TN Small Business to Congress: Operating Shutdown by Shutdown is No Way to Run a Country

Washington still needs to pass budget that doesn’t put our state’s public health or economic growth at risk.

[Nashville, TN] – The Tennessee Small Business Alliance (TNSBA) issued the following statement in response to Congress and the President coming to a temporary agreement to end the current federal government shutdown, and kick the funding deadline to February 8:

“Congress and President Trump were able to end the shutdown and get government up and running again for three weeks, but this is a temporary patch that leaves many of the significant funding decisions still up in the air. Small business owners across Tennessee know that how Congress has behaved is no way to run a successful country – much less a business – and our elected leaders in Washington still need to pass budget that doesn’t put our state’s public health or economic growth at risk,” said Lenda Sherrell, Director of TNSBA.

“We urge Senators Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker to roll up their sleeves and fight against any budget that includes deep cuts to the Environmental Protection Agency because that translates to fewer resources for Tennessee to protect children’s health, and keep our air, land, and water free from harmful pollution and toxic waste.  Clean and healthy communities are essential to attracting the entrepreneurs and new business opportunities that build a strong economy. We cannot afford a budget that would result in more air pollution and put our health and economic growth at risk,” added Sherrell.

The Trump Administration’s budget proposed to reduce the EPA’s budget by 30 percent. According to a recent analysis, such significant cuts could turn back the clock on the progress Tennessee has made to improve the health of its communities and clean up highly toxic Superfund sites that can pose a public health threat and economic burden.

Congress has until February 8th to pass a budget or another Continuing Resolution to keep the government funded and open.

About the Tennessee Small Business Alliance
The Tennessee Small Business Alliance promotes small business growth and prosperity by advocating for policy solutions that create a strong vibrant economy.  The Tennessee Small Business Alliance is a statewide nonpartisan, nonprofit advocacy organization, founded and run by entrepreneurs to ensure Tennessee small businesses are a key part of an inclusive, equitable and diverse economy. For more details visit BusinessTN.org or text BIZ to 91990.