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Hearings

Running on Empty: The Effects of High Gasoline Prices on Small Businesses

Wednesday, May 09, 2012 | 01:00 | Full Committee
On Wednesday, May 9, 2012, at 1:00 p.m. the Committee on Small Business conducted a hearing titled Running on Empty: The Effects of High Gasoline Prices on Small Businesses. The hearing was held in Room 2360 of the Rayburn House Office Building.

Persistently high gasoline prices are draining family budgets and putting increased stress on small businesses. According to a recent survey by the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council, 72 percent of small businesses report they are affected by high energy prices. Of these businesses, 41 percent report that they have altered hiring plans and another 22% report reducing employee hours. Small businesses are the historic source of new job creation in the economy, but are currently facing many challenges, including the burden of high fuel prices, that inhibit their ability to invest, grow and hire new workers. The hearing studied the relationship between high gasoline prices and small businesses.

Opening Statement:

Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO)

Witnesses and Testimony:

  • Robert McNally, President, The Rapidan Group, LLC, Bethesda, MD
  • Jamie Smith, Franchisee, Mr. Rooter Plumbing, Baltimore, MD
  • C. Cookie Driscoll, Owner, C. Cookie Driscoll, Inc., Fairfield, PA
  • Michael Greenberger, Law School Professor and Director, University of Maryland Center for Health and Homeland Security, Baltimore, MD

    Additional Items:

  • Official Hearing Notice
  • Official Witness List
  • Official Hearing Memo
  • Hearing Video
  • Press Release