Signs of Growth in Southington, But Taxes a Big Concern
On a sweltering day during my tour of small businesses in Southington, I stopped in Anthony Jacks Wood Fired Grill and spoke with three women having a late lunch. They all pledged their support for my campaign, including the Democrat among them, who said she was fed up with the party’s direction.
I don’t blame her. Washington spending is out of control, and with the bills coming due on programs like the failed $862 billion “stimulus,” Congress is threatening tax hikes on small businesses and middle class families. Tax hikes are the last thing our economy needs right now.
Pamela Depaolo, owner of Depaolo’s Furniture on Center Street, said taxes keep creeping up, making it difficult to make a living as the owner of a small business. She’s concerned for employees, as well, who have to provide for their families.
Pamela is the third generation to own the store her grandparents founded in 1946 with Maytag appliances. The store sells American-made furniture, she said.
As I visited businesses, I found signs of growth in Southington. Coil Pro Machinery, Inc., an 18,000-square-foot factory that designs equipment to cut steel, is slowly expanding. They just bought new machinery.
And I found a brand new business on Center Street – Vanity Rites Tattoo and Body Art. The shop has been open for less than a month. Owner Steve Molnar said we need growth across a broad spectrum of businesses.
Steve is right. We must act quickly to encourage growth of small businesses, which have historically created 70% of new jobs. My economic plan is built on four key principles:
- Reduce tax rates across the board.
- Reduce regulations and mandates on businesses.
- Sound government finances. Don’t spend more than you can pay for.
- Sound money. Keep inflation low; keep the dollar strong.
This framework will give a boost to small businesses like those I visited in Southington, and it will jumpstart the job creation we so desperately need.