Excellence in Economic Development
Promoting economic development in our local communities is a crucial part of tackling the $19 trillion national debt. While we must address the structural issues underlying long-term spending, such as reforming our entitlement programs and ensuring the solvency of Social Security, economic growth is a far more effective way to address the deficit than raising taxes.
In the Third District, countless Nebraskans focus their efforts every day on creating opportunity and attracting greater investment in our state.
National Small Business Week, celebrated each May, highlights the many contributions small businesses make to our economy and communities. Small businesses create 63 percent of all new jobs, but red tape costs them an average of $11,724 per employee.
Rather than losing tens of thousands of dollars to the heavy hand of the federal government, business owners should be able to reinvest these resources and create more jobs.
In Congress, and especially through my role on the Ways and Means Committee, I am focused on increasing opportunity for Nebraska’s business owners and entrepreneurs. From expanding access to more markets for our exporters to simplifying our outdated, burdensome tax code, we can create a stronger economy which encourages innovation and economic development.
Additionally, I am continuing my Regulation Rewind initiative to fight back against overreaching federal regulations which stifle economic growth. More information on this effort can be found on my website at AdrianSmith.house.gov/RegulationRewind.
As I travel the 75 counties of the Third District, I am always impressed by the many Nebraskans working hard to grow opportunity in their communities. To celebrate their efforts, I will present my Excellence in Economic Development awards this year and announce the winners’ achievements in the U.S. House of Representatives.
The Excellence in Economic Development award is designed to recognize individuals, businesses, and organizations in the Third District who strengthen their communities through innovation, hard work, and entrepreneurship.
In the past, winners have included a high school junior building custom trailers, small businesses providing essential and unique services, chamber members actively promoting their communities, and an international company making it a priority to hire Nebraskans. These awards provide an opportunity to showcase Nebraskans of all ages who work to make “The Good Life” even better.
Nominations for the 2016 Excellence in Economic Development awards are due by Friday, July 1. Forms are available at my Grand Island and Scottsbluff offices as well as on my website at AdrianSmith.house.gov/EconomicDevelopment. If you have any questions about the program, please feel free to call my Grand Island office at 308-384-3900.
It is an honor to recognize those who strengthen our communities, and I look forward to reviewing this year’s nominees. To all Nebraskans who work tirelessly to grow our economy, I will continue to support your efforts and pursue policies to get the federal government out of the way of your success.