Imagine every household in your neighborhood suddenly receiving a mandatory financial contribution for a project they neither requested nor would benefit from. That's what’s happening to small business owners across America due to new federal taxes.

The latest wave of taxes imposed by federal regulators is aimed at funding unrelated government initiatives, according to The American Sentinel. These measures are placing an unbearable burden on entrepreneurs who are already struggling with the economic challenges brought about by the Biden-era pandemic response and recovery efforts.

Many small business owners are feeling the squeeze like never before. "We're being squeezed from all sides," says Sarah Jenkins, owner of a local bakery in Denver, CO. "It feels like every day we have to pay for something new that has nothing to do with our business."

The impact of these taxes extends beyond just financial strain; it’s affecting the very viability of small businesses across various sectors. According to recent data from the Small Business Administration (SBA), there's been a significant decline in start-ups and an uptick in closures over the past year.

Think of it like your household budget: you have fixed costs, variable expenses, and savings goals. Now imagine that every month, without warning or explanation, new mandatory contributions are deducted from your income for things you don't need or want. That's exactly what these businesses are experiencing.

This situation is particularly dire for young entrepreneurs and small business owners who are already navigating a challenging economic landscape shaped by pandemic-related restrictions and the broader uncertainties of global supply chains. For many, the new taxes represent a tipping point that could push them out of business entirely.

I did not want to believe this was happening. My late husband used to say, "You can't take care of others if you're drowning yourself." And that's what these small businesses are facing right now — a flood of unexpected expenses they simply cannot sustain.

What does this mean for the next generation? If we continue down this path, it means fewer job opportunities and less innovation. It means higher prices at local stores as businesses struggle to stay afloat. And it means that your children and grandchildren will have even more barriers to starting their own ventures.

I stayed up last night thinking about Sarah and others like her. They're not asking for handouts, they’re just trying to keep the doors open while being forced into contributing towards initiatives that have no relevance to their business goals or survival.

It’s time we start a national conversation on whether these new taxes are truly necessary and fair. We need to consider how our actions today will impact future generations of entrepreneurs who dream of building something great in America.