Ortt Chosen for Small Business Advocacy Award

Today, Senator Rob Ortt (R,C,I,Ref-North Tonawanda) was awarded the National Federation of Independent Businesses’ Guardian Award for his work as a senator in the New York Legislature. The National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB) represents more than 10,000 small and independent business members across New York State and is the nation’s leading small business advocacy organization.

The Guardian Award is the highest honor the NFIB bestows upon legislators, and Sen. Ortt’s selection for this award represents his strong belief in protecting New York State’s small businesses. Over the last two years, Gov. Cuomo has waged an all-out assault on New York’s small businesses, increasing the minimum wage to a staggering $15 per hour, while creating a statewide paid family leave program that will cost millions.

“Due to the overbearing and excessive business regulations implemented by Gov. Cuomo and his regressive New York City allies, New York has become one of the most difficult places in the country to run a business,” said Sen. Ortt. “While Democrats in our state see our business owners as the enemy, I understand that small businesses are the economic drivers in communities across our state, and without them, New York’s economic future is bleak. I thank the NFIB for its advocacy on behalf of thousands of New Yorkers and look forward to continuing my work with them in the future.”

NFIB’s goal is to give small and independent business owners a voice in shaping the public policy issues that affect their business through direct involvement with state and federal lawmakers. The federation’s unique member-only ballot system allows for a more direct role in supporting America’s free enterprise system.           

“Time after time, Sen. Ortt has been there for the independent businesses and job creators of Western New York – fighting for lower taxes, common-sense regulatory reform and fiscal discipline in Albany,” said Greg Biryla, NFIB’s New York State Director. “A lot of lawmakers like to say they support small business, but actions speak louder than words and Sen. Ortt’s actions speak louder than most. His perfect voting record on small business issues this past legislative session is just the latest demonstration that Sen. Ortt is one of Main Street’s best friends in the Capitol."

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