On a campaign stop in Tampa on Tuesday, U.S. Senate candidate Marco Rubio said the Obama administration has made life difficult for small businesses to expand, hire employees and invest in their future.
The Republican said the administration has suffocated entrepreneurs into a world of uncertainty by not extending a tax code that is set to expire, passing a health care plan with unpredictable costs and creating federal regulations that stymie growth.
The charges came as Rubio met and spoke to small-business owners at Tampa Bay Steel, a steel distributor that has been in Tampa for 30 years. He also took a tour of the company.
"The No. 1 agenda item for us is, 'How do we grow our economy?' " Rubio said.
Rubio preached the importance of shrinking the deficit while growing the economy to help create more confidence for small businesses to expand.
Rubio's message drew support from business owners in attendance.
Jacqueline and Larry Jensen, owners of Joule Yacht Transport in Clearwater, said they have been hurt by the economic uncertainty. They want government to cut taxes, cut spending and get out of health care.
The Jensens say they have not been able to buy new equipment the last two years, whereas they used to buy six to eight tractor trailers annually.
"I think he understands what small business owners are going through," Jacqueline Jensen said. "I think he's strong enough to make a difference."
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