Rep. Ashley Hinson has prioritized engagement with small business owners, regularly touring local businesses and discussing economic challenges such as inflation, transportation, and post-disaster recovery (e.g., Times Republican, 5/7/21; Gazette, 7/25/22; Charles City Press, 2/9/24).
Hinson opposes a $15 federal minimum wage, citing concerns from small business advocates that wage hikes could harm Iowa’s small business owners (KWWL, 2/2/21).
Hinson’s policy focus has included supporting alternative small business relief measures, such as the Small Business Emergency Savings Account Act, expanding PPP eligibility, and backing Iowa manufacturing (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier, 8/11/22; Muscatine Journal, 10/3/22).
Hinson has frequently recognized successful local businesses and highlighted technology-sector investments in Iowa, describing firms like Kingland Productions and Renovo Media Group as regional economic assets (Globe Gazette, 9/7/23).
Potential vulnerability: Critics have argued that opposition to increased minimum wage and emphasis on certain regulatory requirements could pose challenges for low-wage workers and applicants in sectors with labor shortages (KWWL, 2/2/21; Times Republican, 5/7/21).
Hinson Inquired About Post-Disaster Business Recovery Strategies In 2021 According to Times Republican, "Hinson asked owner Tasha Schnathorst questions about how her business has worked to return after closure and how they recovered when Marshalltown was hit with natural disasters." [Times Republican, 5/7/21]
2021: National Federation Of Independent Business State Director Supported Hinson's View According to KWWL, "The State Director of the National Federation of International Business issued a statement echoing Hinson's sentiments that the wage increase would hurt Iowa's small business owners." [KWWL, 2/2/21]
July 2022: Hinson Discussed Inflation, Transportation, And Drug Costs With Vinton Small Business Owners According to Gazette, "Republican U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson talked inflation, transportation and drug costs with small business owners during a stop Monday in Vinton." [Gazette (Cedar Rapids, IA), 7/25/22]
2022: Hinson’s Campaign Stated Economic Policies Prioritized Small Businesses According to Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier, "While Liz Mathis supports massive spending and new tax hikes that will worsen inflation and further crush working families and small businesses in Iowa, Ashley is focused on policies that will make our economy work for everyone and help small businesses stay afloat as they struggle in the Biden-Pelosi economy," Crowell said in an e-mail. [Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier (IA), 8/11/22]
2022: Hinson Toured Legacy Manufacturing With Chamber Representatives According to Muscatine Journal (Iowa), "Hinson and representatives from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce toured Legacy Manufacturing in Marion on Monday." [Muscatine Journal (Iowa), 10/3/22]
October 2022: Hinson And U.S. Chamber Representatives Toured Legacy Manufacturing In Marion According to The Gazette, "Hinson and representatives from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce toured Legacy Manufacturing in Marion on Monday." [Gazette (Cedar Rapids, IA), 10/4/22]
Rep. Hinson Emphasized Importance Of Engaging With Local Small Businesses In 2024 According to Charles City Press (Iowa), '"It's important to me to talk with the small businesses community about the challenges they face," said Hinson.' [Charles City Press (Iowa), 2/9/24]
2021: Hinson Stated Support For Maintaining Licensure Requirements In Salons According to Times Republican, 'As a means to attract more workers, she said she is against getting rid of licensure and Hinson agreed. "Experience does make a difference, but I also believe in making sure the person you’re going to is skilled and can certify that they have those skills," Hinson said.' [Times Republican, 5/7/21]
2022: Hinson's Campaign Cited Alternative Support For Small Business Legislation According to Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier, "Instead, Hinson supports the Small Business Emergency Savings Account Act and the Small LENDER Act." [Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier (IA), 8/11/22]
ABI Stated Hinson Supported Iowa Manufacturers And Small Businesses According to Muscatine Journal (Iowa), "Nicole Crain, executive vice president of the Iowa Association of Business and Industry, said Hinson had continued to support Iowa manufacturers and small business owners as evidenced by her 'strong pro-jobs voting record.'" [Muscatine Journal (Iowa), 10/3/22]
May 2021: Hinson Cited Small Business Recovery As Congressional Priority According to Times Republican, '“Across Iowa’s First Congressional District and at aSPArations in Marshalltown, it’s clear that it’s back to business as small businesses are on the road to recovery. Yet even as shops reopen, challenges remain for small business owners like Tasha,” Hinson said. “Common sense policies, like expanding PPP eligibility, increasing access to capital for small businesses, exploring ways the Small Business Administration can further assist main street businesses and working to address our labor shortage, which will help small business owners like Tasha, will remain a priority for me in Congress.”' [Times Republican, 5/7/21]
September 2023: Ashley Hinson Praised Kingland Productions And Renovo Media Group According to Globe Gazette, 'What an amazing company. Obviously, they're in the data protection and software industry, but they're also helping to be the Hollywood of the Midwest,' she said. [...] 'The level of technology, the level of production capability, all of the different things they have under one roof here was surprising,' Hinson said. 'To know that all of that is happening right here in our own back yard, we should be very proud of that.' [Globe Gazette, 9/7/23]
September 2023: Ashley Hinson Visited Technology Companies And Praised Their Investment In Iowa According to Globe Gazette, 'Hinson discussed business issues with company leaders at Kingland Productions and Renovo Media Group[. ...] "What an amazing company. Obviously, they're in the data protection and software industry, but they're also helping to be the Hollywood of the Midwest," she said.' [Globe Gazette, 9/7/23]
Rep. Hinson Cited All About Cheesesteaks As A Local Success Story In 2024 According to Charles City Press (Iowa), '"I think it's really neat to see a true success story," said Hinson.' [Charles City Press (Iowa), 2/9/24]