Fix the Debt Hosts Small Business Roundtable

WASHINGTON, March 7, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, the Campaign to Fix the Debt hosted a small business roundtable featuring distinguished leaders from Congress, the Obama Administration, and the small business community. Panelists discussed a wide range of issues—from health spending to tax reform—and how these issues impact the national debt and the small business community. Speakers included Senator Angus King (I-ME), Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO), Representative Brad Schneider (D-IL), and Dr. Winslow Sargeant, Chief Counsel for Advocacy, Small Business Administration. The discussion was moderated by Former Congressman and Fix the Debt Steering Committee Member Jim McCrery (R-LA).

"As a small business owner, our swelling national debt is a serious topic among my peers," said panelist Al Herrera, President & CEO of IPS of Louisiana Corp, a 20-person industrial supplier company in Kenner, LA. "Small business owners across the country are looking to Congress and the White House to pass meaningful legislation to ensure our long-term prosperity and economic growth. A serious deal is the only kind of security that will encourage entrepreneurs like me to continue starting and growing businesses."

According to the National Small Business Association (NSBA), the national debt is the number one issue small businesses believe Congress and the Administration should address. Eight out of ten small business owners believe the economy is on the wrong track, and about 54 percent believe the small business climate will worsen over the next two years. Sixty-two percent believe the debt and deficit to be a threat to their success, according to a recent U.S. Chamber of Commerce survey.

"When I speak to NSBA members and other small business owners anecdotally, it's clear they feel anxiety about the debt and that this anxiety is fueling their business decisions. I am happy to see Fix the Debt highlighting how the debt is impacting the small business community and is delivering that message to Washington," said Todd McCracken, President & CEO of the National Small Business Association who was a panelist at today's event. "Today's small businesses could be tomorrow's big businesses, and even if they stay small, increased entrepreneurship helps foster innovation, create jobs, and bring in additional revenue to our federal coffers."

Other panelists at today's discussion included Kristie Arslan, President & CEO of the National Association for the Self-Employed ; Nicholas Dambrie, Owner of the Garon Group in Portland, ME; Sam McClure, Director of Affiliate Relations and External Affairs at the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce; and Ann Sullivan of Women Impacting Public Policy, Inc.

Today's roundtable marked the continuation of small business events the Campaign to Fix the Debt has been holding throughout its states. During the Presidents' Day Congressional recess, small business discussions and tours were held in Arizona, Colorado, Louisiana, South Carolina, and Wisconsin. The Campaign—whose ranks include over 2,700 small business owners—plans to hold small business events in additional states to continue to raise awareness about how the national debt impacts the small business community.

The Campaign to Fix the Debt is a non-partisan movement asking lawmakers to work together on legislation large enough to stabilize and reduce the national debt as a share of the economy. Members come from a broad range of social, economic and political perspectives with the belief that America's growing debt burden threatens our future, and that we must address it now. The Campaign is mobilizing key communities—including leaders from business, government, and policy—and people all across America who want to see elected officials step up to solve our nation's fiscal challenges.

For more information about the Campaign to Fix the Debt, please visit FixtheDebt.org

SOURCE Campaign to Fix the Debt