On Sunday, the Richmond Times-Dispatch published an op-ed written by Senator Warner discussing his proposal to increase access to credit by small businesses by pooling unspent funds in the TARP program with loan funds from local and community banks.

This proposal provides a responsible plan for targeted, short-term loans that will not require one additional taxpayer dollar. But even this relatively modest program could help jump-start the economic recovery at the community level.

We see this as a constructive step -- one that unlocks frozen credit to our small businesses, and one that will provide a short-term lifeline so these small businesses can survive until we see a more robust economic recovery.

Let me be clear: We are not suggesting a bailout. Rather, we are simply recommending a responsible way to re-boot the credit markets serving our independent businesses, retailers, and entrepreneurs.

Click here to read the entire op-ed.

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