Newsletter: Straight Talk with Sam - Sustaining Growth

Statement

Dear Friends,

Eighty-eight million Americans supported small businesses last weekend on Small Business Saturday, up nearly 15 percent over last year (NFIB/American Express survey). That's a great expression of the widespread understanding throughout the country that small businesses build communities and grow the economy. There's some more good news for small businesses. They are benefiting from lower gas prices, down 89 cents from a June peak (AAA), and there are signs that the economy is slowly improving with small businesses leading the way in job creation.

That's encouraging, but we're still not out of the woods. The Wall Street Journal this week had a headline: "Basic Costs Squeeze Families." Among the soaring costs they identified are necessities: health insurance, other health care expenses, rent, groceries and education. Also listed were phone and home internet services, which are increasingly important to everything from schoolwork to small businesses. Wages haven't kept pace with rising costs, and common cutbacks include clothing purchases and restaurant meals -- decisions that directly affect many small businesses.

The federal government can do its part to encourage economic growth by reducing unnecessary regulations and lowering the tax burden. This week, the House voted to extend some crucial tax relief for small businesses. In 2015, the new Congress will keep the focus on creating jobs and renewing economic growth for the long haul.

Sincerely,

Sam Graves
Chairman

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