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Business praises Congress
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December 26, 1996: 6:09 p.m. ET
As Congress recovers from 1996, business approves of the new laws
From Correspondent Kelli Arena
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NEW YORK (CNNfn) -- Businesses are applauding the work that the 104th Congress did this year.
From giant corporations to small family-owned companies, businesses say the successes far outweigh the disappointments, although there were some of both.
Congress is still smarting from visions of government shutdowns, bi-partisan bickering, and failed attempts to balance the budget.
But business sees it very differently.
"In the 103rd Congress, the average voting record for small business was 55 percent. In the 104th, the average voting record for every member, in the house and senate, was 70 percent," National Federation of Independent Business President Jack Faris said. "That's a dramatic increase, and says we had a more pro-small business Congress."
Small businesses say offering pension plans is easier -- they're paying less taxes, and filing taxes has become simpler. It's also easier to provide healthcare plans, all thanks to legislation passed this year.
Larger corporations also have plenty to cheer about, said Bruce Josten of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. (WAV, 220K) or (AIFF, 220K)
Businesses say they're encouraged that product liability reform even came up for a vote, because previously similar bills had died at the committee level.
Businesses are also a bit disappointed there wasn't agreement on a balanced budget. But they're encouraged that the issue remains in the spotlight.
Expectations for the 105th Congress are high.
Business groups say as more members of the business community are elected, Congress will have a better grasp of the problems businesses face.
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