The U.S. Women's Chamber of Commerce Preview on the State of the Union and Women's Economic Priorities

Washington, DC, January 20, 2015 (Newswire.com) - The U.S. Women's Chamber of Commerce ( http://www.uswcc.org ) supports the President's efforts to strengthen our economy, support women-workers, re-build the financial status of the American middle class and provide greater opportunities for small businesses.

“Having pulled ourselves up from the Great Recession, now is the time to focus on the future – and that future must include priorities that serve the interest of all Americans, not just a small sliver of the financial elite,” says Margot Dorfman, CEO of the U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce. “Our economy thrives on the productivity of the American worker – many of whom are women.  70% of women work. 72% of mothers work. If no additional women had joined the paid economy since 1970, U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) would be 75% of its current size,” continues Dorfman. “It is vital that the workplace respect and protect women workers so that women may stay productive and support their families. We call upon Congress to assure all workers receive appropriate paid leave – pass the Healthy Families Act.”

Having pulled ourselves up from the Great Recession, now is the time to focus on the future - and that future must include priorities that serve the interest of all Americans, not just a small sliver of the financial elite,

Margot Dorfman, CEO

“The members of the U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce understand how closely aligned worker productivity is with business success, family economic success and the ability of individuals and families to drive increased consumer spending. Consumer spending is vital to small business success – both for start-ups and established firms,” adds Dorfman. “There is no conflict of purpose in the support of women workers and the support of American small businesses; the objectives and outcomes from the productivity of both workers and businesses are linked.”

“The U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce supports the President’s efforts to raise the top rate on capital gains, end the deferral of capital gains taxes indefinitely and bring closure to what is commonly called the trust-fund loophole which allows hundreds of billions of taxes on gains to be avoided each year as the ‘step-up’ basis loophole enables the wealthy to pass on appreciated assets to their heirs tax-free,” says Dorfman. “The only reason these loopholes for the wealthiest Americans exist is the undue influence the few wield over our political process. It’s time to re-balance our tax and financial systems to benefit the many – rather than the few,” adds Dorfman. “All Americans should benefit from the productivity gains of our workers. We must stop the tax giveaways, erosion of worker rights and focus on fueling productivity, growing our workforce and increasing consumer spending. These actions will lead to greater business success through bringing more money into our day-to-day economy allowing small businesses to start, grow and flourish.”

“The U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce also supports the President’s desire to provide two-years of community college for all Americans,” states Dorfman. “This measure, in a single step, could foster a new generation of growth and opportunity for Americans from all walks of life. Education can lift people, lift communities and lift businesses.  And, education is vital to the competiveness of our nation within the global community. Education for all Americans should be at the core of our values and principles,” continues Dorfman.

The U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce leaders and members look forward to The State of the Union this evening and stand ready to advance positive proposals that support women’s economic priorities.

The U.S. Women's Chamber of Commerce (USWCC) is the leading advocate for women on economic and leadership issues.  As the economic leader for women, the USWCC creates opportunities, drives progress, advocates, and provides tools and solutions to support the economic growth of women across America. The USWCC (uswcc.org) is a not-for-profit 501(c)6 organization founded in 2001 with over 500,000 members; its headquarters offices are located in Washington, D.C.  Contact the USWCC at 888-418-7922.