Politicians must embrace civility and solutions in 2026

Happy New Year to you all! I hope you enjoyed the holidays, and your new year is off to a wonderful start.

Small businesses drive our economy, foster economic development, create jobs, and support their communities. You may have family members, friends, and neighbors that own small businesses. Perhaps you are an entrepreneur or employed by a small business. The small business community touches nearly everyone, and together we can drive a proactive and positive agenda that supports local businesses, transcends destructive politics, and builds a stronger economy in 2026.

Small businesses face an array of challenges that will not be solved through hyperbole and rhetoric. Without civil discourse, common sense, and a genuine commitment to tackle difficult issues, policymakers will keep running in circles while folks become even more disillusioned with politics. This year, we will help politicians solve problems while leaning into meaningful dialogue and civility. Here are a two examples:

Health insurance

There is no way to adequately describe the degree to which excessive health insurance premiums impact small businesses and solopreneurs. Health insurance has become ridiculously expensive, and many small businesses cannot afford to provide coverage to their employees. This makes it harder for small businesses to compete for talent with larger enterprises. Employees that do work for small businesses unable to afford coverage and solopreneurs have very few options. The expiration of the ACA enhanced premium tax credits without any viable alternative only makes matters worse.

Politicians understand the health insurance crisis facing small businesses, and we will work with them to advance policies which can have a meaningful impact. Small businesses should be allowed to join forces and create Association Health Insurance Plans. This will provide them the critical mass needed to negotiate better deals and the flexibility to create plans that work for them. AHPs may not be the answer for every small business, but could provide a viable option to businesses being squeezed by escalating premiums.

Bipartisan efforts to compel insurance companies and health care providers to disclose the cost of treatments and services should be enacted because this will increase transparency, allowing small businesses to make more informed choices about their health insurance options. Better informed consumers can demand more from both insurance companies and providers, allowing them to compare costs and foster more competition.

Tariffs

Small businesses pay the tariffs imposed on imports and many companies were deeply impacted by the sudden and chaotic nature of last year’s tariff roller coaster. Many small businesses that operate on thin margins were forced to assess and pivot, often absorbing the higher costs of imported goods. Certainty is crucial for small businesses. This year we will ask federal lawmakers to put guardrails around the imposition of tariffs so small businesses are able to plan for the future.

Civility

As a powerful and collective voice, the small business community can compel politicians to embrace civility and reject the destructive tone that has dominated politics. It is nearly impossible for policymakers to tackle difficult issues when they are unable to communicate in meaningful and productive ways.

Anger and divisiveness may be good for television ratings but do not solve problems. I am optimistic the magnitude of this moment and constituent engagement will prompt politicians to make the reforms needed to support small businesses.

• Elliot Richardson is president and co-founder of the Small Business Advocacy Council.