Ax the tax! Small Business Backs Rell Plan to End Business Entities Tax

CONTACT: Andy Markowski, 203-626-5815 or Jason Brewer, 202-406-4435

HARTFORD, Conn. -- All or part of the following may be attributed to Andy Markowski, state director of Connecticut's leading small-business association -- the National Federation of Independent Business/Connecticut -- reacting to Gov. M. Jodi Rell's State of the State address.

Ax the Tax!

"Small-business owners across Connecticut are united in support of Governor Rell's push to eliminate the $250 business entities tax that has been frustrating entrepreneurs since 2002. This was a temporary tax designed to address a one-time budget deficit, and the time for its funeral is long overdue. 

"Improving our economic climate and our image with employers is especially urgent today. With the national economy losing 17,000 jobs in January -- the first such monthly decline since 2003 -- now is the right time for bi-partisan action to eliminate this onerous tax and send a signal to entrepreneurs and job providers that Connecticut is the place to invest and expand. 

"Eliminating the business entities tax will be a shot in the arm for Connecticut's 76,000 small businesses, and its elimination is at the top of our agenda for the 2008 legislative session."