Straight Talk with Sam: Small Businesses Fuel Economy

STRAIGHT TALK WITH SAM
Volume 5, Issue 3 January 17, 2005
Small Businesses Fuel Economy

I have often said that small businesses are the backbone of Missouri's economy. You may not know that they create 7 out of every 10 new jobs in America. They also account for over half of the output of our economy. It is clear to me that our economic strength can be found on Main Street in our cities and towns.

In 2004, 25 million small businesses received tax relief. Congress also made it easier to expense capital investments. This reduces the cost of purchasing things like new machinery, computers, trucks and other investments. If a company can buy more equipment or hire more people then it helps the local economy.

Still there is more to be done to make sure that our small businesses are able to thrive in Missouri. We need to increase employees' access to healthcare. Many small businesses who would like to offer their employees healthcare coverage are unable to find a plan that they can afford.

That is why in Congress I am promoting Associated Health Plans as a part of the solution to this problem. It would allow companies to band together through an existing trade association and purchase health insurance as a large group. By negotiating as a large company, rather than many small ones, healthcare costs can be dramatically reduced.
Small business owners face enough hurdles today just trying to meet their payroll. In Congress this year I want to make it easier. I believe our economy is healthy when Main Street is healthy.

http://www.house.gov/graves/straighttalk/2005issue3.htm