Spotlight on the 117th Congress: Rep. Michelle Steel (R-CA-48

QWhat skills or perspectives from your background do you apply as a public official?

ASmall business has been a part of my family since I came to this country. My mother owned her own business, and my husband operates his own law firm. In both cases, I’ve seen firsthand how hard it is to succeed as a small-business owner when the government imposes burdensome regulations and taxes. When I saw my mother forced to pay taxes that she did not owe, I decided to run for public office to help small businesses. That’s why, from the California Board of Equalization to the Orange County Board of Supervisors, and now in Congress, I’ve been a lifelong tax-fighter and have always worked to lower taxes and relieve unnecessary barriers to business’ success.

QIn what ways are you seeking feedback from small businesses in your state/district and using that information in Washington, D.C.?

QWhat do you see as the current biggest threat to small-business owners?

ASince the pandemic, 40% of businesses in California have not been able to return. A big part of that is out-of-control taxation and regulation. These broken policies, on top of the crippling effects of inflation and our broken supply chains, mean that our small-business owners are facing an uphill battle on all fronts. Small business makes up almost half of our economy. If we can’t get inflation under control so businesses can afford to keep their doors open, fix our supply chains so they can get the supplies they need and empower the men and women who set out to run a business so that they can grow and thrive, the consequences will be far-reaching.

QWhat challenges have you helped small businesses in your district overcome?

AThroughout my career in public service, I’ve been proud to advocate for the men and women who have the determination to operate their own business. I’ve consistently supported legislation to empower small business, which is why I’m proud to have received the National Federation of Independent Businesses’ “Guardian of Small Business” Award for my 100% pro-small business voting record. I’ve also introduced legislation of my own, such as the SNOOP Act, which will ensure that all Americans – particularly small-business owners – can go about their business without a distant bureaucrat in Washington, D.C., looking over their shoulder every time they participate in the mobile or digital economy.

My office also works with constituents, including small-business owners, to navigate federal agencies. The federal bureaucracy is massive, slow and confusing, so it’s no surprise that it doesn’t always work well for the American people. That said, by advocating directly for constituents in their interactions with federal bureaucracies, my team and I have been proud to return more than $14 million to residents of my district. Most of that came from the Small Business Association. Making government work better for taxpayers is one of the most important parts of my job, and I’m always glad to do whatever I can.

AI regularly visit businesses in Orange County to hear directly from them about how policies in Washington, D.C., are impacting their operations. From restaurants and retailers to healthcare providers and service professionals, our community is home to a vibrant and entrepreneurial group of business owners who are dedicated to providing jobs, offering the best goods and services around and giving back to their neighbors. Unfortunately, they’re struggling under the weight of inflation, labor shortages and a broken supply chain. I rely on and implement their feedback when I’m working on policies in Congress.

QHow has your role on the Education and Labor and Transportation and Infrastructure committees influenced your opinions on the impact of legislation on small business?

AMy role on these Committees gives me an in-depth look at the challenges facing small businesses. I get to hear from everyone, from economic experts to hardworking business owners, and then I get to work with my colleagues to propose legislative solutions to their problems. One bill I introduced as a product of this process is the Worker Flexibility and Choice Act, which will establish a new work arrangement that combines the flexibility of independent work with certain workplace protections and opportunity for additional benefits. As workers and businesses across the country continue to experience labor shortages and the highest inflation in 40 years, finding ways to promote employment flexibility should be a top priority for Congress. That’s what this bill does, and that’s something I’m committed to doing on behalf of business owners across the country. S

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LISTEN READ

Look, Listen, Read is a quarterly compilation of some of the most highly rated and reviewed apps, podcasts, books, websites and other resources. Franchise Business Services does not support or endorse the use of these tools, which merely serve as a guide to exploring a new level of knowledge and productivity for your business.

1Todoist is a task management app that automatically elevates your most important tasks. This way, you close all the most important doors sooner than later and take less time figuring out what to do and when. Todoist is also a great tool for visualizing your team’s productivity levels.

2With Noisli, you can create and listen to your own personal sound environment to help you focus on your tasks, reduce stress and relax, or simply wind down after a stressful day.

3“The Wealthy

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pulls concepts from cognitive behavioral therapy, brain science, interviews and Scott Greenberg’s firsthand experience as a franchisee to help readers replicate the mental habits, tactics and financial results of high-performing franchisees. As a franchising consultant, Greenberg has helped franchisees improve their performance. 4 Franchising specialist Erik Van Horn reveals the secrets he uses as a franchisee, consultant, investor and entrepreneur. Follow “Franchise Secrets Podcast” to learn tactical and practical tools that will help you buy, grow and sell franchises like an expert.

5In the “Beyond the To-Do List” podcast, productivity experts share how to implement strategies that managers can use for themselves and share with their teams.

6

Paylocity’s all-in-one cloud-based payroll and human resources platform stands out by offering scalable services, hundreds of app integrations and solid customer service availability. Its payroll features aid business owners in paying employees, filing and paying taxes, reimbursing expenses and more.

7It’s time to ditch the industrial age playbook of leadership. In “Leadership Is Language,” you’ll learn how choosing your words can dramatically improve decision-making and execution on your team.

8QSR Magazine’s “Fast Forward,” a podcast from the editors of the leading publication for food-service owners and operators, discusses the future of the fast-food restaurant industry. Made for restaurant executives, entrepreneurs and leaders, each episode features an interview with fast-casual founders and visionaries who discuss the ongoing successes and challenges of building a restaurant company from scratch.

9“The Energy Bus,” an international bestseller by Jon Gordon, takes readers on an enlightening and inspiring ride that reveals 10 secrets for approaching life and work with the kind of positive, forward thinking that leads to true accomplishment at work and at home. S