RESTON, Va. (Oct. 11, 2001)—The Tire Association of North America announced its support of President George W. Bush's economic stimulus plan, which combines tax refunds, business incentives, added unemployment benefits and state grants.
The plan is designed to boost the economy, which has struggled since the events of Sept. 11.
“The President's proposal will fundamentally help the majority of TANA members in light of the recent economic downturn. We're doing everything we can to support the President and help our members,” Becky MacDicken, TANA's Director of Government Affairs, said in a statement released by TANA.
The association is also supporting the “Small Business Leads to Recovery” act, sponsored by Sen. Kit Bond (R-Mo.), ranking member of the Senate Small Business committee. Mr. Bond introduced the bill last week. It is a three-pronged approach to assist small businesses.
The bill will improve access to capital through U.S. Small Business Associations-sponsored loan programs; provide tax incentives to help small businesses continue investments in equipment and new jobs; and create procurement opportunities with the Federal Government for small businesses.
“TANA commends Sen. Bond's comprehensive approach to helping the nation's small business community. Sen. Bond had always been a champion of small business and continues to offer meaningful solutions to get us through these difficult economic times,” Ms. MacDicken said.
Independent businesses in many industries have reported sales declines of up to 40 percent compared to this time last year, according to the Small Business Legislative Council, a coalition of nearly 80 trade and professional associations, of which TANA is a member.