New ASBC Poll Finds Business Support For Minimum Wage Increase

In 2014, ASBC commissioned scientific polling of 555 small business owners nationwide. A poll report just released with Business for a Fair Minimum Wage showed that a clear majority – 61 percent – of small business owners support an increase in the minimum wage, to $10.10 an hour.

The climate and energy poll, released on June 24th, revealed that small business owners are concerned about the effects of climate change on their businesses, and want government to address climate change.

Please help to spread the word on these polls through social media. Use the sample tweets below, or follow us @ASBCouncil and @MinimumWageBiz and re-tweet our messaging around the report.

SOCIAL MEDIA:
61% of #smallbiz owners want #minimumwage at $10.10/hour – read the full @ASBCouncil @MinimumWageBiz poll: http://ow.ly/yVsvj

3 of 5 #smallbiz owners says #RaiseTheWage to $10.10/hour, new @ASBCouncil @MinimumWageBiz poll finds: http://ow.ly/yVsvj

ACTION: Sign our campaign calling for a minimum wage increase.

WHAT’S NEW

ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT

Saving Taxpayers’ Money: Addressing Extreme Weather

On July 9th, ASBC’s Richard Eidlin co-hosted a conversation on extreme weather and disaster preparedness with Rep. Matt Cartwright (PA-17), Eli Lehrer of R Street Institute, and Shannon Shy from ASBC member Marstel Day. On July 31st, Rep. Cartwright will introduce the PREPARE Act to prepare U.S. citizens and their businesses for extreme weather events.

ELECTION INTEGRITY

Tell Gov. Brown to Help Fight Citizens United

On July 3rd, the ASBC Action Fund sent a letter to California Governor Jerry Brown, urging him to sign SB 1272. This bill would put an advisory measure on the California ballot calling for the US Congress to overturn Citizens United v. FEC.
ACTION: Email Megan Howard to add your name to the ASBC Action Fund letter.

GMO Labeling Lawsuit Moves Forward in Vermont

Last month, four organizations filed suit against Vermont’s recently passed law that requires all GMO foods be labeled. Vermont’s law is the first in the nation to take effect. Ballot measures may be introduced in Oregon, Colorado, and Arizona this year.

ACTION: Tell your representative to support mandatory GMO labeling.

Fight for a Just, Vibrant Economy in your State

ASBC has initiated a monthly call with representatives of state-focused business organizations to facilitate the sharing of ideas. Our affiliated state organizations address many of ASBC’s issues at the state level to help ensure a vibrant and just economy. State and regional organizations wishing to be included on these calls should contact Frank Knapp, Jr., Co-chair of the ASBC Action Fund.

Columns, Blogs and Social Media:

61% of Small Businesses Support $10.10 Federal Minimum Wage in New National Poll – Release
Why small biz owners back a higher minimum wage – CBS News
American SMEs already feeling harmful effects of climate change – Edie.net
Small Businesses Want Action to Stop Global Warming – U.S. News & World Report
Good Jobs First: Reining in the Wasteful “Economic War among the States” – ASBC Blog

July 16, 2014 2:00pm – 3:00pm EDT

EVENT: Support your Community: Tell the EPA Businesses Need Clean Water

Co-hosted by ASBC and 1% for the Planet. The conference call is your opportunity to hear how the EPA plans to defend your water, and to tell the EPA just how important clean water is for your business and our community. Speakers include: Ken Kopocis, Senior Advisor to the Administrator, Office of Water EPA, Jon Devine, Senior Attorney, Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and Ben Gott, Founder, Boxed Water is Better. Please register online.

July 22, 2014 2:00pm – 3:00pm EDT

EVENT: Learn about Direct Public Offering (DPO)

Join Jenny Kassan, CEO of Cutting Edge Capital, for a free one-hour webinar to learn how you can raise money using a Direct Public Offering (DPO). Please register online.