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3rd District business owner testifies on behalf of small businesses

February 17, 2011

WASHINGTON, D.C. – At Congressman Fleischmann’s urging, Oak Ridge small business owner, Terry Frank, testified before the House Committee on Small Business yesterday about onerous government regulations, and simplifying the federal tax code.

In testimony given before the committee, Mrs. Frank said, “Economic uncertainty inhibits growth and risk. My husband and I have personally worked longer hours instead of hiring another employee because of our fear of the economic future. Most of our uncertainty is about what government is going to do next to hurt business prospects. Indicators look to more government programs, meaning more money out of our operating capital.

“Small businesses in this country cannot thrive and provide general prosperity so long as it is oppressed by federal policies designed to serve the interests of Wall Street financiers. Small business cannot continue to carry too big of a burden for the recipients of government largesse.

“This committee is dedicated to small business, and for you I am thankful. If I were in your position today and was able to do something to help small businesses in this nation, I would try to accomplish several goals. Boiled down, my message is to stop micro-managing business, get out of the way, let us keep more of our money and you’ll see that we can invest it with a better return than Congress can.”

“I want to thank Terry for coming before the committee and giving her on-the-ground knowledge, and answering our questions. Like millions of other Americans, Terry and her husband are simply trying to make a living, create jobs and create a better life for their children. Unfortunately, the federal government has continued to get in their way. I am glad Terry has helped bring attention to an overreaching government, and I will continue to work every day to make sure she, and others like her, are able to do what they do best and not have big government breathing down their necks,” Congressman Fleischmann said.

Terry Frank owns and operates Nature's Marketplace in Oak Ridge, Tennessee with her husband, Lee.

To see pictures from the hearing click here.