Lance Visits John's Meat Market

U.S. Rep. Leonard Lance (R-Hunterdon County) visited John's Meat Market in Scotch Plains on Wednesday afternoon to host an informal news conference on economic policy and healthcare reform.

Lance, a first-term moderate Republican, toured the 71-year-old butcher shop with owners Vincent and Nick Losavio. He shook hands and spoke with about a dozen customers, residents and local politicians, including Scotch Plains Mayor Nancy Malool and Township Manager Christopher Marion, and listened as the Losavio brothers commented on everything from the best cuts of beef, to their father's success as a small business owner, to the economic troubles afflicting small businesses.

"We are the busiest we have ever been, yet when I do the books, we pay for the meat, we pay the pay-roll, we pay for medical – we barely cover expenses," said Vincent Losavio, wearing a white butcher's apron over a striped button-down shirt and tie.

"Well, I have some ideas," Lance said. And with a pat on the shoulder, he ushered the Losavios through the front door to the sidewalk outside.  With the window-front and green awning of John's Meat Market forming a backdrop behind him, Lance delivered prepared remarks for about 12 minutes, then took questions from this reporter and attendees.

"We should extend the Bush tax cuts so small business owners can keep more of what they earn," Lance said during his address. "We should extend the tax cuts, so that small businesses have the certainty that they do not have now whether their taxes will increase."

Lance's visit was timed with President Barack Obama's speech in Cleveland Wednesday night on a proposed $50 billion economic stimulus plan, which includes money for infrastructure projects and the permanent extension of a small business tax credit that allows businesses to deduct from their taxes the full value of new equipment purchases.

"For more than 18 months, the President's tax and spend policies have failed to jumpstart our economy," Lance said, pausing occasionally as diesel trucks drove past. "That's why I am opposed to spending another $50 billion on stimulus spending."

Lance also used his address to tout his views on the economy and healthcare, which are key elements in his campaign for reelection and generally consistent with the Republican platform.

He called for a "small business plan that includes lowering small business tax rates," a federal program to incentivize small-business lending, a "constitutional amendment to limit federal spending," repealing the healthcare reform bill passed in March, and replacing the bill with "medical malpractice reform" and laws that allow insurance companies to "sell insurance across state lines."

The insurance, pharmaceutical and medical device industries are Lance's largest donors, contributing $169,423 to his campaign, according to OpenSecrets.org. During the question-and-answer session that followed his remarks, Lance was asked how those donations have affected his position on healthcare.

"I've always voted my conscience," he replied, emphasizing that insurance, pharmaceutical and medical device companies are some of the largest employers in the Seventh Congressional District.

Lance was also asked how he reconciles his support for the Bush-era tax cuts with his calls to reduce the federal deficit. He argued that the tax cut extension will encourage investment, which will help businesses create jobs. "I do not believe we've created the jobs," he said. "Businesses need loans from banks."

Stay tuned to the Scotch Plains-Fanwood Patch for video of Lance's visit. The congressman's next appearance is Friday afternoon in Summit for a small-business roundtable.