Press Releases

State of the Union Address Reaction from the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, January 28, 2014
CONTACT:  Kristofer Eisenla, LUNA+EISENLA media
kristofer@lunaeisenlamedia.com | 202-670-5747 (mobile)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – After President Barack Obama delivered his 2014 State of the Union address this evening, the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, released the following statements:

Keith Hall, President and CEO of the NASE:

“Tonight, President Obama put forth a robust vision for the country that included growing the middle class.  At the heart of the middle class are America’s 23 million smallest businesses who are dedicated to strengthening our economy.  Seventy percent of entrepreneurs consider their micro-business a career, one that presently supplies the main source of income to their households.

“America’s smallest businesses – the self-employed and micro-businesses – stand ready to help put our country back on track and move our nation forward. But, we need support from our elected leaders to create the economic environment for small businesses to grow, expand and keep our doors open. When the small business community thrives, our economy strengthens.”

Katie Vlietstra, Vice President for Government Relations and Public Affairs of the NASE:

“The President tonight outlined a forceful path in moving both our nation and economy forward by committing his energy towards growing a strong middle class.  To accomplish this goal, we must first tackle the issues of income inequality, reviewing the impact of regulatory action on America’s smallest businesses, and helping the self-employed invest in retirement through the creation of ‘MyRA’ accounts.   

“Unfortunately, income inequality persists in our nation’s small business community between the self-employed and micro-businesses and the larger small businesses. We need sound economic and fiscal policies that expand opportunities for all small businesses while leveling the playing field for our unique community by reducing the individual tax rate, eliminating the health care penalty and reinstating the self-employment tax deduction on health insurance.   Congress and the President must also work together to invest in self-employment training assistance and micro-lending programs that can foster new business growth.

“We look forward to working together with President Obama, his Administration and the U.S. Congress to generate the economic and political climate where the small business community flourishes.”