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Heading Into Elections, PPS & Partners Highlight Important Connection Between Economy & Democracy
WASHINGTON, D.C.–Ahead of the midterm elections, Public Private Strategies has been working with business owners & partners across the country to highlight democracy issues and their impact on the business community.
Here’s what’s been happening:
In letters to the editor to publications in states like Ohio and North Carolina, business leaders have made the case that a strong economy requires a strong democracy.
Cleveland.com: A strong economy rests on a strong democracy. Vote to preserve both.
The midterm elections are almost here and democracy is on the ballot. As a small business owner, I understand that a strong economy requires a strong democracy. Capitalism can’t work without it. After all, how can businesses responsibly plan for growth and create jobs without a stable government? We can’t.
I own an accountant firm with offices in Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati. I was able to succeed and grow my businesses in part because of democracy, but that is now under threat. We have work to do to strengthen our democracy at home and for the nation. So when you head to the polls on Nov. 8, remember democracy and vote to protect it.
– Anne Zimmerman, Cincinnati
Raleigh News & Observer: Protect Democracy
A recent Small Business for America’s Future survey found that 78% of small business owners are very concerned about the state of our democracy, and 73% strongly agree that “when a well-functioning democracy is under threat, there are negative implications for the nation’s economy that harm small business.” I’m glad the U.S. House passed legislation that would strengthen our democratic process against those who would try to subvert a presidential election. But more must be done.
I was born and raised in Raleigh and returned to the area after college to start my businesses. I love North Carolina, but we have work to do to strengthen our democracy at home and for the nation. So when you head to the polls Nov. 8, remember democracy and vote to protect it.
– David Meeker, Raleigh
These letters have highlighted research from both the Business & Democracy Initiative and Small Business for America’s Future that shows business owners are deeply concerned about the state of American democracy and the impacts that threats to democracy have on the economy and their livelihoods.
As the midterms approach, PPS Founder and Principal Rhett Buttle has spoken out on the need for political actors to respect the integrity of the American election system. Below is an excerpt of Buttle’s statement following President Biden’s speech on democracy and political violence last week:
“Polling from the Business & Democracy Initiative shows that well over 90% of business leaders think that a well-functioning democracy is important to a strong economy, while over 80% think that the business community should be engaged in protecting our democratic institutions. That’s why, in the aftermath of the January 6th insurrection, business leaders took unprecedented steps to condemn the attack and use their unique and powerful voice to support democratic institutions.
“As the midterm elections approach, it is important that politicians, policymakers, and business leaders respect the integrity of the American election system, affirm its neutrality, and provide certainty to the market. The business community recognizes the need for safe and secure elections, and we stand ready to work with public sector leaders to protect our democratic institutions."
As the midterm elections conclude, PPS remains engaged in critical work to strengthen American democracy at the state and local levels, and in the Congressional lame-duck.
On November 29 at 9 a.m. ET the Business & Democracy Initiative and Public Private Strategies will partner with Punchbowl News to host a conversation with Sen. Roy Blunt (R-MO). The conversation will focus on the future of democracy, voting rights reforms, and more! The event will also feature Anoop Prakash, a founding member of the Wisconsin Business Leaders For Democracy, who will bring a business voice to the conversation about the need for democratic reform.
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