Austria touts endorsement from National Federation of Independent Business

State Sen. Steve Austria (R-Beavercreek) rolled out an endorsement from the National Federation of Independent Business on Tuesday, saying he was pleased to have the support.

Austria pointed to his own background as a small businessman in announcing the endorsement.

The NFIB is a nonpartisan organization that represents small and independent businesses. The NFIB says their mission is "to promote and protect the right of its members to own, operate and grow their businesses."

NFIB's political vice president Lisa Goeas called Austria the proven pro-small business candidate in the race. Austria is vying against attorney Sharen Neuhardt (D-Yellow Springs) to succeed retiring U.S. Rep. David Hobson (R-Springfield) in Ohio's 7th Congressional District.

"During his time as a state legislator, he earned a 100 percent lifetime NFIB/Ohio lifetime voting record," Goeas said of Austria. "In addition, his policy positions have indicated his support of many of NFIB's priority issues including easing the regulatory burden on small businesses and tax reform, as well as opposing labor initiatives such as card check that would hamper an entrepreneur's ability to run a business without union interference."

Austria said his background as small businessman gave him an understanding of the issues facing small business owners. 

"In 2005, I worked with my colleagues in the state legislature to pass the largest income tax cut in Ohio history," Austria said. "This tax cut increased the take home pay of Ohioans by approximately $350 million in 2008. We also eliminated corporate income taxes, franchise taxes, and inventory taxes. At the federal level, we must continue these efforts by making the federal tax cuts permanent and eliminating other burdensome taxes on our businesses."