April 03,2020

ICYMI: COVID-19 won't close our doors as we pull together

In our consumer-driven economy, we’re glad Iowa’s elected leaders recognize that small businesses serve as the backbone of our communities.

Thursday, April 2, 2020
 
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As Iowa navigates these uncharted waters, employers want to do what it takes to re-open their doors with full employment and make the economy roar again.
 
I'm an entrepreneur and small-business owner allowed by America’s system of free enterprise to pursue my dream. My wife and I opened our craft brewery seven years ago on beautiful West Okoboji Lake in northwest Iowa. We’ve poured everything we have into our business. We enjoy every minute and every connection we make with tourists and locals who visit our taproom. It’s challenging and gratifying to build a business and hire people.
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Small businesses like ours are determined to survive this pandemic. In our consumer-driven economy, we’re glad Iowa’s elected leaders recognize that small businesses serve as the backbone of our communities.
 
For example, throughout decades of public service, Iowa’s Chuck Grassley knows what matters to Iowans. His approach to representative government reminds me of sage advice my principal gave to every graduate of Schleswig High School: “Never forget where you come from.”
 
Senator Grassley proves every day just how much that matters. When he started meeting with Iowans in all 99 counties every year, I was 7 years old. He hasn’t missed a county in four decades. His work ethic is unmatched. 
 
Today, he’s chairman of the powerful Senate Finance Committee. Our senior senator from Iowa negotiated around the clock to ensure small businesses and workers aren’t left behind. The $1,200 rebate checks will help workers pay their bills until the economy re-opens for business. Changes he pushed for in the tax code will help small businesses stabilize until we get the green light to open our doors. The package includes payroll tax deferrals, expanded use of operating losses and a federal tax credit to help keep employees on payroll. He also supported a major expansion of federal loans, including the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program to help keep small businesses afloat. These financial tools give small businesses flexibility and much-needed resources to choose from to help us weather the economic fallout.

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