(INDIANAPOLIS) — The Indiana Chamber of Commerce, on behalf of its more than 4,800 members who employ 800,000 Hoosier workers, urges the Indiana delegation and all members of Congress to swiftly and decisively reach agreement on a plan to stabilize our country’s financial system.

“We recognize that the complexities of the situation are enormous and that any short-term solutions carry potential long-term implications. However, the negative impacts of the current economic uncertainty are guaranteed to increase beyond their current levels,” states Chamber President Kevin Brinegar. “Rhetoric must give way to thoughtful progress. Now, more than ever, partisanship and politics must be put aside for the benefit of our state and country.

“The Indiana Chamber and its members are typically not in the position of advocating for government intervention in the free market system,” Brinegar continues. “Today’s unique circumstances, however, make it essential for our legislative and executive leaders in Washington to act now to restore our financial markets and consumer confidence.”

Wildly fluctuating stock markets and tightening credit markets will impact businesses of all types and sizes. Indiana companies, particularly small businesses, cannot be allowed to be decimated by inaction at the federal level, Brinegar says. The window of opportunity to act – effectively – is rapidly closing.

“Let’s settle the crisis now,” he concludes, “then utilize the excellent public and private sector resources we have to work on comprehensive reform plan that, in the long term, protects our valued companies, their employees and all taxpayers."

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The Indiana Chamber of Commerce has been the state’s largest broad-based business advocacy organization for 86 years. The more than 4,800 member companies employ 800,000 Hoosier workers.