Kiggans Recognized with ‘Guardian of Small Business’ Award

WASHINGTON, DC: Today, Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02) announced she has been recognized with the 2024 “Guardian of Small Business” Award by the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB) due to her dedication and support for local Hampton Roads small businesses in Congress. Coastal Virginia is home to more than 100,000 small businesses which employ nearly 50% of the region’s workforce. 

“Small businesses create jobs, support our economy, and give back to our community,” said Congresswoman Kiggans. “Unfortunately, over the past few years, I’ve consistently heard from business owners across Virginia’s Second District about the unnecessary obstacles they face as a result of reckless big-government policies from Washington. In Congress, I am working hard to address those challenges and have proudly supported policies that empower our local businesses, and their workers, to thrive. I am honored to be recognized as a ‘Guardian of Small Business’ and will continue to do everything I can to help small businesses succeed and keep the American Dream alive here in Hampton Roads.”

“The NFIB Guardian of Small Business Award is presented to Members of Congress with a demonstrated record of supporting America’s small and independent business owners,” said NFIB President Brad Close. “This Congress, small businesses faced tough economic headwinds, especially from inflation, burdensome regulations, and threats of tax hikes at all levels of the government. We are proud to recognize the lawmakers from the 118th Congress, including Congresswoman Kiggans, who stood up for Main Street by taking pro-small business votes that would reduce taxes, eliminate burdensome government mandates, lower health insurance costs, and fuel the Main Street economy.”

The “Guardian of Small Business” award is presented annually to lawmakers who vote consistently with small business on the key issues identified by small business owners. Award eligibility for the 118^thCongress was based off several NFIB Key Votes that reflect the consensus view of NFIB members, nationwide. The key votes, which were taken into account for this award, all of which Congresswoman Kiggans supported, include but are not limited to: 

• H.R. 23, The Family and Small Business Taxpayer Protection Act
• H.R. 1, The Lower Energy Costs Act
• H.R. 3799, The CHOICE Arrangement Act
• S.J.Res. 32, Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection relating to “Small Business Lending Under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act
• H.R. 5378, The Lower Costs, More Transparency Act

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