Aumua Meets With American Samoa Chamber of Commerce
Washington, D.C. – Friday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata, met with the American Samoa Chamber of Commerce (ASCOC), and senior management from local private sector companies this week at the Sadie Thompson Inn in Fagatogo. The main purpose of the meeting was to discuss the implications on and the preparations local businesses have made to adjust to the new minimum wage.
Amata addresses the ASCOC in Fagatogo
"We have been working with local leaders to ensure a smooth transition said Amata. We will continue to come together as a team, and coordinate efforts, so that we can best serve the people of American Samoa," continued Amata.
The minimum wage was the main topic of discussion, and Amata heard from the local business community on some of their concerns. The general consensus from the local business community was that the wage hike was not an issue in comparison to some of the other problems facing American Samoa's local businesses; including the high cost of business licenses, as well as the exorbitant taxes, fees, and permits; all items that stem from overregulation by the federal government.
Amata plans to use her position as the Chairman of the House Small Business Subcommittee on Health & Technology to pursue legislation that will help ease some of these regulatory burdens that stifle the growth of the local economy. "The overregulating of industry is perhaps the most effective way to prevent growth and we must make sure that our local businesses have the ability to operate without the worry of overburdening regulations, and I will be addressing this issue in the coming weeks," said Amata.
Some of the other issues discussed included; the current state of the economy, lack of new investment, problems facing the tuna and fishing industry, licensing, and programs and permits that affect potential new investors.
"I want to thank the Chamber and our local business leaders for meeting with me today," said Amata. "By coming together, we can work to build a more diversified and stable economic future for our beautiful island," concluded Amata.
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