Economy and Jobs
Small Business
Small businesses play a vital role in our local economy. I am encouraged by the growth in development of small businesses in the 21st District. I support policies that create jobs and economic opportunities in Texas and the nation. I have been an advocate for small businesses by working to lower the taxes and reduce the high cost of health insurance for small businesses and the self-employed.
In the past, I have cosponsored the “Small Business Health Fairness Act of 2007,” which improves access and choices for entrepreneurs with small businesses with respect to medical care for their employees. This measure significantly expands access to health coverage for uninsured families across the country by creating Small Business Health Plans. I also supported the “Small Business Fairness in Contracting Act” which improves opportunities for small businesses to compete for federal contracts.
I will continue to support small businesses and promote a pro-economic growth agenda.
Taxes
Tax reductions generate strong economic growth. They enable Americans to save, invest and spend more of their income. This creates a business environment that rewards creativity and innovation.
History tells us reducing taxes across-the-board helps the economy grow. Tax relief worked in the 1980`s, it worked in the 1990`s, and it will work again now.
In the past, I have supported tax relief plans that benefit all taxpayers by reducing the marginal tax rate for all brackets, repealing the estate tax, permanently repealing the Alternative Minimum Tax, increasing the child tax credit, and addressing the issue of the marriage tax penalty.
Our economy needs tax relief. We need to create more jobs and the best way to help companies, investors and entrepreneurs to create good, private-sector jobs is to reduce taxes across-the-board. And the best way to refuel the economy and keep Texas competitive and growing is to reduce taxes. Jobs must come first.
I will continue to support reducing the tax burden on Americans.
More on Economy and Jobs
Washington, DC – Today the U.S. House of Representatives passed the “Regulatory Accountability Act” to provide relief to hardworking Americans by putting strong checks and balances on regulations from the executive branch.
WASHINGTON – House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas) released the following statement today after President-elect Donald J. Trump announced former Texas Governor Rick Perry will lead the Department of Energy.
WASHINGTON – This week Congressman Smith was recognized by the National Taxpayers Union (NTU) for having a strong voting record on lowering taxes and limiting government. Rep. Smith is one of the few members on Capitol Hill whose votes during the past legislative session are worthy of the “Taxpayers’ Friend Award” for 2015.
WASHINGTON – On the fifth anniversary of its enactment, Congressman Lamar Smith (R-TX) celebrated the achievements of the America Invents Act. Spearheaded by Smith and Senator Patrick Leahy of Vermont, the legislation passed 2011 at a time when the country’s patent system was long overdue for reform.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Lamar Smith (TX-21) issued the following statement in response to the Supreme Court’s 4-4 decision in United States v. Texas, which upholds the lower court’s decision that the president’s use of executive action to grant amnesty to illegal immigrants is unlawful:
Washington, DC – Today Congressman Lamar Smith (TX-21) voted against H.R.
Washington, DC – On Thursday, Congressman Lamar Smith (TX-21) and Congresswoman Susan Brooks (IN-5) sent a letter to House appropriators urging them to prioritize support for K-12 computer science education.
Washington, DC – Congressman Lamar Smith today announced that he has received the “Hero of Main Street” award from the National Retail Federation for his support of legislation critical to the retail industry. Smith is part of a bi-partisan group honored for their support of a wide range of issues including infrastructure investment, tax reform and labor issues.
Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Lamar Smith (R-Texas) and a bipartisan group of Texas members of Congress sent a letter to the Department of Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx in support of the City of Austin’s application for the Beyond Traffic: The Smart City Challenge Grant.
Congressman Lamar Smith (R-Texas) today released the following statement after President Obama vetoed legislation passed in both the House and Senate that would allow the Keystone XL pipeline to be built. Smith has held hearings on the House Science Committee regarding the pipeline and has repeatedly voted to move forward with the project.