Contact: Ernie Blazar 202.224.7627 Shana Stribling 202.224.0309
Thursday, August 29, 2002

JOPLIN, MO - Senator Kit Bond today highlighted efforts to improve the US economy at the Joplin Rotary Club luncheon. Bond outlined President Bush’s Economic Security Agenda which calls for increasing trade, making permanent tax cuts- which spurs business investment that creates jobs, controls unnecessary government spending and insists on corporate responsibility.

“It is vitally important that Congress work with President Bush to ensure long term economic growth- especially during tough times,” said Bond.

“One of the best ways to boost economic growth is to allow people to invest more of their money in small businesses and other economic engines that create jobs and wealth. Our tax code must reward hard work, not punish it,” stated Bond.

Senator Bond also briefed the group on recent events in Washington, D.C. that could affect the economy and some of the issues that will face the Senate when it reconvenes in September. Chief among them is the prospect of military action against Iraq.

“The President is weighing his options,” said Bond, a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee which funds the U.S. military. “While we do not know if or when an attack may be launched, we do know that Saddam Hussein represents a clear and present danger to the United States and our allies.”

Additionally, Senator Bond spoke on the importance of legislation authorizing Associated Health Plans (AHP’s), which would enable small business to pool together and access health insurance through their membership with a national trade or professional organization.

“The costs of health care is an increasing concern for all Americans,” he said. “A small business must be able to offer its employees a competitive package for health care, at a cost that will not put it out of business. Otherwise, the most skilled employees will go to work for large firms that can afford to offer good health benefits.”

Kit Bond is a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. Also, he is Missouri’s senior Senator and is now in his third term after having served the state previously during two terms as Governor.