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 It's important to emphasize that this progress is occurring amidst an historic shift from the old, outdated trickle-down approach to one that centers workers, families, and what small businesses need - public investment.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 Applauds House Passage of Build Back Better Act, Urges Senate to Swiftly Pass These Critical Investments
November 19, 2021
In response to the House passing the Build Back Better Act, Co-Executive Director of Main Street Alliance, Chanda Causer, had this to say:
“Main Street Alliance and our member businesses applaud the House for passing a historic piece of legislation that will support entrepreneurs across the country. With the passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and now this first step on Build Back Better, we are on the precipice of a more equitable economy.
The inclusion of paid family and medical leave is a win for small businesses and an opportunity to build back better with equity. Paid leave is one of the most widely supported policies in the Build Back Better plan and can unite the country and boost the economy. Creating a national paid leave program would be a historic achievement and a worthy legacy to build on for future generations.
Main Street Alliance Applauds House Passage of Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act- Urges Congress to Take Up the Build Back Better Act Immediately
“Main Street Alliance and our member businesses applaud the House for moving forward two historic pieces of legislation that will support entrepreneurs across the country. With the passage of the IIJA and continued legislative movement on Build Back Better, we are on the precipice of a more equitable economy….
Now, we are urging the House and Senate to swiftly pass the Build Back Better bill so that President Biden can sign both of these transformative bills into law as soon as possible and deliver on the promises for millions of people and small businesses in America.”
Main Street Alliance Applauds Inclusion of Paid Leave in Build Back Better, Urges Swift Passage
November 3, 2021
“Main Street Alliance supports the Build Back Better deal and urges swift passage. The inclusion of paid family and medical leave is a win for small businesses, and an opportunity to build back better with equity. Paid leave is one of the most widely supported policies in the initial Build Back Better plan and can unite the country and boost the economy. The creation of a national paid leave program would be a historic achievement and a worthy legacy.
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.
1000+ businesses, including nearly 300 business leaders, owners issue urgent call for Congress to include paid leave in Build Back Better legislation
Today, with reports circling that paid leave’s inclusion in the Build Back Better budget deal may be in jeopardy, more than 1,000 businesses, including 300 business leaders, reaffirmed their commitment to a federal paid family and medical leave program.
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.”
Budget Resolution passage brings us one step closer to an equitable recovery for America's Main Streets
August 24, 2021
“Small businesses applaud the historic investment in our care economy outlined in the budget resolution and thank the House members who voted to move both pieces of critical legislation forward. It is time to invest in our overall care infrastructure. Small businesses are demanding these 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.
Small businesses applaud Senate’s Bipartisan Infrastructure passage, and call for addressing the gaps
“Small businesses are applauding the step towards critical investment in our roads, bridges, and broadband networks, which will support entrepreneurs across the country,” said Co-Executive Directors of Main Street Alliance Chanda Causer and Stephen Michael. “But we know these aren’t the only critical needs for small businesses…”
Senator Patty Murray speaks to representatives of 500+ small business owners urging Congress to pass paid leave
August 5, 2021
This afternoon, Senator Patty Murray, Chair of the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) spoke with small business owners representing over 530 small business owners nationwide who have called on Congress to prioritize the urgent call for a comprehensive federal paid family and medical leave program.
Small Business Owners Cite Paid Leave and Child Care as Critically Needed Investments in NEW survey
July 14, 2021
Main Street Alliance released results of its latest pop member survey today showing critical need and support for investments in care infrastructure including paid leave and child care support as part of the recovery packages.
With 15 industries represented across 24 states, over 120 small business owners shared their challenges with the lack of a comprehensive, national paid leave program and affordable child care as well as priorities for investment in the upcoming recovery packages.
Bipartisan Deal a Positive Step Forward, but Not the Only Step Needed
June 24, 2021
On the announcement of a bipartisan deal for infrastructure investments, Co-Executive Directors of the Main Street Alliance Chanda Causer and Stephen Michael had this to say:
“Small businesses are applauding the step towards critical investment in our roads, bridges and broadband networks, which will support entrepreneurs across the country. But we know these aren’t the only critical needs for small businesses. Investment in our care infrastructure, including a comprehensive paid family and medical leave program, and affordable, quality child care, must move along in tandem to this deal. One without the other will not ensure an equitable or sustainable recovery.
West Virginia small business leaders urge U.S. Senator Joe Manchin to support a national paid leave policy
June 23, 2021
Today, West Virginia small business leaders met virtually with staff representing U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) to express their support for national paid family and medical leave policy.
Companies with a paid leave policy have found increased productivity and improved employee morale and retention. Moreover, a nationwide paid family and medical leave program would allow smaller businesses to compete with larger businesses, which is why the majority of small businesses support the policy.