Kerry, Landrieu Press GOP Leadership to Help Hurricane...

[texpatriot2004]

Kerry, Landrieu Press Republican Leadership to Help Hurricane-Ravaged Small Businesses; Bill Would Also Help Farmers and Truckers Dependent on Price of Gas

http://releases.usnewswire.com/GetRelease.asp?id=55405

WASHINGTON, Oct. 21 /U.S. Newswire/ -- Despite estimates of than 400,000 jobs lost and 250,000 small businesses hurt by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the Republican leadership in Congress has stalled a package of emergency economic aid and federal assistance for small businesses and others reeling in the Gulf Coast since Sept. 30. Late yesterday, Sens. John Kerry and Mary Landrieu went to the Senate floor to break the logjam and finally get small businesses the help they so desperately need.

"Up to now, Congress and the White House have said to small business owners: 'You're on your own,'" Kerry said. "It's outrageous to think that after providing $62 billion, Congress has yet to designate a penny for small business relief. We all know that small businesses are at the heart of the Gulf Coast's economy, crucial to the rebuilding effort, and important for getting people back to work, but will small businesses in the Gulf Coast have to wait five months, like they did after 9-11, before they get help?"

A key provision in the bill gives small businesses across the country access to low-interest disaster loans to cope with the increased costs of oil, natural gas, and gasoline. This will especially benefit farmers, truck drivers, and others whose livelihood heavily depends on the price of gas.

"Small businesses are the engine of our economic growth. This was true before Katrina, and it remains true as our small businesses move our economy forward as we rebuild from the greatest natural disaster in U.S. history," said Sen. Landrieu. "Since Hurricane Katrina first hit our shores, 53,900 businesses have asked for Washington's help, but so far only 58 of theses businesses have received any assistance. Washington has promised real help for the people of the Gulf Coast -- it is time to stop making promises and to start fulfilling them."

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[ohtransplant]

1. All you small business owners out there

Remember who your friends are. * and his band of profiteering thugs? I think not. Look at the record. It's Kerry who keeps fighting for small business owners. Remember that when you vote.