WASHINGTON, DC–(Marketwired – April 30, 2015) – The ESOP Association expresses strong support for H.R. 2096, introduced on April 29, 2015 by Congressmen David G. Reichert (R-WA), Ron Kind (D-WI), Pat Tiberi (R-OH), Richard E. Neal (D-MA), Erik Paulsen (R-MN), Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Charles W. Boustany, Jr. (R-LA), and Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ).

H.R. 2096 would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and the Small Business Act to expand the availability of employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs) in S corporations in America.

“Research proves that ESOPs are more profitable, more productive, and provide sustainable jobs. We need policies to encourage employee stock ownership, and the proposed policies in H.R. 2096, should address core social issues such as adequate retirement security and making sure working Americans have an ownership stake in our capitalistic system,” stated ESOP Association President, J. Michael Keeling.

Keeling continued, “It is extremely pleasing to see this bi-partisan group of members of the House Ways and Means Committee stand up for employee stock ownership through ESOPs. The ESOP Association notes its appreciation for these members who have joined in support of employee ownership and taken the lead to address issues that relate to increasing ownership shares among average pay Americans.”

The ESOP Association is the national trade association for companies with employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs) and the leading voice in America for employee ownership. The core cause of The ESOP Association is the belief that employee ownership will improve American competitiveness, increase productivity through greater employee participation, and strengthen our free enterprise economy. More information: website –www.esopassociation.org and blog – www.esopassociationblog.org.