Receives U.S. Chamber's "Spirit of Enterprise" Award

(April 9, 2008) 

(Washington, D.C.) - The United States Chamber of Commerce awarded Congressman Tim Mahoney (FL-16) the "Spirit of Enterprise" award today for his strong support of a pro-economic growth agenda in Congress during 2007. 

Congressman Mahoney received a 75% score from the Chamber last year, based on his votes on key business issues identified by the Chamber as a priority.  Those members of Congress who support the Chamber's position on at least 70% of those votes receive the "Spirit of Enterprise" award.

"There is no higher priority for me than growing our economy and ensuring that our children can live the ‘American Dream' here in Florida. I am proud to receive this award from the U.S. Chamber and the more than 3 million small businesses it represents," said Congressman Mahoney.  "Now that Florida is in a recession, it is more important than ever, that I continue to fight the partisan politics and bureaucracy in Washington to make sure that Florida gets its fair share."

"Representative Mahoney has proven to be an effective ally to the business community, supporting legislation that helps grow the economy and creates new jobs for hardworking Americans," said Tom Donohue, Chamber president and CEO. "The Chamber is grateful for Tim's commitment to these important issues and is proud to present him with this award."

"We are privileged to be represented by a Congressman that has local economic interests on his mind," said Joe Catrambone, President of Martin County Chamber of Commerce.  "Congressman Mahoney has continued to fight to spur job growth in our area and we congratulate him on the national recognition of these efforts."

"The Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce congratulates Congressman Mahoney for his national recognition and all of his efforts in achieving this accolade. Regardless of one's political views, it is clear that he is proving himself an advocate for business and recognizes the importance of economic interests here in Charlotte County," said John Wright, President of Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce.

Congressman Mahoney's work on behalf of American business includes, but is not limited to:

• Save the Family Farm and Ranch Act of 2007-Mahoney introduced this legislation, which would defer payment of the estate tax on family farms as long as the land is used for agricultural or conservation purposes.  The bill would apply to those who receive over 50 percent of their gross income from that farm or ranch operation.  Using the IRS's definition of farmland, this bill will help those true farmers and ranchers, and not passive investors and "gentlemen farmers."
• Credit and Debit Card Receipt Clarification Act-Mahoney introduced this legislation, which would limit frivolous lawsuits against American businesses.  The bill would amend the Fair and Accurate Credit Transaction Act (FACTA) to ensure it is not abused by frivolous class-action lawsuits against businesses.  His legislation also preserves consumers' right to sue for negligence resulting in identity theft or credit card account fraud.
• Congressman Mahoney fought to promote entrepreneurship by ensuring that ingenuity and hard work are not taxed.  Mahoney educated his colleagues on the importance of capital formation and carried in various ways, including the creation of an Innovation, Capital Markets, and Financial Services Task Force within the fiscally conservative Democratic Blue Dog Coalition. 

The US Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation, representing more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector and region.  For more information please visit:  http://www.uschamber.com/

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