Press Releases

In an Op-ed that is appearing in newspapers and on news platforms throughout the country, SBE Council president & CEO Karen Kerrigan reviews the uncertain economic state of small businesses and why it is necessary for House Republicans to advance various pro-growth, pro-entrepreneur measures in their “Commitment to America” agenda. Kerrigan writes: “Sound pro-growth, pro-entrepreneur […]

The Strength of Small Business America Depends on Affordable Energy H.R. 1 Fuels Economic Stability and Security for Main Street   Dear Member of the U.S. House: On behalf of the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council (SBE Council), I am writing to express our organization’s strong support of H.R. 1, the Lower Energy Costs Act. […]

by Raymond J. Keating – According to the latest take on consumer confidence from the Conference Board, consumers continue to expect a recession. The Consumer Confidence Index experienced a slight increase in March, from 103.4 (1985=100) in February to 104.2 in March. That included a decrease in the Present Situation Index from 153.0 in February […]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Washington, D.C. – The following statement can be attributed to Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council (SBE Council) president & CEO Karen Kerrigan on this week’s vote in the U.S. House on H.R. 1, the Lower Energy Costs Act: “The high cost of energy is impacting every small business across America, a frustrating […]

by Raymond J. Keating – It’s stunning to think that we’re beyond three years since the pandemic hit. I can’t decide if it feels longer or shorter. Beyond the tragic illness and deaths, the impact on the economy also has been rather stunning. One angle to get a sense on how the economy is faring […]

In a March 23 Op-Ed in Townhall, SBE Council president & CEO Karen Kerrigan reviews the damage that the Inflation Reduction Act is having on investment and America’s vital bio-pharmaceutical sector. Kerrigan writes that patients who need live-saving drugs and treatments will be the ultimate losers. “The new law’s ‘negotiated’ drug prices – which are […]

Testimony of Karen Kerrigan before the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee “Why Healthcare is Unaffordable: The Fallout of Democrats’ Inflation on Patients and Small Businesses” March 23, 2023   My name is Karen Kerrigan and it is an honor to be a part of this important Committee hearing today to discuss the ways we […]

by Raymond J. Keating –  The Federal Reserve backed off a bit compared to its recent aggressiveness in hiking the federal funds rate. On March 22, the Federal Open Market Committee announced that it was raising the federal funds rate by a quarter point to a targeted range of 4.75 percent to 5 percent. Only […]

SMALL BUSINESS INSIDER by Raymond J. Keating – In my thirty-plus years of observing, analyzing and writing about the economy, I’ve learned a few lessons, including how to assess matters during a crisis. First, don’t react in a knee-jerk fashion, thinking that the issues and causes are immediately clear, and likewise, don’t put too much […]

by Raymond J. Keating – The news from the U.S. Census Bureau on February 2023 retail and food services sales was negative. The report revised January’s sales upward.  Retail sales and food services sales were down by 0.4 percent in February. Let’s put that in perspective over the last several months. January retail sales were […]