Imagine a small-town diner that barely keeps its doors open but is the heart of the community, feeding families and hosting gatherings. Now imagine that diner suddenly facing new taxes that cut into its already tight budget. That’s what the Biden administration’s proposed tax hike on small business owners could mean for thousands across America.

The official story goes like this: The government needs more revenue to fund essential services and economic stimulus packages. Critics, however, argue that a significant tax increase will hit small business owners hardest just as they are trying to recover from the pandemic’s devastating blow.

Behind the scenes, the economic reality is stark. According to recent analyses by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), 91% of small businesses already operate with razor-thin margins. A significant tax hike could push many over a financial cliff they are struggling to climb back from.

To understand this on a personal level, think of it like your household budget. Imagine if the government suddenly decided you needed to pay more in property taxes, even though your home’s value hasn’t increased, and your income is just covering basic expenses. Would you still be able to save for retirement or put money away for college funds? What about unexpected medical bills?

The stakes are high not just for these business owners but also for their employees and communities. Small businesses often serve as the backbone of local economies, providing jobs that larger corporations might overlook. If tax hikes strangle small businesses’ ability to grow or even survive, we risk losing crucial employment opportunities.

I did not want to believe this would happen, but my late husband used to say, “When you hear hoofbeats behind you, think horses before zebras.” In other words, look at the simplest and most obvious explanation first. The simplest and most troubling truth is that small businesses are already fragile; adding more financial pressure could be catastrophic.

What keeps me up at night thinking about this is the future for my grandchildren and those yet to come. How will they find jobs if all we have left are chain stores and corporate offices? What happens when an entire generation of aspiring entrepreneurs can’t start businesses because taxes make it impossible?

I just want people to understand that behind every statistic and economic model, there’s a real person struggling to keep their dream alive. If you own or work for a small business, now is the time to speak up.