners, it delivered little to no benefit to the majority of Main Street small businesses that form the backbone of our economy. The available research and data from multiple sources paint a consistent picture of a law that favored large corporations and wealthy business owners while offering minimal impact for typical small businesses. The Congressional Research Service found that the main small business provision—Section 199A—was dramatically skewed toward the highest earners. For tax year 2023, more than 52% of the total dollar value of the deduction went to business owners with incomes above $500,000, who represent less than 5% of eligible taxpayers claiming the deduction. Meanwhile, business owners with incomes below $100,000 received just 12% of the benefits, despite making up over 60% of those claiming the deduction.[5] These statistics are far more than abstract numbers—they represent real inequities I witness every day in my accounting practice. Just last week, I was preparing tax returns for clients and saw a small restaurant owner who employs 11 people receive a mere $700 in savings from the Section 199A deduction—a nice amount personally but hardly transformative for his small business. That same day, I prepared a return for someone with over $4 million in income who received more than $6,700 in savings from the same deduction, simply because of investments in real estate partnerships. This stark contrast illustrates how this deduction routinely fails to reach the small businesses it was supposed to help. The CRS findings and my observations are reinforced by comprehensive research that analyzed administrative tax data to examine the actual economic impacts of TCJA—one of the key rationals for the provision when the law was passed. The researchers found “little evidence of supply-side effects" despite the tax benefits provided, with "no significant impact on business investment, no detectable increase in wages paid to non-owner employees, and no measurable effect on employment growth.”[13] A recent Small Business for America’s Future survey of 863 politically diverse small business owners in its network confirms these research findings with real-world experiences. Only 6% of respondents increased their business investment due to the TCJA. Only 6% raised wages. A mere 3% hired more employees. Just 9% were able to pay down business debts. Most tellingly, 43% reported no positive impact whatsoever.[4] The failure of TCJA to benefit most small businesses stems from both its design and implementation. The Section 199A deduction is so complex that more than a third of small business owners in our survey couldn’t even determine if they qualified. The provision’s numerous limitations, phaseouts, and exclusions create a complexity barrier that many small businesses simply can’t overcome without expensive professional assistance that often mitigates any benefit they may see from the deduction. But now, Congress has an opportunity to enact tax policies that genuinely support all small businesses. Rather than extending a flawed approach that helped some small businesses but left most behind, Congress should craft targeted policies that broadly address the needs of Main Street entrepreneurs. This means creating simple, accessible tax provisions that benefit businesses of all sizes—not just those with the resources to navigate complex tax structures or those earning high enough incomes to receive a meaningful benefit from the deductions. When asked directly about the fairness of current provisions: 76% of entrepreneurs we surveyed said that wealthy individuals and large corporations benefited most from TCJA 57% strongly believed that large corporations received "much more favorable treatment" than small businesses 91% of small business owners believe the current tax code favors large corporations over small businesses The expiration of TCJA provisions offers a perfect opportunity to correct these imbalances and create tax policies that work for all of America’s small businesses, not just a privileged few. Beyond the inequity of benefits, the TCJA actually exacerbated one of the most significant burdens facing small businesses: the overwhelming complexity of our tax code. Tax Code Complexity: A Burden on Small Businesses Beyond the inequity of TCJA benefits, the overwhelming complexity of our tax code has long placed a disproportionate burden on small businesses. Tax code complexity represents more than just an administrative burden—it’s a significant competitive disadvantage for small businesses. While large corporations employ teams dedicated to identifying and exploiting every available loophole, small businesses struggle just to ensure basic compliance. According to the Tax Foundation, Americans will spend more than 7.9 billion hours complying with IRS tax filing and reporting requirements in 2024.[6] Though this figure covers all taxpayers, the burden falls disproportionately on small businesses that lack dedicated finance departments. The National Federation of Independent Business has estimated compliance costs small business owners $18-$19 billion per year.[7] Ninety-three percent of small business owners in our survey agree that the "tax code is too complicated for small business owners to navigate without expensive professional help" (67% strongly agreed). As a CPA who works with small businesses, I can attest to the countless hours entrepreneurs spend on tax compliance rather than on growing their businesses. The expiration of TCJA provisions presents a rare opportunity to address both the inequity and complexity problems identified above. Rather than simply extending failed policies, Congress should implement targeted tax reforms that directly address the real challenges facing America's small businesses. Solutions for a Small Business-Centered Tax Code So, as you consider the expiration of TCJA provisions in 2025, I urge you to reject a simple extension of these troubled provisions and instead take the opportunity presented to create a tax code that truly works for America’s small businesses. Here are the most impactful changes small business owners say you could make: A. Exempt the First $25,000 of Small Business Profit from Federal Income Tax This straightforward provision would deliver immediate relief to entrepreneurs in their critical early years. Small business owners in our survey rated this as the most helpful potential change, with 36% ranking it as their top priority. This policy would particularly benefit early-stage and smaller businesses, allowing them to reinvest more capital into growth. B. Simplify the Tax Code and Reduce Compliance Burdens Tax code complexity represents more than just an administrative burden—it constitutes a significant competitive disadvantage for small businesses. Unlike large corporations with dedicated finance departments, small business owners often navigate tax compliance alone or at significant expense. Simplification would allow entrepreneurs to focus on innovation and growth rather than paperwork. C. Create a Small Business Standard Deduction Creating a straightforward standard deduction for small businesses would significantly reduce compliance costs and administrative burden, particularly for early-stage businesses. A simple standard deduction would be accessible to all small businesses regardless of industry and provide a clear benefit that entrepreneurs can count on as they build their businesses. D. Establish a Tax Credit for Hiring First Employees The transition from self-employment to employer status represents a critical growth threshold for small businesses. A targeted tax credit would help more entrepreneurs make this leap, driving job creation across the country. These are the kind of targeted tax policies that actually help small businesses succeed—addressing their real-world challenges rather than providing windfall tax cuts to large corporations and hoping benefits somehow trickle down to Main Street. E. Strengthen IRS Modernization to Enforce Corporate Tax Compliance By ensuring the IRS can effectively enforce tax laws against large corporations and high-income individuals, we can raise significant revenue without adding to the deficit. This approach is far more responsible than using budgetary gimmicks or bypassing Senate rules to push through tax cuts that would add trillions to the deficit. We do not need fiscal shortcuts to give tax cuts to huge corporations and billionaires while irresponsibly adding to our national debt burden. Responsible tax reform should be paid for by closing loopholes and improving enforcement. An overwhelming 91% of small business owners support the IRS prioritizing enforcement on high-income individuals and financial crimes.[9] This is about creating a modern and efficient IRS that can enforce a level playing field where large corporations have to play by the same rules as small businesses. The IRS was specifically directed that modernization funding not be used to increase audits on small businesses or households making under $400,000 annually. This commitment has enabled the IRS to focus on improving service while addressing tax evasion among high-income individuals and large corporations. Reports show measurable improvements in IRS service levels, including: Reduction in phone wait times from 28 minutes to 3 minutes Answering 3 million more calls than in the prior year Serving 140,000 more taxpayers in-person than during the prior year F. Ensure Large Corporations Pay Their Fair Share By requiring large corporations to contribute equitably to our tax system, we can fund small business-focused reforms while leveling the competitive playing field and addressing deficit concerns. Notably, 61% of small business owners we surveyed support raising the corporate tax rate to pay for new small business tax benefits. Increasing the current 21% corporate tax rate—reduced from 35% by the TCJA—to 28% would generate substantial revenue while remaining below pre-2017 levels. This moderate increase would help fund vital programs and small business supports. Conversely, proposals to further reduce the corporate rate to 15% are fiscally irresponsible and would exacerbate the already significant advantages large corporations maintain over small businesses. The evidence clearly demonstrates that large corporations are not currently contributing their proportionate share to public finances. The Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy found that effective corporate tax rates for large profitable companies fell from an average of 22.0% before TCJA to just 12.8% after the law took effect. A more balanced corporate tax structure would restore equity while generating resources to invest in small business growth, workforce development, and the community infrastructure that Main Street businesses require to succeed. These specific improvements were made possible by Inflation Reduction Act funding according to the Treasury Department. These improvements directly benefit small businesses, which often lack the resources to navigate prolonged IRS interactions or secure expensive professional representation. G. Close Corporate Tax Loopholes In addition to providing relief to strengthen American small businesses, Congress can also help small businesses by leveling the playing field and eliminating incentives for large multinational corporations (MNCs) to shift profits and production offshore. The current “round-tripping” loophole gives U.S. MNCs a 50% tax discount to shift both production and profits to tax havens and then sell back to U.S. consumers at a tax rate as low as 10.5% — just half the 21% corporate rate. Meanwhile, small and domestic businesses that manufacture in the United States and sell to American consumers pay full U.S. tax on their profits, putting them at a clear disadvantage. This unfair tax structure – which small businesses can’t take advantage of – encourages offshoring, increases the budget deficit, and undermines the competitiveness of American small businesses. Closing this loophole by applying the standard corporate tax rate to profits from U.S. sales would improve fairness in the tax code, discourage offshoring, and generate nearly $70 billion in revenue over ten years, according to the Penn Wharton Budget Model. This is not about punishing businesses; it is about ensuring a neutral tax system that does not tilt the playing field in favor of large multinational corporations at the expense of small businesses and American workers. Another significant loophole is the preferential tax treatment for stock buybacks, which allows corporations to distribute profits to shareholders with fewer tax consequences than dividends, costing the Treasury up to $246 billion if the excise tax were raised to 4%. These and other loopholes create an uneven playing field where Main Street businesses must pay the full U.S. tax rate on their profits while multinational corporations with complex tax avoidance structures pay much less. Closing these corporate tax loopholes would generate significant revenue that could fund small business tax benefits without cutting vital programs or adding to the deficit. This approach ensures fiscal responsibility while creating a more competitive environment for America's small businesses to thrive. Conclusion The decisions our elected leaders make about the tax code now will have profound implications for millions of small businesses across America. I urge you to do the necessary work of creating a tax system that truly levels the playing field, supports small business growth, and ensures large corporations pay their fair share without slashing vital programs or increasing the deficit. A small business-centered tax code would: Provide targeted, accessible tax benefits to small businesses at all stages of growth Simplify compliance requirements to reduce administrative burden Maintain a fair competitive landscape between businesses of all sizes Ensure large corporations pay their fair share Raise revenues by closing loopholes and enforcement Ensure the proper functioning of our tax administration system Fund important investments without adding to the deficit At this moment of unprecedented economic uncertainty, America’s small businesses need meaningful tax reform that helps them navigate our current turbulent environment while positioning them for future growth. We need a tax code that doesn’t just benefit the largest corporations, but one that recognizes the unique challenges faced by Main Street businesses that are the true engines of job creation and economic resilience in our communities. By placing the needs of small businesses at the forefront of our tax code and policy choices, we can cultivate a robust economy rooted in entrepreneurship and innovation. Thank you for the opportunity to submit this testimony. Small Business for America’s Future and our network of small business owners across the country stand ready to work with you to build a tax code that truly works for Main Street. [1]: "Frequently Asked Questions About Small Business," Office of Advocacy, Small Business Administration, July 2024. [2]: "Record-Shattering 20 Million Business Applications Filed Under Biden-Harris Administration," U.S. Small Business Administration, November 14, 2024. [3]: "Small Business and Entrepreneurship in the Post-COVID Expansion," U.S. Department of the Treasury, December 18, 2024. [4]: "Corporate Taxes Before and After the Trump Tax Law," Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, 2022, https://itep.org/corporate-taxes-before-and-after-the-trump-tax-law/ [5]: "Section 199A Deduction: Economic Effects and Policy Issues," Congressional Research Service, February 2024. [6]: "Tax Complexity Now Costs the U.S. Economy Over $546 Billion Annually," Tax Foundation, October 9, 2024, https://taxfoundation.org/data/all/federal/irs-tax-compliance-costs/ [7]: "NFIB: Changes to Sales Tax Act Would Mean Higher Compliance Costs for Small Business," NFIB, April 18, 2018, https://www.nfib.com/content/news/kansas/nfib-changes-to-sales-tax-act-would-mean-higher-compliance-costs-for-small-business/ [8]: Small Business for America’s Future Tax Survey, December 2024-January 2025. All policy preference statistics in this section come from this source. [9]: Small Business for America’s Future Tax Survey, December 2024-January 2025. All IRS-related survey statistics in this section come from this source. [10]: "Inflation Reduction Act 1-Year Report Card: IRS Delivers Dramatically Improved 2023 Filing Season Service, Modernizes Technology, Pursues High-Income Individuals Evading Taxes," U.S. Department of the Treasury, August 16, 2023, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy1695 [11]: Small Business for America’s Future Tax Survey, December 2024-January 2025. All healthcare-related survey statistics in this section come from this source. [12]: "The Debate over Extending the Section 199A Deduction for Qualified Business Income," Brookings Institution, March 2025, https://www.brookings.edu/articles/199as-sunset/ [13]: Goodman, L., Lim, K., Sacerdote, B., & Whitten, A. (2024). "The pass-through deduction of the 2017 Tax Cut: Incidence and real effects." Journal of Public Economics, Volume 232, April 2024, 105038. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0047272724002299

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact Janel Knight Trulear janel@emccommunications.com (617) 875-6581  Senate Budget Maneuvers Mask $3.8 Trillion Deficit Increase from Billionaire Tax Cuts Statement by Shaundell Newsome, Founder of Sumnu Marketing in Las Vegas, Nevada and Small Business for America's Future Co-Chair on the pending budget reconciliation bill LAS VEGAS, April 3, 2025 – “The Senate is moving forward with a budget reconciliation bill by using irresponsible gimmicks to get around having to account for the $3.8 trillion in costs of extending tax cuts that cater to large corporations and billionaires but do little to help the small businesses that form the backbone of our economy. “This deliberate rushed attempt to obscure the fiscal impact of tax cuts for the wealthy is dishonest and leaves us with a ballooning deficit and inadequate debate that threatens to worsen economic inequality. If lawmakers were serious about economic growth, they'd focus on supporting entrepreneurs in those crucial early stages with meaningful tax credits and target loopholes that only benefit large corporations to generate revenue that supports small business programs and prevents harmful cuts to critical services. "The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act has failed small businesses. Our surveys have repeatedly shown that the majority of Main Street entrepreneurs could not hire new employees, buy new equipment or even pay down debts after the cuts. Instead of rushing through irresponsible and costly tax cuts for large corporations and the wealthy, lawmakers should do the hard work of creating a tax code that helps small business owners succeed and grows our economy. "The prosperity of our communities depends on the success of small businesses. We urge lawmakers to stop catering to large corporations and billionaires and start listening to the voices of small business owners who create jobs in every community across this country." To schedule an interview with a representative from Small Business for America’s Future, 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 advocating for policy solutions that promote a thriving, inclusive economy. We work to ensure that lawmakers prioritize the needs of Main Street, advancing a just and equitable economic framework for small business owners, their employees, and their communities. For more information, visit www.smallbusinessforamericasfuture.org .