"My Administration is working for lower taxes, reasonable regulations, and a reduction of tariffs and other barriers to free trade that will increase the competitive strength of our small business sector." - President George W. Bush, Small Business Week 2001 proclamation, May 5, 2001
Washington, D.C.-The Small Business Survival Committee (SBSC) called on Congress and the White House to push ahead with a strong pro-small business agenda during National Small Business Week (May 6-12, 2001).
SBSC chairman Karen Kerrigan declared: "SBSC commends President Bush for his National Small Business Week statement that his Administration is committed to cutting taxes, reducing burdensome regulations and lowering trade barriers in order to establish an environment in which entrepreneurship and small business can grow. Those are the exact policy steps needed to encourage an environment in which America's small businesses can prosper."
Kerrigan continued: "Congress should signal its commitment during National Small Business Week by quickly moving forward on key aspects of the small business agenda. That includes cutting income tax rates across the board; eliminating the death tax; boosting incentives for saving through expanded IRAs; modernizing independent contractor laws; granting the President fast-track trade negotiating authority; and making health care more affordable and competitive through universal medical savings accounts."
SBSC chief economist Raymond J. Keating added: "Given continuing uncertainty in the economy and the daunting costs faced by small businesses, these pro-small business policy measures need to be implemented quickly. In fact, the President's tax plan needs to be greatly accelerated, so that the income tax rates are fully implemented now, rather than several years from now. In addition, the capital gains tax should be cut retroactive to January 1, 2001, to immediately boost incentives for investment and entrepreneurship."
For more information and to read the latest SBSC's Fact of the Week on "The State of Small Business," please visit SBSC's website at www.sbsc.org. You can reach SBSC at 202-785-0238. SBSC is a nonpartisan, nonprofit small business advocacy group with more than 70,000 members across the nation.
