Illinois Congressman John Shimkus spoke about the impact of Federal action on small businesses throughout the country and the midwest at a Small Business Advisory Committee Meeting in Mt. Vernon on Wednesday.

Shimkus says the uncertainty of legislation like "cap and trade" and health insurance reform looms heavy over business owners. "I think we'll help small business by saying that we're going to talk away from cap and trade debates, make some corrections and start over," he says. "We need to stop scaring them." He says the concern over the legislation is keeping small businesses from taking risks and expanding employment.

Meanwhile, the Congressman says reforms are also needed on the state level. "There's something about the laws in Springfield that is an disincentive," he says. "Tax rates, worker compensation issues... those need to be addressed."

Shimkus says the Republican jobs plan will serve to block employment-killing taxes, freeze stimulus efforts, assists banks and small businesses with the real estate market and reform the unemployment system. He also expects the plan to reduce tax barriers and expand U.S. export jobs.

The Congressman calls the plan a sensible alternative to the Democrat's spending efforts like the stimulus, which he says have been hampered by abuse and poor accountablity.