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I am a
former small business owner, and I know that small business is the engine for
prosperity and jobs in North
Carolina. Over the last 15 years small
businesses accounted for two-thirds of the new jobs created in the United States.
This week Congress considered and passed H.R. 5297, The Small Business Lending Fund Act of 2010
to help small businesses get the capital they need to put North
Carolinians back to work. It makes $30 billion available
for business growth in Main Street America, but does it in a way that
actually reduces the deficit. This is smart legislation that is a
win-win for our economy and taxpayers.
This is a good bill that builds on my work to spur our economic recovery and
create more jobs for small businesses in North Carolina. Too many of our
local businesses have been unable to get the credit they need to expand and
serve their customers. This legislation is just another part of our
ongoing effort to create jobs and put our economy back on sound footing for
the future.
N.C. Unemployment Declines for Third Straight Month
North Carolina's
unemployment rate dropped in May for the third straight month. The
recent drop marks the lowest unemployment level since last year.
At 10.3 percent, unemployment in North
Carolina is still too high, but we are making
progress. More than a year ago our economy was saved from the brink of
a full blown depression by bold Congressional action. This positive
news shows that we are on the road to recovery and job creation.
I will continue to work to bolster our economy and make North Carolina the engine of
prosperity and job growth that it was a decade ago. We have already
taken good steps to support small businesses, reduce taxes for hard-working
Americans, and create new opportunities for growth. You can be sure
that I will keep working to create jobs for everyone in North Carolina who is willing to work
hard.
Bob Etheridge
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