The American Sustainable Business Council congratulates President Obama for putting forth a bold and practical jobs proposal that will help rebuild the economy. ASBC is a network of business associations and businesses comprising more than 100,000 companies committed to a vibrant, sustainable and equitable economy. The proposal’s focus on payroll tax cuts, unemployment benefits, and funding for public servants and infrastructure will put money in the pockets of small business owners and consumers.

“The President has stood up for jobs and is ready to put action behind his words. This proposal puts money back on Main Street and encourages people to hire the unemployed. It’s time for Congress to act on it,” said Frank Knapp of the South Carolina Small Business Chamber of Commerce.

Jody Gorran of Aquatherm Industries said, “As a manufacturer with 45 employees, the payroll tax is money in our pocket. These savings could be used to bolster our workforce.”

Said Mitch Rofsky of Better World Club, the nation’s only eco-friendly auto club, “Economic recovery is about consumer demand recovery. In this situation, government can operate like business, where borrowing for productive, long-term assets is completely appropriate. The President’s focus on infrastructure is a good step in this direction.”

Members of the Council encouraged Congress to direct funds for infrastructure improvements toward innovative solutions in the green economy which will generate more enduring jobs in the U.S. The Council highlights that unemployment benefit incentives for entrepreneurs and those over 50 are particularly helpful for getting people back to work. Several ASBC members found the proposal to be stronger without the Free Trade Agreements which they find hurt most small businesses.

The President was right to single out small businesses as the source of most new jobs and to emphasize tradeoffs inherent in subsidizing the dinosaur oil industry while Main Street is crumbling. ASBC stands with the President in asking Congress to make the hard choices that actively level the playing field for small- and medium-sized business.

www.asbcouncil.org

American Sustainable Business Council

American Sustainable Business Council

The American Sustainable Business Council (ASBC) is a national coalition of mission-driven businesses, social enterprises and sustainable business networks working to create a vibrant, just and sustainable economy. What unites us is a deep belief that we must move to a new economy that is grounded in principles of sustainability and equity.

The Council represents over 55,000 businesses and enterprises and more than 150,000 executives, owners, investors, entrepreneurs and business professionals. It is comprised of partners, which are organizations that represent businesses and social enterprises as well as entrepreneurs, executives, owners and investors committed to building a vibrant, just, and sustainable economy.

ASBC promotes policy change by educating and informing the business community, policy makers and the media about the business case for change, and by engaging the leaders of businesses and enterprises in building broad support for the policies America needs. We work on a range of policy areas, including: financial reform, health care, chemicals policy, climate change and business taxes.

We believe that the policies that will lead us to a sustainable and just economy are also good for business and good for America. Making the right commitments and investments will produce more and better jobs, build strength in key technologies, and make the U.S. more independent and secure.

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