BRIDGEPORT – Congressman Jim Himes (CT-4) joined Fairfield First Selectman Mike Tetreau, RTM Minority Leader Cristin McCarthy Vahey, and State Representative Kim Fawcett yesterday on a walking tour of small businesses in Fairfield to gather input from owners on how elected officials can help them expand and create more jobs. Himes has conducted small business tours throughout the Fourth District. Tuesday’s tour began at Fairfield Center Jewelers, which was founded in 1933 and is Fairfield’s longest established family-owned and operated jeweler.
Photos of today’s business walk may be downloaded here.
“Small businesses—and the jobs they create—are key to our economic turnaround, but we still have a lot of work to do to help them through these tough times,” said Himes. “Small businesses know best what changes will help them the most, so I’m eager to hear their perspective of what we can do to best advocate on their behalf in Washington.”
“We are proud that our town has so many thriving small businesses, which is a testament to their hard working owners and employees,” said First Selectman Mike Tetreau. “It’s important, especially in these economically challenging times, to continue supporting our local economy, especially our mom and pop stores that are the heart and soul of Fairfield’s business community.”
Himes has been an ardent supporter of small businesses since taking office. Soon after taking office, Himes supported job-creation legislation that lowered small business investment costs and allows them to reduce their tax burden by carrying losses back over a longer period of time. Himes has aggressively pursued policies that help eliminate the current credit crunch small businesses are experiencing, including cosponsoring and helping pass legislation to free up $300 billion in new small business lending. Himes has also worked hard to ensure businesses have the resources they need to take advantage of growth opportunities, holding numerous workshops and information sessions to connect small businesses with the information they need to apply for government contracts, export their products, or apply for federal loans.