U.S. Supreme Court Decision to Block Employer Vaccine Requirement will Create Setbacks for Small Businesses

For Immediate Release: 
Thursday, January 13, 2022

Statement from John Arensmeyer, Founder & CEO of Small Business Majority, expressing disappointment on the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to strike down the administration’s vaccine order

“Today’s decision by the U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS) to block the Biden Administration’s vaccine-or-test requirement for larger employers is an unfortunate blow to the progress of small business owners looking to the federal government for guidance on how to keep their business open safely. 

For almost two years, small businesses around the country have endured a public health crisis that closed thousands of businesses and put thousands more on the brink of falling off a financial cliff. Amid the surge of COVID variants, more than half reported declining business conditions and consumer demands due to the coronavirus pandemic. Additionally, 45% of small business owners revealed that as coronavirus cases rose, their customers and/or employees expressed safety concerns.

Small businesses across the country shared concerns about the rise of COVID variants and the looming threats to business continuity. Recent polling showed that despite most small businesses not being subject to the administration’s vaccination order, more than half (56%) of small business owners supported the order, and 42% of small employers required all or some of their workers to be vaccinated. An additional 21% were considering doing so. 

Small business owners recognize that widespread vaccination is the path to ending the pandemic and revitalizing the economy. This is why Small Business Majority, alongside American Independent Business Alliance, and a small business owner in our network, Mary Sue Milliken, filed an amicus brief supporting the administration’s vaccination order.  

Amid continued disruptions stemming from the pandemic, such as supply chain challenges and workforce shortages, small businesses need bold action from their elected officials to get the pandemic under control and ensure businesses can operate safely and efficiently. This vaccine requirement was necessary to protect not only the growth of the U.S. economy but also the health of millions of American small businesses and workers. 

Time and again, small business owners have identified vaccinations as key to successfully restoring pre-pandemic economic conditions. We are disappointed that SCOTUS ruled to block the vaccine order for employers. We hope that this administration will continue to propose universal guidance on vaccine requirements that would boost consumer confidence, ensure safe workplace returns, and ensure a resilient path to recovery from the pandemic.” 

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About Small Business Majority

Small Business Majority is a national small business organization that empowers America's diverse entrepreneurs to build a thriving and equitable economy. We engage our network of more than 85,000 small businesses and 1,500 business and community organizations to advocate for public policy solutions and deliver resources to entrepreneurs that promote equitable small business growth. Our deep connections with the small business community along with our scientific research enable us to educate the public about key issues impacting America’s entrepreneurs, with a special focus on advancing the smallest businesses and those facing systemic inequalities. Learn more about us on our website and follow us on TwitterFacebook and Instagram.