Press Releases

WASHINGTON—Today, Chairman Steve Chabot (R-OH) convened a full Committee hearing to examine the small business perspective of the development and use of America’s infrastructure. The witnesses delved into how surface transportation and access to broadband promote economic growth among small businesses.

“Innovations are transforming the movement of people, goods, and services. But it appears that our current transportation infrastructure system is stuck in a different generation,” said Chairman Steve Chabot. “Small businesses both create and rely upon our nation’s infrastructure system, and as they create 2 out of 3 new jobs, they will likely be a driving force in repairing our broken system.”

Ideas for Infrastructure

 “For the U.S. economy to be the most competitive in the world, we need a first-class infrastructure system,” said Marsia Geldert-Murphey, Chief Operating officer at W. James Taylor, Inc., in Belleville, IL, testifying on behalf of the American Society of Civil Engineers. “We must take these steps to ensure all businesses, and especially small businesses, can thrive in the competitive global marketplace.”

“Small businesses need the certainty of a fully-funded long-term infrastructure program to make vital business decisions. This includes land acquisition, technology updates, purchase of equipment (often produced by other small businesses) and the hiring and training of employees,” stated Bill Schmitz, Vice President of QC and Sales at Gernatt Asphalt Products, Inc., in Collins, NY, testifying on behalf of the National Stone, Sand, and Gravel Association.

“Small telecom providers connect rural Americans with the world – making every effort to deploy advanced networks that respond to consumer and business demands for cutting-edge, innovative services that help rural communities overcome the challenges of distance and density,” said Kevin Beyer, General Manager of Farmers Mutual Telephone Company and Federated Telephone Cooperative in Chokio, MN, testifying on behalf of NTCA-The Rural Broadband Association.

“National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) has long supported the expansion of broadband infrastructure especially in rural areas. While private sector investment in wireline and wireless broadband networks has been laudable, regulatory and permitting restrictions have inhibited further deployment,” said Bob Dagostino, President and Owner of Dagostino Electronic Services in Pittsburgh, PA, testifying on behalf of NECA. “Nearly 40 percent of Americans living in rural areas lack sufficient access as a result, underserved areas that offer very limited educational and employment opportunities in their communities.”