Washington – Business Roundtable CEO Joshua Bolten released the following statement ahead of President Biden’s third State of the Union (SOTU) address:
“America’s leading companies share an essential commitment to delivering value to their customers, employees, small business partners and the communities in which they operate. Our members believe that treating all stakeholders fairly and ethically is paramount to their company’s long-term success.
“Cracking down on practices that are actually fraudulent and deceptive is a worthwhile undertaking, and we welcome efforts to root out bad actors engaging in illegal behavior. But the wholesale demonization of American employers will not reduce costs for American consumers. And raising taxes on American job creators will only hurt families, workers and the economy.
“There are steps President Biden and Congress can take right now that would help lower costs for consumers and strengthen the economy.
“The Administration can remove tariffs on thousands of products that are costing American families, companies and manufacturers tens of billions of dollars each year. They can also reengage with our friends and allies to establish new, high-standard trade agreements that protect American jobs, open up new markets for U.S. businesses and workers and lower costs for U.S. manufacturers. And they can recalibrate their burdensome approach to regulations that is saddling American businesses and consumers with unnecessary costs.
“At the same time, Congress can pass the Bipartisan Workforce Pell Act and A Stronger Workforce for America Act, which would help equip more workers with the skills and education they need to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing economy. They can also pass the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act to restore pro-growth tax policies that helped American businesses pioneer countless technological advancements and essential consumer products.
“Business Roundtable stands ready to continue working with the Administration and Congress to advance sound economic policies that expand opportunity for all Americans.”