Paul Receives Award From Small Business Group

FOR RELEASE: September 21, 2000

Washington, D.C.- Congressman Ron Paul was named a "Guardian of Small Business" by the National Federation of Independent Business earlier this week. The group presents its annual award to members of Congress whose voting records demonstrate a strong commitment to small and family-owned businesses. Paul received high marks for his voting record in the 106th Congress, ranking him near the top of all legislators in the House of Representatives.

Specifically, the Federation tallied 20 key small-business votes taken during the 1999 and 2000 House sessions. Tallied votes were based on issues ranging from legal reform measures to regulatory relief and tax reduction.

Federation President Jack Faris praised Paul for "taking a stand" for small business. "The record shows that when the roll is called, Representative Paul has been a true and consistent advocate for Main Street small businesses," Faris stated. "Small-business owners pay close attention to how their elected representatives vote."

Paul has introduced or sponsored a variety of legislation designed to reduce burdens on small businesses. "Small-business owners are especially affected by burdensome federal regulations," Paul stated. "Large corporations can staff whole departments to deal with federal red tape, but smaller enterprises lose valuable hours dealing with the bureaucratic maze. Furthermore, income and payroll tax burdens are a nightmare for many small businesses. Not only are these taxes far too high, but compliance is overly complex and consumes too much time. Imagine how many hours are spent by employees doing something other than fulfilling the basic mission of the business!"

"It is time to dramatically reduce taxes and regulations on America's small businesses," Paul continued. "Congress needs to realize that small businesses employ the majority of American workers and truly drive the economic engine of America. Congress needs to encourage the entrepreneurial spirit that creates jobs by working with me to reduce taxes and regulations. Priority number one should be elimination of the estate tax, which forces the closure and sale of many small businesses when the owner dies. I intend to continue working (and voting) to support small businesses."