Sen. Draheim earns “Guardian of Small Business Award”

Madison Lake lawmaker especially helpful on pro-Main Street votes

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) Minnesota announced the presentation of its Guardian of Small Business award to Senator Rich Draheim (R-Madison Lake) for his votes in support of small businesses in the Minnesota State Senate. With 10,000 members statewide, NFIB is Minnesota’s largest small-business group.

“Whether it’s a restaurant or a family farm, small businesses are vital to our communities,” said Senator Draheim. “As a small business owner myself, I understand firsthand the struggles our main-street businesses face. I will continue to support policies that allow for small businesses to succeed and grow in Minnesota.”

Senator Draheim received a 100% rating from the group for his votes during the 2017-2018 sessions of the Minnesota Legislature, including support for:

  • New law which resulted in a significant small-business property tax reduction, reducing taxes for the smallest businesses by 20 percent to 30 percent
  • New law which resulted in a significant $1 million increase in the estate tax exemption that particularly benefits small family farms
  • New law which resulted in a desperately needed 25 percent reduction in health insurance premiums in 2017 for those on the individual market
  • Supported critical legislation that preempts local units of government from enacting minimum wages higher than the state’s, and from imposing other new mandates on local employers.

“Senator Draheim is a real friend of small business, and we are happy to announce that he has earned the NFIB Guardian of Small Business Award,” concluded Mike Hickey, NFIB Minnesota state director.