Small Biz Backs Tax Freeze

CONTACT: Andy Markowski, 860-216-8810 or Jason Brewer, 202-406-4435

Now is not the Time to Raise Taxes on Struggling Employers

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 -- reacting to Gov. M. Jodi Rell's State of the State address.

"The resounding 'Amen' echoing throughout Connecticut this afternoon was the chorus of small business owners reacting to Governor Rell's commitment to fight efforts to raise taxes. While the situation in Hartford is dire, the climate on Main Street is no less ominous -- and small business owners are in no position to bail out the big spenders demanding a transfusion of tax dollars to shore up a budget that's drowning in red ink.  

"Raising taxes is rarely a good idea, but it would be a disaster to raise income taxes today given the current state of our economy. The vast majority of entrepreneurs and small business owners file their business income through their personal income tax. An income tax increase will hammer the innovators and job creators that Connecticut needs to cultivate in order to get our economy back on track. 

"The state's public employee unions are spending thousands on slick ads to convince taxpayers they need big government to survive. But what this state needs is exactly what Governor Rell has prescribed: Tough decisions, a leaner, more efficient government and the common sense not to drill more holes in the boat when our economy is already taking on water."