Monday, January 7, 2008
- National Federation of Independent Business
CONTACT: Michael E. Diegel, 202-314-2004
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The National Federation of Independent Business today welcomed a leading small-business advocate to the U.S. Senate, Sen. Roger Wicker of Mississippi.
Sen. Wicker, who was appointed by Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour to fill the term of retired Sen. Trent Lott, has been recognized with the NFIB Guardian of Small Business in every Congress since he was first elected in 1994, with an average rating of 97 percent. In the 110th Congress, he voted with small business in opposing two important union initiatives -- against the misnamed Employee Free Choice Act, which would have replaced secret ballot union elections, and against attempts to eliminate the statue of limitations for pay discrimination charges.
During the 109th Congress, he stood with small business in supporting small-business health plans, estate tax reform, curbing frivolous lawsuit abuse and medical malpractice reform. In addition, he was a supporter of the president's 2001 and 2003 tax cuts.
"Small-business owners pay close attention to how their lawmakers vote on the issues affecting their businesses and employees, and stand by those who stand for them," said Dan Danner, NFIB's executive vice president of public policy/political. "The record shows that Senator Wicker is a true champion of small business, having stood strong on the key small-business votes in the House of Representatives.
"We also want to thank Senator Lott for his long service on behalf of small businesses, and commend Governor Barbour for recognizing the need to have another solid small-business advocate in Washington, which he has done by appointing Senator Wicker," Danner continued. "We look forward to a long and fruitful working relationship with Senator Wicker on behalf of small businesses."