Main Street Alliance on the State of the Union
March 2, 2022
In reaction to President Biden’s State of the Union speech last night, Co-Executive Director of Main Street Alliance Chanda Causer had this to say:
“Last night, President Biden spoke directly to the American people about the progress of the last year in the face of deep challenges, as well as his optimism for the future. The Biden-Harris economic strategy is producing historic results, in large part due to the public investment of the American Rescue Plan. Entrepreneurship and business investment rebounded, and the economy achieved its fastest job growth in American history. Six million small businesses were supported, and over 5 million new ones were created. It's important to emphasize that this progress is occurring amidst an historic shift from the old, outdated trickle-down approach to one that centers workers, families, and what small businesses need - public investment.
West Virginia Small Business Owners Reaffirm Support for Build Back Better
December 20, 2021
The status quo continues to harm small businesses in West Virginia, Main Street Alliance Members say. Small businesses across West Virginia strongly support the Build Back Better Act and will not rest until the Senate passes these needed critical investments in our economy. The Build Back Better Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will make critical investments we need to boost our economy and rebuild our communities. One without the other is a job half done.
Main Street Alliance Reacts to the Build Back Better Framework
October 28, 2021
On the release of the White House framework for the Build Back Better plan today, Main Street Alliance Co-Executive Director Chanda Causer had this to say:
“Main Street Alliance supports progress on the framework for the Build Back Better plan as the final deal begins to take shape. In partnership, the Build Back Better Agenda and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal will make critical investments we need to build our economy and rebuild our communities. The President’s legislative agenda will invest in our nation’s future and build an economy that rewards work, not wealth, by lowering costs for working people, supporting small businesses, and creating millions of new good-paying jobs.
Paid Leave would Help with Labor Shortage, MSA Small Business Member to Testify to Joint Economic Committee
As Democrats continue to negotiate to Build Back Better, Main Street Alliance Member and Small Business Owner Daniel Swenson-Klatt will testify before Joint Economic Committee members at 3 pm ET today. He will highlight what investments are needed to support workforce participation. Investments in our care economy especially paid leave and child care, are critical to ensuring full workforce participation, especially for women of color.
“My staff need a way to take time off for health and personal reasons that doesn't put my business or their job at jeopardy.” writes Daniel Swenson-Klatt, owner of Butter Bakery Cafe in his hearing testimony. “These events aren’t the type of thing that my staff can schedule, and I can't budget for them. A paid leave program would give us the support we need to remain strong as businesses and hold on to our valuable workers.”
4.5+ Million People Call on Congress to Support Home Care for Seniors & People With Disabilities, Affordable Childcare, Paid Family & Medical Leave, Monthly Cash Payments for Families
"Small businesses are demanding programs like paid leave and child care that will help ease the burden of high costs on working families and support entrepreneurs. It's past time to level this playing field. An investment in our overall care economy is an investment in small businesses, and our local community. It is important to move both pieces of infrastructure legislation together. One without the other will limit an equitable or sustainable recovery. Small businesses are watching closely to make sure any investments in our economy are truly investments in an equitable recovery and future.”