Maryland’s small businesses need help from Congress

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Maryland‘s small businesses are the backbone of the state’s economy, driving innovation, creating jobs, and fostering community development. With over 600,000 small businesses employing more than 1.2 million residents, their success is vital to Maryland’s prosperity.

Thankfully, Maryland’s U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin, ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee, is uniquely positioned to protect policies that sustain these businesses, especially those that sell online. Representing the 8th District, Raskin has long championed fairness, equity, and economic opportunity – values that align with supporting the online marketplace.

The rise of e-commerce has redefined the retail world, reshaping it into something unimaginable just a few decades ago. This digital revolution has done more than change how we shop. It has unlocked unprecedented opportunities for entrepreneurs.

Local businesses here in Maryland, once confined to their neighborhoods, can now tap into a global audience with just a few clicks. The internet has become a great equalizer, turning ideas from small towns or big cities into thriving enterprises.

As empowering as e-commerce has been, small online retailers in Maryland face many challenges. They rely on access to reliable digital marketplaces, affordable shipping, and the ability to source materials without burdensome regulations.

For many of these entrepreneurs, selling online provides a lifeline to sustain their businesses, especially in today’s competitive economy. A small jewelry maker in Montgomery County or a custom furniture designer in Frederick, for example, depends on streamlined systems to source materials and ship products to customers. Any additional layers of regulation or cost could jeopardize their ability to compete with larger corporations.

These small sellers are not just driving revenue; they are building communities and fostering innovation. However, as the regulatory landscape evolves, they need allies in Congress who understand the challenges they face.

Raskin’s district is home to countless creative entrepreneurs who could benefit from his leadership in ensuring policies remain fair and manageable for small businesses operating in the online space.

One area where Raskin could make a difference is advocating for balanced e-commerce regulations that protect small sellers without harming their growth. Overregulation could force these entrepreneurs to navigate unnecessary hurdles, driving up costs and limiting their ability to thrive.

For example, requiring small online retailers to comply with excessive reporting standards or tariffs on low-value imports would create significant administrative and financial burdens. Instead, policymakers should focus on fostering a regulatory environment that enables small businesses to grow and innovate.

Moreover, small online retailers are grappling with broader challenges such as inflation, shipping delays, and the complexities of cross-border commerce. Raskin’s leadership could help address these obstacles by championing solutions like improved digital infrastructure, a simplified tax code, and expanded access to affordable credit.

These efforts would empower small businesses to focus on what they do best: delivering quality products and services to their customers.

Leadership from lawmakers like Raskin is essential to creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for Maryland’s entrepreneurs. As a champion for fairness and opportunity, Raskin has a chance to prioritize the needs of small business owners, ensuring their voices are heard in the public square.

Maryland’s small businesses are a testament to the state’s creativity, diversity, and resilience. By championing pro-growth policies, the state’s congressional delegation can help secure Maryland’s economic future while setting a national example.

Supporting small businesses is an investment in Maryland’s prosperity – one that drives growth and opportunity for all.

Rodrigo Landaverde is a small business owner who also serves on the membership committee of the Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.