SHEPHERDSTOWN, W.V. -- Hours before the U.S. Senate is expected to hold an initial vote on the For the People Act, more than 100 West Virginia small business leaders called on Sen. Joe Manchin to save democracy and support the bill. Business owners gathered at Evolve Shepherdstown to officially launch the West Virginia Small Business for Democracy coalition, a group of over 100 small business owners from across the state whose first and primary goal is passing the For the People Act through Congress. The bill’s passage hinges on Sen. Manchin, who threatened to vote NO in a recent op-ed but has since left the door open to a compromise proposal.
In a letter addressed to Sen. Manchin, the group said in part, “For too long, Congress has listened to the biggest, loudest, and wealthiest voices while the regular individuals and small businesses that make up the backbone of this country are too often drowned out. We strongly urge you to listen to the strong support for this bill from West Virginia small businesses and vote YES in support of the For The People Act.”
The West Virginia Small Business for Democracy coalition launched with 107 members from every corner of the state: from Parkersburg to Harpers Ferry, and Bluefield to Wellsburg. Members operate a wide variety of businesses, including electrical services, auto sales, craft shops, and farms.
“The Supreme Court decision in Citizens United came down the same year I opened my business,” said Martha Ehlman of Tenfold Fair Trade Collection in Harpers Ferry. “I knew then that our country was in for trouble. I am so very tired of corporate corruption and special interests drowning out the voices of everyday Americans and those of West Virginia business owners like myself. I pray our elected officials will value their constituents over their bank accounts and vote for this important bill.”
The For the People Act is the most significant anti-corruption and pro-democracy legislation since Watergate, tackling a range of issues including ending partisan gerrymandering, securing and modernizing our elections, and halting big money’s control of politics. It would also put a stop to the 389 anti-voter bills in 48 states that state lawmakers have introduced since March. On Tuesday, the Senate was on track to vote on whether or not to begin debate on the bill.
The bill has overwhelming support in West Virginia among voters of all political stripes. In a RepresentUs poll, 71 percent of West Virginians supported the For the People Act, including 66 percent of Trump voters.
“If Senator Manchin doesn't support the For the People Act, he will be siding with the politicians who are attacking our right to vote instead of his constituents,” said RepresentUs West Virginia Organizer Ash Orr. “That’s wrong, and we’re here today to continue to show him that West Virginians -- left, right and center -- support this bill and want our freedom to vote protected and our voices heard in the halls of Congress.”
“Our business is supporting other businesses,” said Jan Hafer of Evolve Shepherdstown, which provides pop-up space to area small businesses. “But at the end of the day, it’s on them to finish the job. And they don’t get paid for a job halfway done. It’s good to see Senator Manchin engaging constructively on the For the People Act. But West Virginians need results. Our coalition is just getting started, and we’re not going to let up until Senator Manchin finishes the job and gets this bill passed.”
For More Information:
Erin Lehman, RepresentUs WV Organizer, 304-261-6691, elehman@represent.us
Ash Orr, RepresentUs WV Organizer, 304-376-0702, ash@represent.us
Jessica Wintz-Adams, 304-942-5373, jwintz@orion-strategies.com