A Shot in the Arm for the Economy

Op-Ed

Straight Talk With Sam

A Shot in the Arm for the Economy

One of America's fundamental strengths is the character and ingenuity of its people. Here in the Sixth Congressional District we proudly count James Cash Penney as a native son. Penney graduated from Hamilton High School in 1875.

Penney worked in a dry goods store in Longmont, Colorado when he got his big break. He was offered a partnership in a new Wyoming store that he would operate. By 1929, he had opened 1400 stores nationwide. J.C. Penney was an entrepreneur who created jobs.

America has always been a land of opportunity. Our economy works best when government gets out of the way and allows small business owners to create jobs. Economists say that our economy is still creating jobs, but not as fast as it had been.

Congress is considering an economic stimulus to give the economy a shot in the arm. Helping small businesses create jobs and keeping taxes low should be our number one priority. Congress needs to act quickly and avoid the type of partisan bickering that has consumed it for too long.

Over the long-term, Congress needs to extend the largest middle-class tax relief package that was passed in 2001 and 2002. Missourians should be able to spend more of their own money, rather than giving it to bureaucrats in Washington.

Small businesses create 7 out of every 10 jobs in America. The strength in our economy is found on Main Street and with entrepreneurs. I want to make sure that Washington makes it easier to create jobs, not harder.

Source