NFIB/California Issues Statement in Response to Gov. Schwarzenegger's State of the State Address

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- The National Federation of Independent Business, California's leading small business association, issued the following statement today in response to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's State of the State address:

"Small businesses, much like the governor, understand courage," said John Kabateck, NFIB/California executive director. "It takes courage to open their businesses every day not knowing if they'll be able to keep their employees working, not knowing if they'll be able to pay their bills, and not knowing where to find financial assistance in a collapsing financial market.

"We agree with the governor that legislators should not be paid if the budget is not passed on time. After all, small business owners and their valued employees don't get paid if they don't work. It is time for the Legislature to stop playing politics with the lives of millions of Californians and find a solution once and for all.

"Small businesses will lead California out of the recession by creating jobs, generating revenue and restoring the entrepreneurial spirit to our state. It is time that legislative leaders get out of the way, stop taxing these businesses out of existence, and let small business do what they do best."