Ben Carson (Entrepreneurship and Innovation)

Carson’s Entrepreneurship and Innovation (section page)

GOP Debates

• "America became a great nation early on not because it was flooded with politicians, but because it was flooded with people who understood the value of personal responsibility, hard work, creativity, innovation, and that’s what will get us on the right track now, as well." (RD1)
• This country was -- declared its independence in 1776. In less than 100 years, it was the number-one economic power in the world. And the reason was because we had an atmosphere that encouraged entrepreneurial risk- taking and capital investment. Those are the fuels that drive it. (RD4)
• Carson says he backs immigrant entrepreneurs — but the government needs to watch out for terrorists. (RD7)

"Small businesses provide the entrepreneurial spirit that can make our economy thrive."

• Believes the current regulatory climate has harmed the ability of small businesses to grow and create jobs. (BCWSB)

Proposes abolishing Affordable Care Act to reduce burden on small businesses

• "Small businesses cannot expand beyond 50 employees without facing significant economic consequences from Obamacare. [Carson believes] removing such burdensome regulations would boost small businesses and help jumpstart the economy." (BCWSB)

Increase Entrepreneurship and Job Growth through Flat Tax Rate

• "Diagnosis: A Tax System That Is Too Complex, Discourages Innovation and Stifles Economic Growth" (BCWTR)
• "Prognosis: Without Change, Our Economy Will Continue to Suffer

/tOur current system reduces incentives for entrepreneurial ventures and investment, and at the same time inhibits the growth of a vibrant economy. Unless /tdrastic reforms are made, the American people will continue to suffer the consequences." (BCWTR)

• [In response to question on Carson's preference of a flat to a progressive tax rate] "What we have to think about is, 'How do we fix the economy so that it encourages entrepreneurial risk taking and capital investment? How do we create a ladder that allows those people in the lower income brackets to move up that ladder?' That's what we need to be concentrating on. Not how do we make them comfortable in that situation. That's not what America was all about. And we can do that." (BCEWJ)
• "In recent years, our economy has stagnated. I believe restoring free market policies, implementing a simpler, flat tax system, reducing the regulatory burden on businesses and reducing government debt will rapidly increase economic growth and jobs, allowing more people to achieve the American dream." (BCEWJ)