Small Business Group Responds to Hike in Jobless Claims

'Washington's policies are accelerating joblessness'

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The nation's leading advocacy organization for entrepreneurs is saying that the poor jobs picture is the result of misguided economic strategies, legislation and policy threats that will only accelerate joblessness.  Commenting on the latest U.S. Labor Department data showing a spike in jobless benefits, Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council (SBE Council) president & CEO Karen Kerrigan said the Obama Administration's fixation on taxing U.S. businesses to advance and promote out-of-control government spending is taking a major toll on businesses of all sizes.

"There is little to no confidence among small business owners that Washington knows what it is doing, or understands how business functions," commented Kerrigan.  "The relentless push for higher taxes and intrusive regulation in every sector of our economy is the reason why this recession will be prolonged.  On top of a host of misguided policies that are punishing job creation and investment, we have a dangerous spending mentality that threatens U.S. competitiveness and mid to long-term economic growth.  The size and scope of government is becoming a major drag on our economy," added Kerrigan.

SBE Council chief economist Raymond J. Keating explained: "Our confused policy leaders apparently believe that massive government spending is good for the economy. Nothing could be further from economic reality. To the contrary, big government crowds out and pulls resources away from the private sector, and raises the specter of huge tax hikes in the not-so-distant future - in addition to those already imposed or scheduled. Throw in a frenzy on the regulatory front, and it all adds up to big trouble for entrepreneurs, small businesses, investors, workers and consumers."

"If Congressional leaders and the Obama Administration would have listened to small business owners from the start our economy could have been on a stable recovery path.  Instead, the bad news keeps pouring in and will probably get worse.  Unfortunately, the Administration and congressional leaders continue to turn a deaf ear to our needs and ideas," said Kerrigan.

SBE Council is a nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy organization that works to protect small business and promote entrepreneurship. For more information, please visit www.sbecouncil.org.

SOURCE Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council