June 21, 2001

Washington. D.C. - A prominent small business organization voiced concern that the Democratic leadership in the Senate is not addressing a growing concern of America's small business sector that has the potential to undermine their health and vitality.

SBSC Chairman Karen Kerrigan joined several members of the U.S. Senate and other concerned organizations at a Capitol Hill press conference today to urge the Democratic leadership to cooperate with the Bush Administration and Senate Republicans to advance an energy plan that will help make energy more affordable and reliable.

"Economic uncertainty already has caused many small firms to make major adjustments.  Naturally they are extremely concerned about high energy costs - and the potential for unrelenting turmoil and continued spikes in prices.  It was the hope of small business that the Congress would work with President Bush on a plan to avert an energy crisis.  I urge Senator Daschle to move forward on an agenda that reflects the concerns of Americans - the cost of energy is a major concern for everyone and we ask that he quickly address this issue by debating a plan that helps to increase the supply of energy rather than the supply of political hot air of who is to blame for the problem," said Kerrigan.

SBSC is a national small business advocacy organization.  For more information, please call (202) 785-0238 or visit www.sbsc.org.