The state’s major small business organization, the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) presented Senator Jeff Howe (R-Rockville) with the prestigious Guardian of Small Business Award. 

“Now more than ever, Main Street needs strong advocates in the Minnesota Legislature, and they have one in Senator Jeff Howe,” said John Reynolds, NFIB Minnesota State Director. “Jeff earned the NFIB Guardian of Small Business Award by working tirelessly for small business over the last two years.” 

Howe earned the NFIB Guardian of Small Business Award with a 100% score on the NFIB Minnesota Voting Record for 2021-22.

The Guardian of Small Business Award is reserved for legislators who vote consistently with small business on the key issues identified by small business owners. Minnesota lawmakers who voted with small business on key issues 80% or more of the time during the 2021-22 legislative session earned the NFIB Guardian of Small Business Award.

“I am honored and humbled to be receiving this prestigious award from NFIB,” said Howe. “Small businesses across the state have gone through a challenging couple of years, and now more than ever, they need advocates at the Legislature working on their behalf. I will continue working with them as we prioritize a viable and successful business climate for all Minnesota small businesses.”

Lawmakers are informed prior to Key Votes of consensus positions developed through NFIB’s one member, one vote policy and asked to support the priorities of small business with their vote. Key Votes are recorded in the biennial NFIB Minnesota Voting Record and distributed to the more than 10,000 small businesses that belong to NFIB here.