JEFFERSON CITY—Senator Wayne Wallingford, R-Cape Girardeau, was recently recognized by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) for achieving a 100 percent voting record during the 2014 session on issues critical to the success of small businesses in Missouri.

“I’m honored to receive this distinction from the NFIB, a wonderful organization that has done much to assist businesses in both our community and throughout the state,” said Sen. Wallingford. “Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy. By supporting these entrepreneurs, we encourage job creation and economic expansion. More than that, though, small businesses epitomize the American dream:  That through hard-work and tenacity, one can create their own success. It’s an honor to fight on behalf of those individuals and groups and the contributions they make to our state and our communities.”

The NFIB is a nonprofit organization created in 1943 to give small and independent businesses a voice in the shaping of public policy on issues that affect them. The group has offices in Washington D.C. and all 50 states.

“Senator Wallingford has stood up for Missouri’s employers and job creators time and time again on important issues such as tax reform and unemployment insurance,” said Brad Jones, state director of the NFIB. “Our members appreciate the efforts of Sen. Wallingford to help grow our state’s economy and create jobs.”

Since being elected to office, Sen. Wallingford has been a staunch advocate for measures that would help grow and expand small businesses across the state. Just this year he supported a broad-based tax relief measure that will substantially ease the tax burden on employers so that capital can be reinvested.

He also played a critical role in the passage of legislation to redefine and tighten the requirements for unemployment benefits, protecting the system from fraud abuse and reducing the price employers pay into the fund.

For more information on Sen. Wallingford’s legislation actions, visit his official Senate website at www.senate.mo.gov/wallingford.