The state’s major small business group, the National Federation of Independent Business Minnesota, named Senator Jason Rarick an NFIB Guardian of Small Business. 

“Minnesota’s thousands of small businesses have been through the wringer over the past year between COVID and the several economic lockdowns,” said Senator Rarick. “A top priority this session is to get our businesses back open and Minnesotans back to work. I am proud to receive this award from the NFIB and will continue to advocate for businesses and workers across the state.”

 NFIB gives out its Guardian of Small Business award at both the federal and state level to recognize lawmakers who have been supportive of small businesses on critical issues. Rarick’s award was based on votes he took during the 2019-2020 sessions of the Minnesota Legislature. He made many votes beneficial to small business, including:

• A vote for a significant tax bill to help small businesses that finally conformed Minnesota to the critical section 179 expensing provision of federal tax law and contained an income tax reduction and other positive changes.

• Voted for the continuation of Minnesota’s reinsurance plan for the individual health insurance market that saved the market back in 2017. The plan significantly reduced premiums for individuals that suffered huge increases due to the negative impact of Obamacare.

• Supported critical preemption legislation that prohibits local governments from raising minimum-wages higher than the state’s or enacting additional mandates on local businesses.

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

With 10,000 members statewide, NFIB is Minnesota’s largest small-business group in terms of entities. NFIB gives out its Guardian of Small Business award at both the federal and state level to recognize lawmakers who have been supportive of small businesses on critical issues.