Small Business

Small businesses are the backbone of our economy.  The spirit of entrepreneurship is what sets America apart from the rest of the world, but that spirit is under constant threat by this administration.  Small business owners across Southwest Louisiana continue to tell me they need certainty from Washington to hire new workers and build a strong economy.  For too long America’s job creators have faced threats of higher taxes and more government regulation.  It’s time to take the country in a new direction.

I believe that hard working Americans should be allowed to decide what to do with their money - not a bureaucratic government hundreds of miles away.  I want business owners to have the option to use their profits to hire new employees, buy new equipment and expand their business as they see fit.  Punishing someone for their success runs counter to the ideals that Americans have held true for over 200 years, a belief that has brought us to the forefront of a global economy.  I will be a voice in Congress for Southwest Louisiana that will defend against government intrusion and expansion and maintain America as the land of opportunity.

Putting Americans Back to Work

The top priority for the new Republican Majority in the House of Representatives is putting Americans back to work.  We want to end regulatory and tax burdens that have created an atmosphere of uncertainty for small businesses - and the job-killing small business mandates in President Obama’s health care takeover are a prime target for reform.  As Chair of the tax writing Committee’s oversight panel, I will work with other Committee Chairs and Congressional leaders to weed out federal laws that impede entrepreneurs and stifle job creation and offer better solutions to promote economic growth.  We will also vigorously shine a light on waste, fraud and abuse to ensure existing small business programs work efficiently.

Tax Reform

Comprehensive tax reform is also a priority.  The tax code has grown increasingly complex and Congress continues to add to the problem by creating new loopholes, confusion and uncertainty for small businesses forced to comply with ever changing tax laws.  One study predicts small businesses will spend nearly a half trillion dollars a year by 2015 on tax compliance costs alone.  We need a simple and fair tax code that provides small businesses with long-term tax certainty and low rates so they can compete in the global economy and create high-paying U.S. jobs. 

As the 112th Congress proceeds, I remain committed to helping keep and grow small businesses in Southwest Louisiana. 

I am always eager to hear from my constituents.  If you would like to speak with my staff about legislation impacting small businesses, please contact my Washington, D.C. office at 202-225-2031.   For resources for small businesses, please visit http://www.sba.gov/la.