ASA is an association of and for small businesses. Virtually no one refutes that small businesses are the job creators in the American economy, so whenever I have the opportunity, I remind folks that government policies that negatively affect the ability of small businesses to hire or retain employees are bad for the entire economy.

Due to the increasing burden of bureaucracy and government spending, it is highly likely that unemployment will now exceed 10 percent or greater for some time to come. Recently, columnist Patrick J. Buchanan noted that in 1929, U.S. government spending was 3 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP).

In stark contrast, federal, state and local government is expected to consume "40 percent of GDP" in this current fiscal year. But wait, the news gets worse: Congress is now deliberating a national health insurance plan that includes an 8 percent payroll tax on small businesses that fail to provide health insurance for their employees.

Even the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) recognizes the current rate of government spending is unsustainable. This excerpt from the CBO director's blog is sobering, but that doesn't seem to dampen the enthusiasm of our congressional representatives to spend. This statement certainly got my attention:

"But CBO estimates that in fiscal years 2009 and 2010, the federal government will record its largest budget deficits as a share of GDP since shortly after World War II. As a result of those deficits, federal debt held by the public will soar from 41 percent of GDP at the end of fiscal year 2008 to 60 percent at the end of fiscal year 2010. This higher debt results in permanently higher spending to pay interest on that debt. Federal interest payments already amount to more than 1 percent of GDP; unless current law changes, that share would rise to 2.5 percent by 2020."

At what point do we realize that our current economic woes are not just a temporary adjustment to market conditions, but a result of decades-long dependence on big government spending designed to "level the playing field" or provide a safety net from "cradle to the grave"?

Since the inception of this great country, our elemental strength lay in the opportunity for folks to work, hold a job and produce something of value for themselves, their families and their employers. Many, like ASA's members, have chosen to risk capital in order to own a business that could provide that same opportunity to others. This has long been the backbone of our economy, and now we appear to be intent on burdening those who produce real jobs and real wealth to the point of diminished return, destroying the incentives that have driven our economic engine from the beginning.

Our association has a responsibility to represent the values of our members on Capitol Hill. In past years, this benefit of association membership has been taken for granted. I hope it is becoming obvious that this is no longer acceptable. If you agree, commit now to support the association's efforts in every way you can.

For example, ASA is hosting a Capitol Hill Fly-In July 28-29 in Washington, D.C. ASA collision repairers will meet with policymakers to discuss the repeal of the McCarran-Ferguson Act and current insurance reform efforts in Congress. For more information, contact ASA's Collision Division at (800) ASA-SHOP (272-7467), ext. 236. Members can also e-mail Denise Caspersen at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it .

In addition, the House Financial Services committee will begin the mark-up of insurance reform legislation later this month, an activity that will most likely continue into the fall. As this process unfolds, please take a minute to weigh in with your representatives by sending them a message through the TakingTheHill.com Web site.

Make your voice heard. In my opinion, it is not an option. It's a responsibility.

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