Government Shutdown Threatens Small Businesses, Economy
Statement by John Arensmeyer, founder and CEO of Small Business Majority, on lawmakers' failure to come to an agreement on a bill to fund the government, resulting in a shutdown of the federal government
**Small business experts and small businesses across the country available for comment on the government shutdown**
Lawmakers' failure to come to an agreement and pass a bill funding the government, resulting in a shutdown of government operations today, is grossly irresponsible and could damage our fragile economy. This shutdown diminishes consumer confidence and creates a huge amount of uncertainty, which can wreak havoc on small business owners' bottom lines.
What's more, nearly a quarter of all federal contracts last year went to small businesses. Many small business government contractors have already had to cut back due to sequestration. This shutdown could be disastrous for many of them struggling to keep their doors open.
This is political gamesmanship at its worst but this is not a game to small businesses. Congress needs to start working together for the good of our economy instead of playing politics. Doing otherwise puts countless small businesses in jeopardy.
Small Business Majority launched a national sign-on campaign asking small business owners to let their representatives in Washington know a government shutdown will adversely affect their bottom lines and that Congress needs to find a solution to this shutdown immediately.
Small businesses can sign the letter at http://www.stoptheshutdown.com.