Issue Position: Small Business

Issue Position

The importance of small businesses to the economy of Idaho and the rest of the country cannot be understated. I have fought hard on behalf of small businesses ever since I arrived in Congress, and I continue that fight today. One thing that I am certain of is that raising taxes is a surefire way to stunt the growth of business, and in some cases, even destroys it. I've sponsored legislation--in just the most recent session of Congress alone--that would permanently reduce taxes on capital gains; extend maintenance and research and development tax credits; provide incentives for businesses that use clean and renewable energy; and help get credit flowing for small business. These are all actions that are in great need, especially during the recent economic climate. I've also advocated for funding for critical economic and business projects in Idaho.

During the most recent health care debate, I fiercely fought for allowing small businesses to pool together to negotiate with insurance companies the kind of health care plans they would offer for their employees. This was an idea that, unfortunately, was rejected by the Democrats in the majority as they desired to pass a bad bill at any cost instead of working to craft a good bill.

When working in Washington, DC, I make it a priority to try to meet with every Idahoan that requests a meeting with me in my office. A vast majority of these Idahoans are small business owners who share with me their expertise, concerns and the ideas that they believe will be the most advantageous for small business and the economy. I've also sponsored a number of small business seminars over the years designed to help small business owners understand the various aspects of regulation. Additionally, I have had the opportunity to participate in workdays with various businesses, most of which were small businesses. These meetings, seminars and events are all just a part of my comprehensive effort to gain greater insight from small business owners and employees.

I've consistently received high ratings from both the Business Industry Political Action Committee (PAC) and the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB). I've also been honored to have been presented with awards from numerous organizations that advocate on behalf of small businesses. Some of these awards include:

* The Small Business Advocate Award/Champion of Small Business--Awarded by the Small Business Survival Committee;
* The Guardian of Small Business Award--Awarded by the National Federation of Independent Business;
* The SBEA Special Achievement Award--Awarded by the Small Business Exporters Association of the United States;
* The Guardian of Worker Freedom Award--Awarded by the Alliance for Worker Freedom;
* The Spirit of Enterprise Award--Awarded by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce;
* The ABC Champion of Merit Shop--Awarded by the Associated Builders and Contractors;
* The Award for Manufacturing Excellence--Awarded by the National Association of Manufacturers;
* The Jefferson Award--Awarded by Citizens for a Sound Economy;
* BIPAC Prosperity Project--Awarded by Business Industry Political Action Committee.

I have a proven record of supporting legislation creating incentives for strong business models that increase the entrepreneurial spirit. I know what works and will continue to introduce and support policies that allow small businesses to continue their role as the lynchpin of the nation's economy.

It is the entrepreneurs and the business owners that build the economy, not the government. I will continue to champion activities that reduce the tax and regulatory burden that the federal government places on business owners.

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