Congressman Tom Price, M.D. (GA-06) Detailed a Business-Friendly Government Model in Unique Event sponsored by Alliance
ATLANTA, GA – Job creators and small business leaders in Georgia took their concerns directly to Congressman Tom Price, M.D. (GA-06) in a unique event sponsored by Alliance for Affordable Services, a business-focused not-for-profit membership association representing approximately 80,000 members, which advocates for legislation to benefit its small business members. The congressman spoke as the guest of Alliance as part of a series of forums designed to create opportunities for business and legislative leaders to find common ground for the common good.
In an open conversation with more than 60 Alliance members, Congressman Price discussed current issues during an event held September 19, 2011, at an Atlanta hotel. A member of the House Ways and Means Committee and the House Budget Committees, and chairman of the House Republican Policy Committee, the legislator answered questions from the audience on a variety of business- and economy-related topics.
“Cynicism with the effectiveness of government is at an all time high,” Congressman Price observed. “Too many feel that Washington, D.C., is ignorant of, and even hostile toward, the needs of business. But that does not have to be the case. The answer is for citizens to engage in political discussion, participate in forums such as this important Alliance event, vote, and effect change in this country and its leadership.”
Congressman Price acknowledged that business concerns over health care have been a job killer, as many business owners have put their hiring decisions on hold, waiting for more information about the impact of the federal health care law. One solution Price offered is a health care bill he will introduce addresses issues including portability, opening markets across state lines, tax credits for purchasing health insurance, and other business-friendly solutions.
Alliance President Dr. Paul Pevsner agreed that concerns over changes in health care policy were crippling business growth. “Helping small businesses deal with the issues surrounding health care policy has been part of the Alliance’s mission for its entire 30 years of service,” said Dr. Pevsner. “Our members tell us that uncertainty over health care policy is a leading reason that job growth has been stalled.” The high cost of governmental regulations at the local, state, and federal level also drew many questions. “It’s a problem,” agreed Congressman Price, adding that, “Government must not create a hostile work environment for its job creators with unnecessary interference.”