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Braley hopes Senate will support small business legislation in 2008

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By Steven Martens | Wednesday, January 09, 2008 |

CLINTON, Iowa — U.S. Rep. Bruce Braley is proud that the House approved several pieces of legislation in 2007 designed to assist small-business owners. The problem, he said Monday during a visit to Clinton, is that none have been approved by the Senate.

Braley, a Democrat from Iowa’s 1st Congressional District, told civic and business leaders that he is hopeful the Senate will help those bills become law in 2008.

“If we could get support from the Senate, we could start making progress,” Braley said at the Clinton Community College Graphic Arts Center.

Among the legislation approved by the House in 2007 were bills that would improve procurement opportunities for businesses owned by women and disabled veterans, level the playing field for small businesses seeking government contracts, and make it easier for small businesses to receive federal aid in the wake of natural disasters.

One area where Braley said he does not expect to see progress in 2008 is in making it more affordable for small-business owners to provide health care for their employees, news that Brenda Thornton, owner of Homer’s Deli and Sweetheart Bakery in Clinton, said she found frustrating.

Thornton said she has heard politicians talk about the issue for years, and yet no progress has been made.

“As a small-business owner, I would like to see light at the end of the tunnel,” she said.

Braley said it will likely take a new president and a Congress more motivated to deal with the issue before it is addressed.

“I do see light at the end of the tunnel, but I don’t see much light in 2008,” Braley said.

Steven Martens can be contacted at (563) 659-2595 or smartens@qctimes.com.