Washington, D.C. -— Rep. Bob Etheridge (D-Lillington) today called on the House of Representatives to pass legislation to expand much needed lending and tax incentives to small businesses.
In a speech on the House floor at 12:50 today, he said that action is immediately needed to provide credit to small business.
“As a former small business owner I know that small business is the engine for prosperity and jobs in North Carolina,” Etheridge said. “Today we have the opportunity to provide real help for our Main Street businesses. Let us avoid partisan bickering, end the delay, and pass this bill now.”
The House is currently considering H.R. 5297, the Small Business Jobs and Credit Act and passed H.R. 5486, the Small Business Jobs Tax Relief Act yesterday. Together, these two bills can create hundreds of thousands of jobs on Main Street and expand much needed lending to small businesses along with offering tax incentives to help small businesses grow, hire, and fuel our economy.
Etheridge has heard from business leaders in Smithfield, community bankers in Dunn, and small business owners across North Carolina’s Second District who have indicated how much they need expanded credit right. While there are strong signs that America’s economy is beginning to heal, there are still far too many small businesses unable to get the capital they need to contribute to the recovery and resume hiring on a steady pace.
“This important bill can help create jobs for North Carolinians,” Etheridge said. Etheridge said. “The Small Business Lending Fund Act will lead to economic growth on our Main Streets and improve the jobs picture for our communities.”
Video of Etheridge’s floor speech is available here.