More needed

Small business is the backbone of our economy, and I’m encouraged by positive changes in Richmond. We’ve seen the removal of unnecessary COVID-19 mandates on business, passing of health care legislation that allows companies to associate together for better rates and products, and conformity of Virginia’s tax code to the federal level, providing small businesses a boost of thousands of dollars per year currently left on the table. However, there is much to be done, and time is running out.

Tax relief would help small businesses recover faster, keep and hire employees, and bolster communities. Increasing Virginia’s standard deduction to the federal level is a necessity. Suspending the increased fuel tax would not only benefit all business but put money back into every Virginian’s wallet. Unemployment insurance is simple: Lawmakers can replenish the fund with unused federal relief money to shield small businesses from significant payroll tax increases. It would ensure entrepreneurs are not held liable for fraudulent or benefit overpayments by the state and increase pay for all small business employees.

My business represents clients with 1 to 1,000 employees and spans industries from manufacturing to professional services and engineering. The past few years have been a challenge for us all. Finally, we see a flicker of light at the end of the tunnel — if lawmakers do their jobs. I’m educating my elected officials on the right way to get us out of the pandemic and get Virginia’s economy back to that light — before it’s too late.