On the recordMarch 16, 2010
We all know that small businesses employ half of all private-sector employees, and are responsible for creating 60 to 80 percent of all new jobs over the last decade. They create more than half of our Nation's nonfarm GDP. Small businesses employ 40 percent of high-tech workers, and small businesses create 13 times more patents per employee than large patenting firms. And improving access to credit is a key aspect of helping these small businesses grow and create jobs and ensure that America remains a global economic powerhouse. I am pleased that the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provided $30 billion in tax relief for small businesses and increased the percentage a business can write off in capital expenditures by 50 percent. Additionally, the total amount a business can write out has been doubled to $250,000, allowing for a substantial investment in equipment and resources for small businesses. But much more, as we know, much more needs to be done to help our small businesses in this country.





