Arkansas is full of entrepreneurs who use innovative ideas, everyday solutions and ongoing challenges to fuel opportunity. This reality is apparent when I return home and visit the excellent small businesses generating economic growth across all regions of our state. As the backbone of our communities and the American economy, I am pleased to advocate policies that make it easier to start, sustain and grow a small business.

During the last state work period, I had the pleasure of visiting Red Barn Donuts in Rogers, owned by the hardworking Wiginton family. They are a great example of entrepreneurs turning their passion and family activity into a thriving local business where neighbors can come together and enjoy a delicious treat. Small businesses like theirs not only serve customers –– they help define the character and spirit of the towns they call home. 

It almost goes without saying that starting and growing a business is not a simple feat. Through grit and tireless dedication, paired with resources such as the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center (ASBTDC), the Wigintons were able to make their dream come true. Their collaboration is a great example of what can happen when public institutions and private businesses work together to achieve success. As a result, jobs are created and enterprises thrive, with far-reaching benefits. This public-private partnership is just one example of the exciting economic development underway in The Natural State.

When government, educational resources and private initiative work hand in hand, Arkansas families win. Fortunately, our spirit of hard work and resilience is reinforced by policies that increase access to capital and promote right-sized regulations.  

One such policy I am proud to back is Senator Katie Britt (R-AL) and Congressman French Hill’s (R-AR) PROTECTED Act, a bill that would shield small financial institutions and Main Street businesses from burdensome requirements to collect and share personal and private data. Forcing entrepreneurs and community lenders to share identity-based information opens the door for the federal government to pick winners and losers based on factors other than sound underwriting. Rural employers should be focused on growing their businesses and communities, not complying with overly burdensome red tape.

Significant federal support was also secured through the Working Families Tax Cuts, landmark legislation that Senate Republicans championed and President Trump signed into law. Provisions that made the small business deduction permanent, reduce regulatory burdens and implemented “No Tax on Tips” put more money back in the pockets of Arkansans. The law will also spur investment by allowing companies to fully expense business equipment more quickly. Providing certainty in the tax code allows job creators to plan for the future with confidence and gives them breathing room to invest, hire and grow without Washington’s cumbersome overreach.

By uplifting small businesses, supporting effective public-private partnerships and continuing to fight for pro-growth policies, we can ensure they stay strong. Small businesses are the backbone of rural America, and Congress has a responsibility to ensure the regulatory environment allows for local businesses and communities to flourish. My priority in Washington is to help create an environment that keeps our economy moving forward so Arkansas remains a great place to live, work and raise a family.