Lower ATM fees would harm businesses

Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, is proposing that the maximum ATM withdrawal fee be limited to 50 cents for each transaction. A little more than a year ago, we diversified to keep our business competitive by purchasing and placing ATMs out on various locations. There is no way 50 cents will even begin to cover the overhead.

But the failure of my ATM business, if this proposal becomes law, is not the real story. What would be accomplished by Harkin and this administration would be another industry and more small businesses being regulated to death.

The consequences sooner or later visit Americans' front door. Fewer families at the local ice cream shop. More houses up for sale. Local schools forced into consolidating because of declining enrollment. The list goes.

The sad truth is, we all keep our eyes shut to what is going on around us until we need to use one of the conveniences that has been taken away. Like the day we find ourselves short on cash and realize there is no ATM to be found. Americans, wake up. Vote all incumbents out.

Steven Gendreau

Sabula