2016 Presidential Race Heats Up: Why You Should Take Notice

The 2016 run for the White House is starting to heat up, with many candidates officially throwing their hats in the ring over the last few weeks. The general election may be 18 months away, but the primaries are coming soon and the field is starting to get crowded. In all probability, we will see even more candidates come forward in the coming weeks.

On the Republican/Conservative side we officially have Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY), Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL). On the Democratic side we of course have former New York senator and former secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton (D).

Political experts are expecting a few more contenders, most likely Florida Governor Jeb Bush, Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie for the Republican ticket. And Democratic National Committee Chair and Florida Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz recently said there will definitely be a Democratic primary and Clinton will have competition—although no clear competitor has stepped forward yet. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) has already stated she would not run.

With the current state of foreign affairs and the economy it’s obvious to state that the next president will have a profound impact on the future of the country and the world. But the next president also will be facing issues that drill down to the heart of small and medium business owners and how they operate. So solution providers, again, take notice.

Many people support candidates based on emotional issues such as abortion/right-to-life, or their stance on gay marriage. People differ on national security and foreign policy strategies. Sadly, even the color of someone’s skin or their gender can play a role. And while everyone has their own set of criteria, it behooves business owners to know how a presidential candidate could impact their business, employees and industry.

Let me be clear: The VAR Guy is in no way publicly backing any candidate or trying to sway voter opinion. Voting is a very personal matter and should be. That said, however, I believe every voter should be as informed as possible, especially if they are business owners and have employees that depend on them.

For solution providers, there are many issues on the table that the next president will have the ability to influence. Again, where you stand on these is your choice, but stand you should. Below are three main areas that are certainly going to be hot buttons for the next administration and will have an impact on your business:

1. Minimum Wage Increase: While the federal government sets the national minimum wage, states have the ability to set the bar higher if they’d like. The current Federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour. There is a tremendous pressure on the federal government to consider raising that rate so states will as well. Some believe a raise in rates will make employees more productive and infuse more cash into the economy. Others believe it will force employers to hire fewer employees and raise their prices, therefore creating less spending. As a business owner, only you know how a forced minimum wage increase will affect your company.
2. Immigration Reform: Most agree that blanket amnesty is not the solution, but the immigration issue needs to be addressed. This fight is going to continue into the next administration regardless of what President Obama and the current Congress currently decide. Everyone agrees something needs to be done. The IT industry needs more qualified workers; however, where that labor pool comes from is hotly debated. Many believe streamlining the path to citizenship will be good for companies, as they can draw from a deeper employee pool and legally hire more workers. Others feel it actually may increase unemployment and result in more social services and higher taxes. The situation in every state is also very different. Again, as a business owner, only you know how an influx of new citizens will positively or negatively affect your business and community.
3. Healthcare Reform, Again: Right now "ObamaCare," or the Affordable Care Act, is the law of the land. But it is already being challenged and re-challenged. Businesses already have had to adjust and are waiting to see what the current Congress is is going to do, if anything. Some states are still protesting the law and some of the presidential candidates said they are in favor of eliminating it if they get elected. No one really knows what will happen with health care, but all agree there will be more changes in the coming years. In some states, business owners have responded favorably, saying their rates have not increased and their employees actually do have more options. In other states, companies are saying it has hamstrung them, delayed hiring and increased their costs. Regardless, it is safe to say ObamaCare has touched every small to midsize business and more uncertainty is on the horizon.

These are oversimplifications of very complex issues. However, they are important, because the future of your company may depend on how these three areas shake out. You can be informed without being polarizing.

Knock 'em alive!