The National Federation of Independent Business hosted a roundtable with U.S. Senator Roger Marshall on April 6 at Hazel Hill Chocolate, a member business in Topeka. The event brought together several small business owner members to share their concerns and ask questions directly to the senator.
The discussion focused on key issues affecting small businesses, including credit card processing fees and rising insurance costs. Participants thanked Sen. Marshall for his support of the Credit Card Competition Act, which aims to increase competition among processing networks and potentially lower swipe fee costs for businesses.
NFIB Principal Dylan Rosnick said, “We appreciate Sen. Marshall’s leadership in the Senate on behalf of small business owners. Credit card fees have more than doubled since 2012, exacerbating the affordability crisis small business owners are facing. Our members are calling on Congress to encourage competition in the credit card marketplace.”
NFIB State Director Dan Murray also addressed the importance of legislative reform: “It was great to have Sen. Marshall here to meet with our members. Small business owners want to create jobs and meet their customers’ needs, but they’re facing tremendous cost pressures from swipe fees. The Credit Card Competition Act is a commonsense reform that will help give Main Street relief.”
Local media coverage highlighted additional topics discussed at the event, such as escalating property insurance premiums and health care expenses for independent businesses, as described by Nick Xidis, owner of Hazel Hill Chocolate: “Insurance premiums have gone through the roof, especially property insurance has escalated dramatically… being an independent business guy and having to shop for our own health insurance, that’s our family’s biggest expense.” Senator Marshall acknowledged these concerns by stating that health care is once again becoming a top issue for small businesses.
As conversations about overhead costs continue nationwide, participants indicated that addressing swipe fees could provide much-needed financial relief for local enterprises.
