Small Business For America’s Future Commends Appointment of Brian Deese to Direct National Economic Council and Zients and Murthy to Key Covid Reponse Positions

Statement by Rhett Buttle, senior advisor to Small Business for America’s Future and former national business advisor at Biden for President 

Washington, D.C., Dec. 3, 2020—President-elect Joe Biden’s appointment of Brian Deese as director of the National Economic Council is welcome news for the nation’s small business owners. Small businesses thrive under stability, and Mr. Deese will replace the Trump administration’s erratic governance with a steady and knowledgeable hand on the economy. 



As a veteran of the Obama administration, Mr. Deese brings both the public and private sector experience needed to deliver on thoughtful, effective economic solutions. I can personally attest to his leadership ability and dedication to our nation’s entrepreneurs -- which is needed now, more than ever, as small businesses struggle under the weight of the pandemic and Washington’s inaction.

We’re also pleased to see Biden tap Jeff Zients as the White House Covid-19 coordinator and Vivek Murthy as U.S. Attorney playing a key role in the incoming administration’s response to the coronavirus pandemic. These appointments indicate dedication to taking the pandemic seriously and putting experienced and talented individuals to work eradicating the virus, which is crucial for small business and the economy to begin to recover. I was pleased to work with Vivek at the Department of Health and Human Services and know firsthand the skill and dedication he will bring to the job. 

Heading into a difficult winter, small businesses are desperately in need of strong leadership and relief. A recent Small Business for America’s Future survey shows 19% of small business owners have already considered bankruptcy and 39% say they won't make it past the New Year without further financial relief. 

The Biden administration’s most urgent priority will be to temper this economic distress, which will almost certainly almost worsen as Covid-19 continues to spread unchecked throughout December and January. 

America’s 30 million small businesses employ nearly half of all American workers. After the Great Recession, small businesses led our economic recovery by creating nearly two-thirds of new private sector jobs. Small businesses can once again lead us out of an economic crisis -- but only if our leaders in Washington give them the tools they need to survive. 

Following incredulous inaction from the Trump administration and GOP leadership, we are encouraged to see President-elect Biden’s swift and decisive efforts to give small businesses the leadership and help they deserve. With the experience of Mr. Deese and his colleagues, we can put our country back on track for recovery and prosperity.

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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.