As a former small business owner, I know the pressures local companies are under.  Small businesses are the back-bone of our region’s economy -- they provide critical jobs and essential services. In Congress, I’m fighting to help our small businesses get the tax relief they need to stay ahead.

From my position on the powerful House Rules Committee, I have had the opportunity to usher through two important tax relief bills for small business owners.  In February 2007, I was an original cosponsor of the Small Business Tax Relief Act of 2007 that the House passed.  The bill would provide $1.3 billion dollars in tax relief for our small business owners and would help small businesses hire new workers by extending and expanding tax provisions that encourage investment in new equipment.  I led discussion of this legislation on the House floor, because I believe it’s such an important priority to New York small businesses.

In addition, I sponsored and introduced the Rule (House Resolution 330) allowing the House to consider H.R. 1332, legislation that provides small business loan support for veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.  This bill would strengthen small businesses’ access to capital programs and help private health care providers assist underserved areas.