#United States #Washington, D.C. #Digital Tools #Capitol Hill #Internet for Growth

Capitol Hill Briefing: Addressing a Kitchen-Table Issue

On December 16, 2025, the Internet for Growth coalition convened at the Senate Visitor Center to discuss a growing concern: the impact of tech policy on small businesses across America. As small business leaders gathered to share their experiences, it became evident that digital policy is not just a legislative concern but a vital community issue that affects economic viability and job creation.

Voices from Main Street

The policy briefing, titled "Main Street's Digital Mandate," highlighted new voter data from Internet for Growth and Echelon Insights that demonstrated the importance of accessible digital tools. Entrepreneurs shared firsthand accounts of how these tools are pivotal in sustaining and expanding their businesses.

Chase Murdock, the CEO of Decada Group, articulated the significant role that digital tools play for local businesses in Utah, especially in maintaining competitiveness and enhancing visibility in an increasingly digital economy.

Margaret Seeley, a former restaurant owner and now a tech entrepreneur from South Carolina, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the necessity of digital innovation, including AI services, to elevate customer experience within the hospitality industry.

Robert Hill, a childcare director from Georgia, discussed how digital marketing is essential for connecting with families and securing staff, keeping essential services accessible and robust for the community. Similarly, Megan Rasmussen illuminated how digital marketing strategies empower small businesses to target new audiences effectively.

Data-Driven Insights

Kristen Anderson, a political commentator and pollster from Echelon Insights, presented compelling findings from their recent poll. The data revealed that:

• - 91% of respondents feel personalized ads help them discover local businesses.
• - 89% worry that increasing digital advertising costs will threaten the sustainability of small enterprises.
• - 85% believe that limitations on digital ads would hinder access to otherwise free online content and services.
• - 78% oppose imposing new digital advertising taxes, preferring a unified federal privacy standard.

Furthermore, a striking 53% of voters indicated they would be less inclined to support candidates advocating for restrictive digital policies, underlining the political implications these issues carry.

Urgent Call to Action

Small business leaders urged Congress to adopt a national privacy law that avoids a fragmented state-based approach that could prove costly. They advocated for the protection of ad-supported platforms essential for providing free content and advertising opportunities and called for the rejection of taxes or regulations that would impose additional costs on small businesses and families relying on affordable digital tools.

Chase Murdock pointed out, “Digital advertising levels the playing field. It offers local businesses the chance to compete with larger brands at a fraction of the cost. Imposing higher costs on these tools will inevitably hurt the smaller players first.”

Margaret Seeley noted, “In the service industry, especially, the pressures of affordability are immense. Digital platforms need to be enhanced, not restricted. Policymakers must ensure digital access remains strong.”

Brendan Thomas, the executive director of Internet for Growth and the panel's moderator, remarked on digital advertising’s unique position: it is often the only practical advertising avenue for smaller entities. “With approaching tight margins, it’s essential for Congress to consider tech policy as directly impacting everyday life for countless entrepreneurs.”

As the event concluded, the call for immediate action rang clear—ensuring affordable and effective digital tools is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge for small businesses in America, now more than ever.

To get involved and advocate for these vital issues, visit Internet for Growth. ## About Internet for Growth

Internet for Growth is a nationwide coalition focusing on the challenges and opportunities for small businesses, advocating for digital accessibility, affordability, and supporting ad-driven economies. The coalition emphasizes that effective digital marketing is essential for keeping local economies vibrant and innovative across America.