Congresswoman Betty McCollum's eNewsletter

State of the Union - Congresswoman McCollum Responds
This week, President Obama delivered his annual State of the Union speech to the nation, where he laid out his vision for economy recovery and job creation. President Obama said in his remarks, "Maintaining our leadership in research and technology is crucial to America's success. But if we want to win the future - if we want innovation to produce jobs in America and not overseas - then we also have to win the race to educate our kids."

Congresswoman McCollum responded by saying Congress needs to make smart cuts and smart investments to government programs. "To create jobs we need to continue investing in education, innovation, research, and rebuilding our vital infrastructure that will strengthen our economy," said Congresswoman McCollum. "The jobs of the future will require educated Americans who can successfully compete against China and the rest of the world."

Congresswoman McCollum Organizes Briefing for Small Businesses on Benefits of Health Care Reform
On January 27th, Congresswoman McCollum invited experts from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Small Business Administration (SBA), and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to brief Minnesota small businesses on the benefits of health care reform and answer questions. The health care reform law gives small businesses the tools to provide quality and affordable health care to their employees.

"I am committed to working to ensure all Americans have the health protections they need and access to the quality health care they deserve," said Congresswoman McCollum. "The health reform law we have in place does that."

Republican Budget Cuts Threaten Progress
GOP leaders in Congress responded to pressure from the Tea Party by proposing a list of budget cuts that would reduce optional spending by $2.5 trillion over the next decade. This proposal came only weeks after Congress passed an extension of tax cuts and corporate tax breaks that added nearly $900 billion to the deficit. Congresswoman McCollum voted against extending the deficit busting Bush tax cuts but agrees deficit reduction measures need to be taken. Congresswoman McCollum called the deep and across the board spending cuts proposed by the Republican Study Committee a danger to the economic recovery and job creation.

"Republican plans to cut education, cut infrastructure investments, and cut research weakens our economy, kills jobs, and cedes global leadership in the 21st Century to China."

One example of the proposed Republican budget cuts will negatively impact small businesses. A proposed reduction of roughly $4 billion guaranteed loans from the Small Business Administration will hurt American small businesses and cut jobs.