THE RAATZ ROUNDUP
Submitted for use on Aug. 12, 2025
Word Count: 376
By State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond)
Small businesses are the backbone of our nation's economy. They are run by people who have a passion for something and want to make a living doing what they love. That is what the American dream is all about.
Nearly 84% of Indiana's exporters are smaller companies, and they maintain nearly 14% of the entire state export worth according to LLC.services. In 2024, the state had 569,851 small businesses, and 1.2 million people were employed in small businesses, which is 44% of all Indiana employees, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration.
As a small business owner myself, I believe it is of the utmost importance that we ensure our state continues to be a place for local businesses to grow and thrive, and a great place to raise a family.
That's why I was honored to recently receive a 100% score from the Indiana Chamber of Commerce in their annual Legislator Scorecard.
The Chamber produces this scorecard after every session and is based on bills the organization believes will have a positive impact on the state's economy.
One law I authored that contributed to my score was Senate Enrolled Act 448. This law improves Indiana's public university system by allowing the Indiana Commission on Higher Education to determine if programs at public universities are meeting the needs of employers.
Another bill I sponsored that the Chamber cited is House Enrolled Act 1002, which streamlines Indiana's laws on education. HEA 1002 gives schools more freedom on how they prepare students for their future careers.
Both laws will prepare our students better for the working world and give them the tools they need to follow their dreams, start their own businesses, and do what they love, while also allowing Indiana to stay as one of the best states for business.
Small businesses are incredibly important to our economy, and I will continue to support our local business owners in any way I can.
Constituents can reach out to me with any questions or concerns they may have by filling out a "Contact Me" form on the IndianaSenateRepublicans.com/Raatz website or by calling my office at 800-382-9467.
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State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) represents Senate District 27, which includes
Henry, Union and Wayne counties, and portions of Franklin County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
