Julia Jamieson's blog

Small business owners believe they’re at a disadvantage when it comes to taxes and support a higher tax rate for individuals earning more than $1 million a year, according to national opinion polling. The Paying a Fair Share Act (also known as the Buffett Rule), introduced today and slated to be voted on in the Senate next week, is in line with the views of our primary job creators and is one piece of much-needed comprehensive tax reform.

The bipartisan Jumpstart Our Business Startups (JOBS) Act, signed into law by President Obama today, will help address one of small business owners’ biggest problems: a lack of access to capital. Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle came together to work for the good of small businesses with this act, which is what our nation’s job creators need right now. However, we strongly encourage legislators not to stop here. This bill will give startups a boost, but existing brick-and-mortar Main Street small businesses also need help.

Small Business Majority and the Trust for America’s Health recently wrapped up a report with recommendations for ensuring small businesses have the resources they need to implement workplace wellness programs, which can minimize their coverage expenses by helping them maintain a healthy workforce. The report reflects a convening of business leaders, government officials, insurers, brokers and small business owners. Participants discussed provisions of the Affordable Care Act designed to help small business owners carry out wellness initiatives.

Sen. Kay Hagan (D-NC) today announced a proposal that would lighten small business owners’ administrative load by creating a common application for various federal grants, contracts and programs. Filing government paperwork often takes more time than small business owners have to spare. The Small Business Common Application Act of 2012 aims to streamline such processes so our leading job creators can focus on growing and maintaining their businesses.

Small business owners strongly support ending government subsidies to gas and oil companies, with 73 percent agreeing tax breaks for oil and gas companies should be eliminated and 60 percent supporting the idea even if it means a small increase in gas prices, according to opinion polling released today by Small Business Majority.

The bipartisan Jumpstart Our Business Startups (JOBS) Act, which passed the Senate today after being previously approved by the House of Representatives, will help address one of small business owners biggest problems: a lack of access to credit. Recent opinion polling we released found 90 percent of small businesses say the availability of credit is a problem.

The bipartisan transportation bill passed in the Senate today would create an environment conducive to small business growth if enacted. We applaud senators for working together toward the good of our nation’s entrepreneurs.