November 02, 2006

GRAVES SPEAKS AT GLADSTONE CHAMBER

LIBERTY – U.S. Congressman Sam Graves addressed the Gladstone Area Chamber of Commerce tonight. Graves discussed issues important to area businesses, including the health of our current economy.

“I am delighted that the economy is showing steady progress,” said Graves.

Graves noted the improvements the economy has made in recent months. The average job growth for 2006 is 140,000 new jobs per month. Overall, our economy has created more than 5.4 million jobs since August 2003. The current unemployment rate is 4.6 percent, below the average from the 1990s.

Graves also spoke about the need to improve the small business climate. He noted seven out of every 10 jobs created in America is because of small businesses. Graves said small businesses are important to any continued job growth.

“Small businesses are the backbone of Missouri’s economy,” said Graves. “We need to reduce their taxation, regulation, and litigation so that they can continue to drive our economic engine. I believe our economy is healthy when Main Street is healthy.”

Graves is a third-term Congressman representing northwest and central Missouri. He is a Deputy Whip, a member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and the Chairman of the Small Business Sub-Committee on Rural Enterprises, Agriculture and Technology.