July 18, 2012
Business Leaders Endorse Harkin’s Rebuild America Act
American Sustainable Business Council: Rebuild America Act will Support Small Business and Create Jobs
WASHINGTON – Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP), today welcomed the endorsement of the American Sustainable Business Council for his Rebuild America Act, comprehensive legislation to strengthen the American middle class. Harkin’s bill, which he introduced earlier this year, will create jobs, restore fairness to the tax code, and rebuild America's middle class through investments in areas like education and workforce training, our nation's infrastructure, manufacturing jobs, and retirement security.
“The Rebuild America Act takes a bottom-up approach to rebuilding the middle class, which is the foundation of our economy,” said Harkin. “By leveling the playing field for small businesses like the members of the American Sustainable Business Council to compete and strengthening the American middle class, we can bolster our economic recovery and secure a bright future for our country in the global marketplace.”
“The best way to grow jobs is to ensure that there is strong demand for products and services,” noted Richard Eidlin, Director of Public Policy and Business Engagement for ASBC. “From a business perspective, investing in education, workforce training, public infrastructure and social safety nets are no-brainers – especially when paid for by removing unnecessary tax subsidies and loopholes.”
“My business needs the recovery that apparently has been in effect for global companies for some time,” said ASBC-member Grace Crowley, President of Re-marks Puzzles & Games, a Seattle-based company manufacturing in the USA. “Putting more money in my customers’ pockets, investing in economic opportunity for members of my community and leveling the playing field for small, responsible businesses must continue.”
Designing products for companies like Barnes & Noble and Target, Re-marks actually added jobs in June, and Crowley plans to add more if an economic expansion occurs.
The American Sustainable Business Council and its member organizations represent more than 150,000 businesses nationwide, and more than 300,000 entrepreneurs, executives, managers, and investors. The council includes chambers of commerce, trade associations, and groups representing small business, investors, microenterprise, social enterprise, green and sustainable business, local living economy, and women and minority business leaders. ASBC informs and engages policy makers and the public about the need and opportunities for building a vibrant and sustainable economy. www.asbcouncil.org