WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Small Business Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Tax, and Capital Access Ranking Member Dan Meuser (R-PA) and Ranking Member Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO) held a small business roundtable last week on inflation’s impact on America’s small businesses and entrepreneurs. Meuser hosted Pennsylvania merchants from the Ninth Congressional District, who shared the difficulties they are facing due to escalating and prolonged expenses.

“My district is home to nearly 11,000 small businesses that employ 50% of my constituents,” said Congressman Meuser. “Small businesses throughout my district and across America are struggling to keep up with record high inflation that has been brought on by reckless spending in Washington. Over the last year small businesses have seen inflation increase their costs by nearly double digits. Today, we had the opportunity hear directly from small businesses from throughout my district how inflation is impacting their businesses. I thank these small business owners for taking time out of their busy schedules to join us today and pledge to continue working with my colleagues to stop reckless government spending advocate for policies that reduce inflationary pressures on Main Street America."

“The ongoing theme of Biden’s presidency is his out-of-control inflation. Small businesses across the country are shouldering this horrible burden every single day. I applaud Rep. Meuser for inviting these small businesses from his community to hear their experience with the runaway inflation that is plaguing their businesses,” said Ranking Member Luetkemeyer.

“In today’s challenging economic climate, led by inflation, supply chain issues, and workforce shortages, it is monumentally impressive that Congressman Meuser and his colleagues are so committed to proactively seeking solutions through their House Small Business Committee. The Congressman’s approach of engaging the front line to identify roadblocks and collectively working with fellow small business owners to develop solutions is commendable and mirrors my own approach to sustainability and growth,” said Bill Wydra, founder, and president of Ashland Technologies of Hegins, who attended the discussion.

“While the current headwinds of volatility and uncertainty in the marketplace with inflation, supply chain and worldwide issues are difficult to navigate, it is uplifting to know that our small business issues are being heard and discussed in Washington,” commented Karen Norheim, president and CEO of American Crane of Douglassville, a roundtable participant.

“Today, price-sensitive markets especially like ours in rural central Pennsylvania do not allow goods to be provided at a profitable level for business. Labor continues to be more competitive and more expensive. Government subsidies such as payroll protection programs and other government supplements have benefited businesses greatly and I can emphatically tell you these programs kept me in business. However, the problem has become that this money has effectively created a bridge loan where small businesses are paying the highest interest rates possible in the form of inflation,” added Savas Logothetides, owner, Wheel Restaurant and executive director, Pottsville Area Development Corporation (PADCO), Pottsville.