SACRAMENTO, Calif., January 15, 2009 – The National Federation of Independent Business,  California’s leading small business association, issued the following statement today in response to  Governor Schwarzenegger’s State of the State address:

“Small businesses, much like the Governor, understand courage,” said John Kabateck, NFIB/CA  executive director.  “It takes courage to open their businesses every day not knowing if they’ll be able to  keep their employees working, not knowing if they’ll be able to pay their bills, and not knowing where to  find financial assistance in a collapsing financial market.”

“We agree with the Governor that Legislators should not be paid if the budget is not passed on time.   After all, small business owners and their valued employees don’t get paid if they don’t work.  It is time  for the Legislature to stop playing politics with the lives of millions of Californians and find a solution once and for all.”

“Small businesses will lead California out of the recession by creating jobs, generating revenue and restoring the entrepreneurial spirit to our state.  It is time that legislative leaders get out of the way, stop taxing these businesses out of existence, and let small business do what they do best.”

NFIB is the nation’s leading small business association, representing members in all 50 states and Washington D.C.  NFIB’s mission is to promote and protect the right of our members to own, operate and grow their businesses. More information about NFIB is available online at www.NFIB.com/newsroom.