Keeping Small Business in Business

Statement

Keeping Small Business in Business

By Congressman Jerry Moran

During National Small business Week, we are reminded that small businesses are the backbone of our state's economy and represent our best hope for a sustained economic recovery. It is more important than ever in these difficult economic times that small businesses are allowed to grow and create jobs. When small businesses succeed, workers and their families benefit.

Unfortunately, many in Congress advocate an approach that threatens small businesses and the workers they employ. In particular, legislation known as "card check", tax increases and the ever rising costs of health care risk setting our economy back and forcing small businesses in Kansas to close.

Democratic leaders in Congress are pushing for passage of the Employee Free Choice Act. Commonly referred to as "card check," this legislation would upend years of balanced labor law by ending secret ballot elections for employees considering unionization and requiring a mandatory arbitration process that would allow the federal government to dictate contract terms. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which represents more than three million businesses, has said this legislation "would have a particularly devastating impact on small employers who, as the primary source for new jobs, are being counted on to reverse the current economic downturn." Destroying worker privacy and allowing government bureaucrats to interfere is harmful to employees, employers and our economy as a whole. I strongly oppose this legislation and have and will continue to vote against it.

Like President Ronald Reagan, I believe tax-reform is the pathway to economic expansion and job growth. Unfortunately, President Reagan's philosophy is not on the agenda of the current Congress. Right now, the Administration and some Members of Congress are considering tax increases on individuals, businesses, investments, even on energy. Potential tax hikes pose a threat to the health of small businesses and will damage long-term economic growth in our country. In Kansas, many of our small businesses can't sell more products to cover increasing costs. When the government increases taxes on businesses, small businesses go out of business. I do not support these increases and will vote against any future tax increases.

One of the top concerns always raised to me when I am traveling in Kansas is the rising cost of health care. Currently, health insurance costs are rapidly outpacing Kansans' ability to pay for services and treatments. This unsustainable system is greatly affecting small businesses and their employees. Congress must address the underlying causes of high costs - the costs of medical services, prescription drugs and insurance - so that we can find a permanent solution, not just a temporary fix.

I firmly believe the prescription for economic success is just the opposite of the approach many have taken in Washington. The federal government should support comprehensive tax reform, allow American businesses to afford health care for their employees and maintain a sensible approach to employer/employee relations. I look forward to continuing my stand on these issues as a strong and passionate advocate for small businesses and the Kansans they employ.

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