Congressman Mike Ross "Common Sense Arkansas Values"

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Last Revised September 2011

"We need commonsense solutions that create private-sector jobs and boost economic development.  While I'm working hard to help our economy recover, we still have a long way to go and I will not rest until every Arkansan who wants a job has one.  No one side has a monopoly on good ideas and I'll continue to work with both Democrats and Republicans to reduce our deficit, get our economy back on track and put more Americans back to work."
- U.S. Congressman Mike Ross

In America, we’ve always been proud of the products we make. Our strong tradition of working hard, being productive and encouraging innovation is what has helped build the world’s strongest middle class and the most prosperous country in world. Now, at a time when millions are still out of work, it’s our responsibility to build on that tradition to create jobs, strengthen the middle class and secure our nation’s leading place in the world economy.

Unemployment remains stubbornly high and our economy continues to struggle.  As a former small business owner, I know it's our small businesses who will lead the way in private-sector job growth, which is the only way we are going to pull through this economic recovery and sustain that growth in the long term.  In fact, the over 200,000 small businesses here in Arkansas employ nearly one million people and provide nearly half of all Arkansas jobs.

While I am working hard to help our economy recover and get our nation’s fiscal house back in order, we still have a long way to go.  I will continue to support and advocate for commonsense policies that support our small businesses and encourage private sector job growth.  I know times are tough and I know many of our friends and family are struggling.  However, I remain confident that our economy will rebound and we will pull through these tough times and emerge stronger than ever before. 

In This Section:
Small Business Package

The reality is that the only way we are going to pull through this economic recovery and sustain that growth in the long term is to support our small businesses.  We’ve got to get small businesses growing and hiring again and, as your Congressman, that will continue to be the focus of my work in our nation’s capital.

Because we need jobs and need jobs now, I recently helped write and introduce a comprehensive legislative package to give small businesses the resources they need to grow and hire more workers.  Along with my colleagues in the fiscally conservative, Democratic Blue Dog Coalition, we are working hard to pass this commonsense approach to creating more jobs here at home.

Specifically, our Small Business Package contains three bills that promote job growth in America by providing small businesses with increased access to capital through streamlined approval processes, lowering interest rates on SBAEXPRESS loans and increasing access to government contracts, as well as the opportunity to lock in long-term, stable financing.  Finally, this small business package does not create any new government program and will not add a single dime to the deficit because it simply uses existing resources in a more effective way, getting red tape out of the way of job creation.  

Our Small Business Package consists of three bills aimed at providing small business owners the resources they need to grow their businesses and hire new workers.

1. The Small Business Administration Express Loan Extension Act of 2011
  • The SBAExpress program gives small business borrowers an accelerated turnaround time for SBA's review.  Small businesses receive a response to their application within 36 hours. In addition, lower interest rates are often available to borrowers when they apply through an Express program.
  • Unlike traditional 7(a) loans, SBA Express loans carry a 50 percent guarantee and can be used as revolving lines of credit – to help restock inventories and support larger revenue sales – which are particularly critical for small businesses as they emerge out of the recession.
  • Maximum loan amount is $350,000.  The Small Business Jobs Act temporarily increased the maximum to $1 million so more small businesses could take advantage of the streamlined approval process for working lines of credit and other capital they need.  That increase ends on 9/26/2011
  • PROPOSAL:  Extend the $1 million max until Dec 31, 2012.
  • Click here for actual text of the bill.
2. The Small Business Administration 504 Loan Refinancing Extension Act of 2011
  • Market research shows that a large percentage of commercial mortgages outstanding are set to mature within the next few years, particularly those held by community banks.  As real estate values have declined, however, even small businesses that are performing well and making their payments on time can have a hard time refinancing these loans and may need to restructure their debt.
  • Under the Small Business Jobs Act, the SBA authorized a temporary program—until Sept. 27, 2012—allowing small businesses to refinance eligible fixed assets in its 504 program without requirement of an expansion, as is the case with typical 504 loans. This program provides small businesses the opportunity to lock in long-term, stable financing, as well as protect jobs.
  • PROPOSAL:  Extend program for 1 year.
  • Click here for actual text of the bill.
3. The Small Business Opportunity Expansion Act of 2011
  • It is the policy of the United States, as stated in the Small Business Act, that all small businesses have the maximum practicable opportunity to participate in providing goods and services to the government.
  • To ensure that small businesses get their fair share, the SBA negotiates annual procurement preference goals with each federal agency and reviews each agency's results. The SBA is responsible for ensuring that the statutory government wide goals are met:
    • 23 percent of prime contracts for small businesses; (actual was 20.3% in 2010)
    • 5 percent of prime and subcontracts for small disadvantaged businesses; (actual was 7% in 2010)
    • 5 percent of prime and subcontracts for women-owned small businesses; (actual was 4.4% in 2010)
    • 3 percent of prime and subcontracts for HUBZone businesses; (actual was 2.4% in 2010)
    • 3 percent of prime and subcontracts for service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (actual was 2.2% in 2010)
  • There are no punitive consequences for not meeting the procurement goals.  However, the SBA’s Small Business Goaling Report is distributed widely & receives media attention.
  • PROPOSAL:  Amend Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 644) to increase the small business procurement goals by 1% each.
  • Click here for actual text of the bill.
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Make it in America

As your Congressman, I remain committed to American manufacturing and helping to keep and create more jobs here at home.  That’s why I’m proud to join a legislative effort in Congress called “Make it in America” where we focus on making more goods in America, stop shipping our jobs overseas and start creating more private-sector jobs here are home.

According to the National Association of Manufacturers, manufacturing stimulates more economic activity than any other sector—and manufacturers are responsible for two-thirds of all research and development in America.  It’s also important to know that a significant portion of that activity comes from our small businesses, with 99 percent of manufacturers employing fewer than 500 people.

Unfortunately, over the past decade, our nation has lost millions of jobs to foreign countries through a combination of outsourcing, bad trade deals and flawed tax policies.  In fact, the number of Americans involved in producing goods is still near its lowest point since World War II.  Unless we act now, we will continue to see our jobs shipped overseas and a decline in American manufacturing.  For these reasons, we’ve got to examine and change our nation’s tax code and trade policies to stop rewarding companies who ship our jobs overseas.

I’ve already voted for and helped pass in the House several bipartisan “Make it in America” bills that are now law.  These laws have sped up the patent process, invested in science and math education, encouraged small businesses to grow with tax cuts and loans, and much more.

More specifically, I voted for and helped pass the U.S. Manufacturing Enhancement Act – already signed into law – which includes tariff reductions and suspensions for American companies that help them expand, stay competitive and create more jobs.  It also makes it cheaper for American companies to get the materials they need to produce more goods.  

Also, I was proud to support the American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act, which has also been signed into law.  This new law cuts taxes by over $4 billion for working families and is fully paid for by closing the tax loopholes that big businesses have exploited to ship jobs overseas.  It also allows more in college tuition deductions, extends the research and development (R&D) tax credit for businesses and helps rebuild American roads and bridges.

These bills are only the beginning.  We have a lot of work to do.  As your voice in our nation's capital, I will continue pushing for commonsense economic policies that help hardworking Arkansans get back on their feet, help small businesses and manufacturers to grow and help our local economies become stronger than ever before.

American innovation and work ethic are the reason why the label "Made in America" is admired around the world.  For Arkansas, "Make it in America" means making sure that success isn't simply a proud part of our history, but the foundation of our future.

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America WORKS Act

As I traveled throughout our congressional district, one major concern I heard from both employers and employees was how difficult it can be to match skilled workers with jobs that need those skills.  Employers, particularly manufacturers, told me that access to skilled labor is a constant concern, even in times of high unemployment.  On the other hand, workers told me they want a more efficient way to be recognized for their skills and to get matched with a job that needs those skills.

I agree.  We should find a way to match employers with skilled workers because it’s a win-win situation; employers get the help they need and workers get a job.  That’s why I am proud to help introduce the American Manufacturing Efficiency and Retraining Investment Collaboration Achievement or ‘AMERICA’ Works Act, H.R. 1325, in the House of Representatives.  This legislation will help better connect skilled workers with manufacturers and employers who need to hire people with those skills.

The AMERICA Works Act has two main components.  The first is to require the U.S. Department of Labor to create a registry of skilled credentials.  These would include credentials required by federal or state laws for certain occupations, would be from the Manufacturing Institute’s Manufacturing Skills Certification System, and would be industry-recognized and nationally portable credentials, meaning once you are certified in a certain skill, it’s recognized nationwide.  This completely voluntary registry would constantly be updated and validated by a third party to reflect evolving industry requirements.

Basically, the new database allows employers to find job seekers with the skills, credentials or accreditations the vacant job requires.  On the other hand, it also allows job seekers to register in the database and advertise their skills, credentials or accreditations to employers in their home state or around the country.

The second component of the AMERICA Works Act would prioritize existing federal resources and workforce training programs so that they are more effectively supporting education and training for in-demand skills and credentials.

With these two components, this legislation helps job seekers and students recognize the skills that are in demand, get the training they need and know that their skills and training will be recognized by prospective employers both locally and across state lines.  

The AMERICA Works Act does not create any new government program and it does not add a single dime to the deficit because it simply uses existing resources in a more effective way.  It is an example of how the federal government can help the private sector create more private sector jobs without adding to the nation’s deficit and without creating more government red tape.

The bill already has bipartisan support in House of Representatives and I am working hard to build support for the AMERICA Works Act in Congress. 

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VETs (Veterans Employment Transition) Act

Each year, thousands of Americans across this great country answer the call of the duty and join the U.S. Armed Forces.  And, each year, thousands of veterans leave the Armed Forces after completing that duty.  These brave Americans put their lives on the line to serve this country and we owe them our eternal gratitude.

Adjusting back to civilian life can be a difficult process for many returning veterans, especially if they are injured.  Finding employment in the middle of an economic recovery can be even more difficult.  In fact, the U.S. Department of Labor says more than 20 percent of young Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans were unemployed last year – more than double the average unemployment rate.

Our veterans know the meaning of hard work, dedication, team work, honor and duty.  They make incredible candidates for employment and I believe they should have every advantage of getting hired that we can give them.  That’s why I’m proud to cosponsor and help introduce the Veterans Employment Transition Act, or VETs Act, H.R. 865.  This bipartisan legislation would provide tax credits for businesses who hire soldiers returning home from service.  

Among my top priorities are creating more private-sector jobs and taking care of our veterans, so this bill just makes sense.  The VETs Act would reinstate a tax credit that expired at the end of 2010 for employers who hire servicemen and women who have left the service in the last five years and it would simplify the credit so that it is easier for businesses to use.  The credit for businesses is worth up to $2,400 per veteran hired.  

The bill would make it easier for employers to get the credit by eliminating previous administrative red tape that made the old tax credit difficult for small businesses to use.  The VETs Act would ensure that recently-discharged servicemen and women can provide documentation from the Department of Defense without having to go through the current certification process, which is often lengthy.   Any recently discharged veteran that has discharge paperwork showing 180 days of qualified active duty will be eligible, including men and women who were activated by their states as members of the National Guard.  The bill also requires the military to educate service members on how employers may qualify for the tax credit by hiring them, providing veterans with an added tool in their job search.

The VETs Act has the support of the Iraq & Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), the National Guard Association and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.  However, if we’re going to provide incentives for employers to hire veterans, we need to help make sure our veterans have the skills, training and resources to be competitive.  That’s why in the last Congress, I helped pass the Post-9/11 GI Bill to restore college scholarships for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans (or their family members).  This bill is helping to make Iraq and Afghanistan veterans part of an American economic recovery.   

The reality is that the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are creating an entirely new generation of veterans.  Regardless of how we feel about our continued presence in the Middle East, it is important that we all remain committed to supporting our troops and to help them and their families when they come home.  The Veterans Employment Transition Act is just one small way to say thank you and to make the lives of veterans coming home just a little bit easier.  As your Congressman, I will continue working with both Democrats and Republicans to find commonsense ways we can honor those who put their lives on the line to protect and serve this great country of ours.

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Related Legislation (Sponsored or Cosponsored by Congressman Ross this session of Congress)
  • H.R.4 : Comprehensive 1099 Taxpayer Protection and Repayment of Exchange Subsidy Overpayments Act of 2011 (Became Public Law No: 112-9)
  • H.R.144 : Small Business Paperwork Mandate Elimination Act of 2011
  • H.R.639 : Currency Reform for Fair Trade Act
  • H.R.674 : To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to repeal the imposition of 3 percent withholding on certain payments made to vendors by government entities.
  • H.R.721 : Short Line Railroad Rehabilitation and Investment Act of 2011
  • H.R.865 : Veteran Employment Transition Act of 2011
  • H.R.1002 : Wireless Tax Fairness Act of 2011
  • H.R.1082 : Small Business Capital Access and Job Preservation Act
  • H.R.1259 : Death Tax Repeal Permanency Act of 2011
  • H.R.1325 : AMERICA Works Act
  • H.R.1380 : New Alternative Transportation to Give Americans Solutions Act of 2011
  • H.R.1639 : Traditional Cigar Manufacturing and Small Business Jobs Preservation Act of 2011
  • H.R.1834 : Freedom to Invest Act of 2011
  • H.R.1938 : North American-Made Energy Security Act
  • H.R.1941 : Hiring Heroes Act of 2011
  • H.R.2250 : EPA Regulatory Relief Act of 2011
  • H.R.2321 : Southeastern Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2011
  • H.R.2644 : Aviation Jobs and Safety Act of 2011
  • H.R.2681 : Cement Sector Regulatory Relief Act of 2011
  • H.J.RES.9 : Disapproving a rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants from the Portland Cement Manufacturing Industry and Standards of Performance for Portland Cement Plants.
  • H.J.RES.42 : Disapproving a rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants from the Portland Cement Manufacturing Industry and Standards of Performance for Portland Cement Plants.
  • H.RES.25 : Expressing the sense of the Congress that the current Federal income tax deduction for interest paid on debt secured by a first or second home should not be further restricted.
  • H.RES.140 : Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that domestic oil and gas resources are critical to our Nation's security and economy and the Secretary of the Interior should take immediate action to streamline the shallow and deepwater permitting process.
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