Ensign, Angle Oppose Small Business Jobs Bill Despite Support of NV Business Leaders

As Sen. Harry Reid led passage of the Small Business Jobs Act yesterday, Nevada small business owners and six local chambers of commerce applauded the legislation that will create 500,000 jobs by opening lines of credit and providing billions of dollars in tax credits for small business in Nevada and across the country.

KSNV Channel 3 reported that the bill would “definitely make things easier” for small businesses in Nevada.

KTNV Channel 13 reported that six local chambers of commerce are supporting the bill.

And KVVU Fox 5 reported that many small business owners will be able to hire new workers thanks to the legislation.

The bill provides $12 billion in tax breaks to small businesses and open lines of credit by creating a $30 billion small business lending fund.  With credit more readily available, small businesses in Nevada will be able to grow and hire.

But despite widespread popularity in Nevada, Senator John Ensign voted against cutting taxes for small businesses, which would help Nevadans desperately looking for work.

And Sharron Angle says she would also oppose the much-needed legislation.

Matt Crosson, Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce President, said “Now is the time both to help small businesses and for every single legislative body, state, local and national, to do no harm to small businesses."

Ensign’s “no” vote not only defies the will of Nevadans, and in particular business owners, but also shows a callousness toward our economy and unemployed workers. Despite support from the Las Vegas, Henderson, Boulder City, Urban, Latin, and Asian Chambers of Commerce, in addition to countless small businesses in the state, Ensign opposed this widely-popular and desperately-needed legislation.  

Angle’s opposition is just the latest evidence that she would be bad for Nevada’s small businesses and workers.  Remember, she thinks it’s not her job to create jobs as a U.S. Senator.  And we already know Angle wouldn’t lift a finger to help private businesses, large or small.

Meanwhile, Senator Reid continues to fight to create jobs for Nevadans and provide tax breaks and other measures to help small businesses in the Silver State grow and hire.