Rockville, Md. – As part of National Small Business Week, U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD), a member of the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee, met with Montgomery County small business leaders Friday for a roundtable discussion on the current economic climate for small businesses. As these small companies seek a fair shot at customers and contracts, particularly in the wake of sequestration, Senator Cardin is seeking feedback on how the federal government can be a better partner and assist Marylanders as they strive to be the best and most innovative in their field.
“In Maryland and nationwide, small businesses are the backbone of our economy. They are responsible for 63% of jobs created during our economic recovery. What these small businesses need – all they want – is a fair shot to compete against similar and even larger companies,” said Senator Cardin. “I’ve been proud of the progress we’ve made in the last few years with increases to surety bond limits, a six-year extension of the Small Business Innovation and Research (SBIR) program, limits to bundling that held back small businesses from prime contracts, and confirmation – at last – of a new administrator at the Small Business Administration. But the playing field for small businesses is not yet even; there is still more work to be done.
“Innovation and forward thinking requires predictability in the tax code and reliable infrastructure. Too often, federal tax provisions are being extended for one year, months at a time, or even retroactively. This tax uncertainty makes it difficult for small firms to plan, invest, or grow their companies. We need a tax code that reflects the importance of small businesses and creates a growth-friendly environment,” Cardin added.
“Montgomery County small businesses compete hard to provide a wide range of quality products and services to customers locally and worldwide because we and our customers know that we are the very best. Having a Senator Cardin as a strong partner in Washington, who listens to our concerns and helps make things happen for the better, is an important part of our overall success,” said Andrea Jolly, President and CEO of the Rockville Chamber of Commerce.
“There are so many issues that impact the lives of our Chamber members and the lives of their employees. It’s important for our members to be able to meet directly with our legislators – without the middle man. Having Senator Cardin take the time to meet with local businesses show how much he understands the importance of local businesses and the local economy,” said Marilyn Balcombe, President and CEO of the Gaithersburg/Germantown Chamber of Commerce.
