Tax Reform

Floor Speech

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Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, as you may know, I supported the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that became law in December of last year. We hear stories every day of the positive impact this law has had on the economy at large and in the lives of Americans who are seeing more money in their paycheck. What we don't hear are enough stories about the small businesses that have benefited from this law. As chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, I supported this legislation because I believed that it would spark investment, increase economic growth, and reduce taxes for millions of small businesses whose work ethic and perseverance shows that the American Dream is still possible. I also saw the potential that the legislation would have, not just to help small business owners and their employees in my home State of Idaho, but to positively affect small businesses across the country. A couple of weeks ago, I began this series of speeches highlighting small businesses that have benefited from this legislation.

While there are numerous stories about the benefits of tax reform, I rise today to talk about the story of the Don Ramon Restaurante Cubano and Social Club located in West Palm Beach, FL. Dina and Juan Rubio are the operators of this successful restaurant that offers traditional and affordable Cuban dishes in charming surroundings. Don Ramon Restaurant also offers catering services, provides live music, and hosts private events. Often, Juan will take the stage with his keyboard and entertain patrons with his rollicking renditions of traditional Cuban dances such as the salsa, son, and guaracha. This dedication to an authentic Cuban experience over the last 27 years is what has made this restaurant a popular culinary destination and landmark for people all over south Florida.

From Cuba and Nicaragua respectively, Dina and Juan appreciate the opportunities afforded everyone by the American Dream and have worked hard to realize their goal of becoming successful entrepreneurs. New tax law changes implemented under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act have allowed Dina and Juan Rubio to give their employees pay increases and larger holiday bonuses than normal. This law has also allowed them to begin planning capital improvements for their restaurant. They are planning to renovate their restaurant, open a take-out window, install new refrigerators and coffee machines, and hire up to eight new employees. Stories like the Rubio's demonstrate the benefits that tax reform has already had on numerous small businesses. Overall, it can be said that tax reform was a worthy goal that has increased small businesses' optimism, employee bonuses and wages, lowered taxes, and driven new capital investment.

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