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Shopping Small This Saturday

Small Business Saturday is a day dedicated to supporting small businesses across the country. Given the concerns many small businesses have expressed in recent months, showing our support on November 30 has never been more important.

Small businesses are increasingly unsure about what the future holds, and the president’s health care law has only added to the uncertainty. A poll from Public Opinion Strategies, for example, found that 64 percent of small business franchise owners believe the law would negatively impact their business, compared to just five percent who think it would help. Similarly, 53 percent of small businesses that are not franchises think the law will hurt them.

With just 34 days left until the law goes into effect, taking action now to address one of small business’ greatest concerns, the health insurance tax, or HIT, is critical. If implemented, the HIT would impact 34 million small business owners, employees and their families. The tax would substantially increase costs for families by as much as $500 per year during the first decade. This may not seem like much to policy makers in Washington, but is a significant rise in cost for the average family.

Events like Small Business Saturday remind us that small businesses help build local economies through hiring and reinvesting in the community. As small businesses brace for the unnecessary and added burden of the HIT and face increasing uncertainty, support from the community and Members of Congress is crucial. Take the time now, before it is too late, to support small businesses by contacting your Member of Congress and shopping local this holiday season.