March 1, 2001

Washington, D.C. -  A leading small business advocacy organization announced plans to more broadly tap into small business support for President George W. Bush's tax plan, and marshal that sentiment into action aimed at getting the package to the president's desk for his signature. The Small Business Survival Committee (SBSC) joined a diverse group of the most powerful grassroots organizations in the country today to reaffirm support for the Bush's tax plan, and collectively announce plans to fully mobilize their memberships to help move the package through Congress.

"The small business community is entirely committed to the Bush tax plan, and they are fully engaged and ready to take action.  Our plan is to aggressively step up our proven mobilization strategies to let our nation's lawmakers know that this plan is not only a reasonable one, but necessary for the overall health and, in many cases survival, of small businesses throughout the country," stated SBSC Chairman Karen Kerrigan.

SBSC will expand and increase contact with its 70,000 members and member organization and allies in the states through:  action alerts via email, mail and phone; hosting and organizing state business groups and business delegations for meetings on Capitol Hill; ongoing press events and outreach activities with fellow business organizations; expand radio-talk show activity and overall media outreach; and continue to produce SBSC cutting-edge research, analysis on the benefits of the Bush tax package while addressing the bogus claims being made by opponents.

"Lowering marginal rates is critical for small firms - especially with growing uncertainty in the economy.  With 90% of businesses paying taxes as individuals, rate relief will affect small businesses of all income levels.  This is money that they can use to get through the potentially tough times ahead, and reinvest in their businesses and workforce," Kerrigan added.

In addition to marginal tax rate reduction, SBSC will also focus death tax repeal. Next week, a new section will be added to the organization's website - The BUSH TAX RELIEF CENTER - at www.sbsc.org. This feature will pull together all the work that SBSC has done on the Bush tax plan to date, and serve as an education hub for small businesses that want information and updates.

SBSC is a national, nonpartisan small business advocacy organization with 70,000 members nationwide.  For more information please visit SBSC's website at www.sbsc.org.