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National Write Your Congressman Q1 2026 Index Reveals Small Business Concerns

On March 11, 2026, the National Write Your Congressman (NWYC) released its Q1 2026 Index, providing insights into the current sentiments of small business owners regarding the actions of Congress and the state of the U.S. economy. This index is significant as it serves as a voice for small businesses, helping them communicate their needs and concerns to government representatives effectively.

Key Findings on Economic Issues

The survey indicates that small business owners are primarily focused on government spending, which has been identified as the foremost policy issue impacting their operations. Alongside spending, other significant concerns highlighted include tariffs, regulatory relief, immigration policies, and issues surrounding access to capital. There remains uncertainty about the U.S. economy’s trajectory, further complicating the landscape for these owners. As NWYC President and COO Randy Ford points out, business owners are keenly attentive to the policy developments in Washington that may influence long-term economic stability.

"While the current economic climate may be steady for some, it’s crucial that we emphasize fiscal responsibility and policies that bolster growth and reinvestment, particularly during these volatile times," said Ford.

Interest in the One Big Beautiful Bill

Significantly, business owners expressed overwhelming support for provisions in what's dubbed the 'One Big Beautiful Bill'. For instance, a striking 76.5% of respondents favor a permanent 20% tax deduction for pass-through income, and 75.4% are in favor of a 100% bonus depreciation for new equipment or property purchases. Despite this positive sentiment, there's still a prevalent uncertainty regarding how these provisions will directly benefit their businesses.

Tim DeLuca, President of Capstone Renovations from Crown Point, Indiana, remarked, "We have high expectations for how the Big Beautiful Bill will impact sales and tax returns considering the new depreciation rules." These optimistic perspectives underscore the desire of small business owners to see tangible benefits from legislative actions that promote investment and expansion.

Mixed Economic Performance

When reflecting on their current business conditions, responses were varied. About 48% of business owners indicated that their performance remained unchanged, whereas 31% reported some growth, and 21% experienced declines. Interestingly, a majority of the owners maintain a cautiously optimistic outlook on the U.S. economy, with most describing it as 'good' and about a third viewing it as 'fair'. Only a small fraction, around 4%, rated the economy as 'excellent'.

As Lisa Fahey, CFO of Graphic Finishing Services in Coon Rapids, Minnesota, succinctly expressed, "We need predictability in policies that recognize the crucial role local manufacturers play in our communities. Small businesses are positioned to grow, hire, and innovate. What remains essential is an environment where these ambitions can thrive."

Trust and Representation

Despite expressing their concerns, the NWYC Index reflected a drop in trust and satisfaction regarding congressional actions compared to the previous year. Approximately 40% of respondents indicated trust in their congressional representatives, while 20% felt that these members genuinely understood their perspectives on key issues. However, 40% retained hope for positive actions from Congress in the upcoming year.

The data collected by NWYC, which involved responses from 724 business owners across 45 states in the U.S., reveals a significant portion of small enterprises, where 56% employ between one to nine employees, and 41% employ ten to ninety-nine individuals.

About National Write Your Congressman

Founded in 1958, the National Write Your Congressman (NWYC) is dedicated to amplifying small businesses' voices in governmental affairs. As the largest nonpartisan membership organization for small businesses, NWYC delivers valuable research, resources, and tools to help its members engage effectively with their representatives in Washington. By providing unbiased information on critical issues and pending legislation, NWYC empowers small business owners to advocate for their interests intelligently and effectively. For more insights, visit www.nwyc.com.