Putting Main Street First

May 1, 2026 Columns Small businesses are the backbone of our communities and the driving force behind our local economies. They are more than just storefronts and services; they are our neighbors, friends, and the familiar faces you see when you walk down Main Street. These business owners invest in our towns, sponsor local events, donate to schools and charities, and create the sense of community that makes our hometowns special. As we celebrate Small Business Week, it’s important to recognize just how vital these enterprises are to Nebraska. Our state is home to more than 193,000 small businesses, making up 99.1 percent of all businesses statewide. These numbers are more than statistics; they represent the grit, determination, and entrepreneurial spirit Nebraskans are known for. Small businesses are also a major source of employment. Across the state, they provide jobs for more than 422,000 Nebraskans, accounting for 47.5 percent of our workforce. That means nearly half of Nebraska’s employees rely on small businesses for their livelihoods. When small businesses succeed, our families, communities, and economy succeed with them. In Congress, I have made it a priority to support policies that allow small businesses to grow and thrive. When Republicans passed the Working Families Tax Cuts, we made the 199A tax deduction permanent, which enables small business owners to deduct up to 20 percent of their qualified business income. This provision has been critical in helping entrepreneurs reinvest in their operations, hire new employees, and expand their reach. We also permanently doubled the small business expensing cap, giving owners greater flexibility to invest in their futures. We permanently restored full immediate expensing for equipment purchases so small businesses can modernize, improve efficiency, and remain competitive in a rapidly changing economy. At the end of the day, these policies are about more than just dollars and cents. They are about empowering the people who take risks, create jobs, and strengthen our communities every single day. From The Keeping Room in Nebraska City to Marky’s Meat Market in Gering, each small business across Nebraska’s Third District has a story to tell, and one I am proud to support. This Small Business Week, be sure to support local and take a moment to say thank you to the men and women who help keep our communities strong.