Volume 6, Issue 2, January 9, 2006

STRAIGHT TALK WITH SAM

Small Businesses’ Are the Backbone

I believe that small businesses are the backbone of Missouri's economy. In December over 100,000 jobs were created nationwide and many of those were because of small businesses. They also account for just over half of the output of our economy. Our countries’ economic strength can be found on Main Street in our cities and towns.

Since I have been in Congress we have provided tax relief for many small businesses to keep our economy moving. This tax relief 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. I think Congress needs to work to make it a little easier. I believe our economy is healthy when Main Street is healthy.