Al Franken email re: incentives for small businesses / Senate bill -

[pinto]

Small businesses are the key to our economic recovery -- after all, they create most of the new jobs in our country.

But they're also part of our national character. Entrepreneurs taking ideas and turning them into economic opportunity, business owners who turn the key in the front door of their shop every morning, employers providing neighbors with paychecks and putting food on their families' tables -- that's part of the American spirit.

Unfortunately, the image of a struggling small business owner forced to lay off workers or even shutter his doors has become the face of this recession.

I recently had a long conversation with the owner of a small manufacturing firm in St. Paul. This is a family-owned company that has provided good-paying jobs for 60 years. But the owner told me that she simply cannot find the credit she needs to keep the lights on, never mind expand. And so, they may have to close.

When the Senate returns from recess next week, we're going to work on -- and, I hope, pass -- a bill providing incentives for small business owners and investors. It includes a lending fund to help entrepreneurs access the capital they need to survive and expand, as well as tax credits to encourage growth and hiring.

The bill, which is fully paid for, would go a long way towards unlocking the doors for small businesses in Minnesota and across America. If I had my way, we'd do a lot more. I want to invest in job training to build a workforce that can take on the 21st century jobs that are available and infrastructure to put Americans back to work rebuilding our country.

My dad opened a small business in Albert Lea many years ago. It didn't work out. (As he later told me, "The railroad went through Albert Lea...but it didn't stop.") But I'll never forget the spirit of optimism that led him to reach for a better life, or the pride he took in building something from the ground up.

As we rebuild our economy, we can restore those important American ideals by helping small business owners not just to survive -- but to thrive.

Thanks for all you do,
Al

[TexasObserver]

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