All of the big issues on Sen. Rob Portman’s desk right now are tied to the economy.
Portman, a Republican from Cincinnati, gave a federal government update to Lima Rotary Club Monday. Portman touted the recent tax reform, saying it is giving employers more to invest in their employees and equipment, and making the United States more business-friendly.
“We’re open for business again,” Portman said. “That will have a bigger impact over time. Tax reform isn’t the only answer, but it is a direct answer and a true help.”
Portman and Roger Geiger, executive director of the Ohio NFIB, both spoke to Rotary as part of a day-long visit to Lima. Portman said NFIB (National Federation of Independent Business) made sure that small businesses were represented in the tax reform legislation, that the changes weren’t all geared to large corporations.
Geiger said small businesses in Ohio and across the country have four main concerns: the cost of health care, government regulation reform, tax reform, and workforce development.
Also helping businesses of all sizes, Portman said, are the reductions to regulations coming through the Trump administration.
“It’s also a new message,” Portman said. “It’s how can we help you comply, instead of how can we punish you?”
Portman said he continues to work on two challenges workforce development and skills gaps, and the growing heroin and opioid epidemic.
