For a second time, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce today recognized U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-9) for his strong support of pro-growth economic policies with the Spirit of Enterprise Award.

“I am committed to working on behalf of Missouri families and small businesses, which have shown great strength during these tough times. One way I can help is to work to stop the reckless spending in Washington, cut their taxes and free these folks from job-killing regulations,” Luetkemeyer said. “I accept this award on behalf of the people I represent, who inspire me each day to keep working to improve the quality of life for all Americans.”

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation, representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations. More than 96 percent of U.S. Chamber members are small businesses with 100 employees or fewer.

“The Chamber is honored to recognize Congressman Luetkemeyer for helping create an environment in which businesses can grow and create jobs,” said Thomas J. Donohue, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber.  “He has shown great conviction by standing on the side of business, at a time when it matters most.  Today we honor him.”

The award honors Luetkemeyer’s work during the last Congress. In 2010, Luetkemeyer supported numerous pieces of legislation to strengthen our small businesses, including the  Small Business Liability Reform Act of 2010, which would limit liability costs to small businesses by reforming the litigation process and reducing insurance costs to small business owners. He also backed the Small Business Paperwork Mandate Elimination Act, which would provide relief to small business owners who would otherwise face a great tax reporting burden under the health care law. Additionally, he sponsored and the House then passed legislation to make the SBA’s programs more responsive to the needs of our small businesses, including the Expanding Entrepreneurship Act of 2009 and theSmall Business Investment Company Modernization and Improvement Act of 2009, part of the Small Business Financing and Investment Act of 2009.

Luetkemeyer continues to support our nation’s small businesses in the 112^th Congress.

On March 3, 2011, Luetkemeyer voted to repeal the 1099 requirment in the health-care law. He is an original cosponsor of the legislation that would provide relief to small businesses by eliminating the onerous provision. The 1099 provision would require small businesses to send to the IRS a 1099 form for every business-to-business transaction of $600 or more.

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