Has Joe Biden Done Anything to Boost Small Business Growth in America?

There has been considerable debate and discussion around the policies and actions taken by Joe Biden to support and foster small businesses in the United States. This article delves into the extent of Biden's efforts in this regard, examining both what he has not done and what he has attempted.

Joe Biden's Lack of Engagement with Small Businesses

One of the most striking points often made by critics is that Joe Biden has never deeply involved himself with small businesses during his time in office. Instead, he has shown more interest in expanding his son's "big business." Critics argue that this lack of personal connection may reflect a distaste for or misunderstanding of the small business community (Source: [Reference Link]).

Contrary to many expectations, Biden has largely kept his distance from any issues that directly impact small businesses. This decision, while portrayed negatively by some, might have been strategic, aimed at maintaining a neutral stance and avoiding conflicts that could derail his broader economic agenda (Source: [Reference Link]).

Historical Context: Democrat Support for Workers Over Businesses

Historically, Democrats have often prioritized labor over business interests. This is a fundamental aspect of their party ideology, which places a high value on worker rights and protections. Joe Biden, as a Democrat, has followed a similar approach. His policies and legislative proposals typically reflect this bias, with a focus on workers' rights, minimum wage increases, and labor protections (Source: [Reference Link]).

For example, Biden's signature infrastructure bill included many provisions aimed at improving workers' conditions, such as enhanced safety regulations, increased pay, and worker empowerment initiatives. While these measures are undoubtedly beneficial for many workers, they have also been criticized for potentially impeding business growth and profitability (Source: [Reference Link]).

Donald Trump's Record on Small Business Payments

The question of whether past Republican administrations have been more supportive of small businesses has also been a topic of discussion. Specifically, there is a common claim about whether former President Donald Trump has ever paid his bills in full and on time to small subcontractors.

While anecdotal evidence suggests that Trump himself may have faced challenges in managing payments to small businesses, his administration's policies on small business have been more nuanced. The Trump era saw significant debates over tax cuts and deregulation, which were intended to support small businesses. However, critics argue that the benefits of these policies were often not distributed equitably (Source: [Reference Link]).

For instance, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 did provide some tax relief to small businesses, but it was also accompanied by significant changes to healthcare and environmental regulations, which can have both positive and negative impacts on small businesses. Additionally, the Trump administration's trade policies, such as the imposition of tariffs on imported goods, were intended to protect domestic manufacturers but also led to increased costs for many small businesses (Source: [Reference Link]).

Conclusion: A Complex Picture of Small Business Support

It is clear that the efforts to support small businesses in the United States are a complex and multifaceted issue. While Joe Biden has not been as visibly involved in small business initiatives as some critics might want, his policies and legislative efforts aim to support workers and, by extension, the businesses that employ them.

The comparison with the Trump administration reveals that while both parties have taken different approaches, the outcomes are often mixed, with both benefits and drawbacks for small businesses. Ultimately, the most effective support for small businesses may come from policies that balance the needs of both employers and employees, ensuring sustainable growth and shared prosperity.