Here’s a simple truth—things haven’t felt “normal” for a while. Life under this administration is fear, chaos, uncertainty, and distrust. This beautiful Democracy is being tested. We are breaking treaties, kidnapping a foreign leader, and having two government shutdowns in four months. Our elected leaders refuse to work across the aisle. ICE is out of control. Thousands of people are implicated in the Epstein Files. The media is dividing people and distracting them from the scandals rather than reporting on them. The political climate is heated. And Americans are growing tired of watching the news.

The billions of dollars allocated to ICE does not improve the quality of life for Americans. Instead, it funds a targeted agenda designed to purge anyone who does not fit a narrow, gate kept image of the country. This broken system treats the United States like an exclusive social club where the administration dictates who’s in and who’s out. The current administration and the Republican members of Congress are transforming the American Dream into something unattainable through terror and fear. This is not America First. 

"The Party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears. It was their final, most essential command."

George Orwell's 1984

Throughout this series, we have explored my proposals to strengthen and expand the Small Business Administration—to secure the American Dream of ownership and opportunity. In Part I, we focused on the Hometown Economy, the microbusinesses with fewer than 20 employees that serve as the lifeblood of our communities and create jobs. We addressed the capital gap that starves these businesses of funding and proposed doubling the microloan cap to $100,000 alongside a new Main Street Direct Lending authority.

A healthy economy supports businesses at every stage. Last week, we addressed the needs of microbusinesses—of mom and pop shops. This week, we will explore the middle-market. The first challenge for middle-market companies is a legal and financial “no-man’s land.” They are often too large for traditional micro-lending and community banks, but too small to access public capital markets. 

I believe in the American Dream—ownership, independence, and opportunity. I want to empower more Americans to start a small business and rebuild Main Street because small businesses create the jobs our communities rely on. Because I want to rebuild Main Street, I support expanding the Small Business Administration, promoting entrepreneurship, and encouraging more Americans to own their future. And I will show you why and how in a three-part series. 

Today marks five years since an attempted insurrection, the moment Democracy began to unravel. But Donald Trump invoked his power to pardon criminals and pardoned the January Sixth Insurrectionists. Pardons are one of the most important powers presidents have, a great responsibility, and Donald Trump is using them to pardon allies, sycophants, insurrectionists, and fraudsters.

The primary is fast approaching, and now is our moment. Let’s channel our New Year's energy into real action. This is our year to step up, push harder, and show what we’re made of. Think: New Year. New You. New Congress.