WASHINGTON (26 June) - Congressman Gus Bilirakis today was named a “Friend of the Shareholder” by the American Shareholders Association. This recognition is given for votes in favor of America’s shareholder majority. The votes reflected were from the first session of the 110th Congress (2007).

The votes taken ranged from preventing tax increases, to price controls on Medicare prescription medicines, to denying workers their right to a private ballot when deciding on unionization. In total, there were ten votes on which the award was given.

“Congressman Bilirakis has shown a determined, principled, and consistent resolve in protecting America’s shareholder majority,” said ASA Executive Director Ryan Ellis. “In vote after vote, Congressman Bilirakis helped prevent economic growth-stifling legislation that would directly affect the 401(k) and IRA nest eggs of every saving American.”

The American Shareholders Association was founded in 2001 to represent the interests of the majority of adults and two-thirds of voters who own shares of stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and ETFs. Whether they hold these shares in taxable brokerage accounts or tax-advantaged vehicles like IRAs and 401(k)s, they have a direct interest in preventing the government from enacting policies that will shrink shareholder wealth.

“America’s shareholder majority expects its elected officials to vote for policies that will grow, not shrink, their nest eggs,” continued Ellis. “Congressman Bilirakis is a friend to every American earning a paycheck and putting money away for their retirement, for a home, or to start a small business.”