Small Business Voices: What Maryland Candidates Need to Hear
The recent primary has ended, and the real work for state lawmakers begins now. Candidates who want to win in November must listen to a group that makes up the backbone of Maryland’s economy: small business owners.
The Cost of Doing Business
- In the past year, many entrepreneurs across the state have faced new taxes and fees that total more than $1.6 billion.
- These costs add to the already high expenses of running a shop, restaurant or service company.
Beyond state taxes, owners must also juggle federal rules such as paid‑leave insurance and detailed payroll records. These obligations take time away from customers and raise operating costs.
At the federal level, a permanent 20 % small‑business deduction helps some financial planning. Yet many still worry about high credit‑card processing fees and a market that offers little competition.
The Human Side of the Problem
Most small businesses perform all the roles of HR, bookkeeping and compliance in one person. They adapt to new rules while keeping their customers happy—a tough balance for any entrepreneur.
The main request from these owners is simple: let them run their businesses without extra government paperwork or rising fees. Maryland ranks 44th in the nation for business costs, a ranking that should alarm any candidate who cares about economic growth.
Opportunities and Challenges
- Strengths: Maryland has an educated workforce, good infrastructure—including broadband and logistics.
- Weaknesses: Many people and companies are leaving the state rather than staying.
To reverse this trend, lawmakers must create incentives that keep small businesses in Maryland and help them expand.
What Candidates Should Do
Candidates for the 188 seats in the General Assembly should:
- Spend time speaking with local owners.
- Ask what changes would make Maryland a better place to operate.
Small businesses employ over one million residents and account for 99 % of all Maryland companies, so their well‑being is crucial to the state’s future.
NFIB’s Commitment
The NFIB will keep pushing for policies that protect these businesses, and it hopes more pro‑small‑business leaders join the effort in state government.
