Rep Fudge Featured on Women Achieve

Recently, WomenAchieve.org spoke with Representative Fudge about her views on service, her life inspirations, her position on education and healthcare and women in business.  Featured in the Spotlight on Success section of the site, Representative Fudge  left a lasting impression with her quest to make the world a better place by helping others to improve their physical, mental and economic well-being.

 

Interview Excerpts    As seen on WomenAchieve.org – July 31, 2009

WomenAchieve: What is the primary “take-away” you have learned about the role of government in America?

MLF: That I am a public servant. That is who I am and what I enjoy. I’ve learned, too, that most people who are public servants, aside from the occasional bad apple, have modest needs and desires. Let’s face it; public service is rarely a good path towards monetary wealth, so rewards of another kind have to be enough.

WomenAchieve: How would you encourage women to use the unique views that they have on the issues to solve problems and make a difference in their families, communities, and the world?

MLF: I believe that women are already quite active in their families, communities, and the world. In most families, women are still the primary care givers and their views shape the views of their families. We know what the issues are. We have to be ready to take advantage of opportunities as they become available. What we, as a gender, so often do is second guess ourselves instead of just “going for it.” Sometimes things are put in our path and all we really have to do is seize it. All too often, though, we just don’t because too many of us feel that it isn’t a woman’s role. I think we have to step outside of those roles more often and do it with relish.

 

 To Read Entire Interview Click Here

New Small Business Lending Program

Many small businesses may soon be eligible for interest-free loans under the newly launched “America’s Recovery Capital” program (ARC), which was created by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Representative Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11) announced today.  ARC allows small firms to secure interest free loans of $35,000 to pay down existing business debts. Repayment is required to begin within one year. ARC loans are just one component of the strong support for small businesses advocated by Democrats in Congress.

“During these tough economic times many strong, viable businesses need a small line of credit to help meet their needs. America’s small businesses are such an integral part of our nation’s economy that we must provide support for their survival during this recession. I am proud to support ARC loans for small businesses,” said Rep. Fudge.

To qualify for the ARC loans, small firms must demonstrate immediate financial hardship due to the economic downturn although they are otherwise deemed viable by the Small Business Administration (SBA). The loans, made by commercial lenders, can be used for payments of principal and interest for existing, qualifying small business debts like credit card obligations, mortgages, lines of credit, and balances due to suppliers, vendors, and utilities. Rep. Fudge said that in addition to the ARC loan program, the Recovery Act contained other measures aimed at helping small firm’s access credit. For instance, the new law increases the loan percentage the SBA can guarantee, makes SBA-backed loans more affordable, and provides tools to unfreeze small business credit markets, thus helping small company’s access capital at affordable rates.

Next Page »