12/21/2006
|
|
|
State Rep. Carolyn Belcher |
Many would agree that Kentucky state Rep. Carolyn Belcher has taken the term "small-business activist" to a new level. Recently sponsoring and aiding in the passage of major pro-small-business legislation that reduced the tax burden on small businesses, it's evident that Belcher does her part to make things a little easier on small-business owners in her state.
Undoubtedly, Belcher's awareness of how decisions made by the General Assembly and Congress can cause a tidal wave of hardship for small-business owners throughout her state comes from her experience as a certified public accountant and small-business owner of 15 years. Her business, Carolyn C. Belcher, C.P.A., P.S.C., Inc., employs two full-time and one seasonal employee, and concentrates on tax and accounting services but also performs consultation and compilation services.
"I always look at a bill and its impact on the small-business owners," Belcher said. "Not just because I am a small-business owner myself, but most of the businesses in Kentucky are small businesses. I also see the impact of legislation on my clients' tax returns as well."
Before becoming a legislator, Belcher joined NFIB and immediately became involved in its activist efforts.
"I always answered the surveys. I believe it is really important to share small-business owners' views with lawmakers," Belcher said. "As a legislator, it just came naturally to be an activist and a voice for small business within the Statehouse walls."
Like many small-business owners, Belcher has found that providing health insurance to her employees has increasingly become an uphill battle. As a legislator, she has heard stories from several other small-business owners wishing to provide this service to their employees as well.
"I think the small-business owners in my district want to provide that benefit if at all possible," Belcher said.
When asked how she finds time to work as both a legislator and CPA, Belcher credits owning her own business and the flexibility it allows.
"I can be involved in the community and attend meetings because of the flexibility I have as an owner," she said. "That same flexibility is what allows me time to serve in the General Assembly."
Recently, Belcher was recognized for her work in the Kentucky State Legislature when NFIB/Kentucky State Director Tom Underwood awarded her the NFIB Guardian of Small Business award.
