U.S. Rep. Benjamin L. Cardin was awarded the Towson Business Associations’s 2004 Public Service Award last night for his leadership in the U.S. House of Representatives on fiscal issues, pension reform, and health care.

The Congressman, a member of the Ways & Means Committee, has authored legislation allowing Americans to save more for retirement and making it easier for companies to offer employee pension and retirement plans. His proposal to expand Medicare to include preventative benefits was enacted into law. In 2001, he was named by Worth Magazine as among the top "100 people who have influenced the way Americans think about money," and in 2004, he was named to Treasury and Risk Management’s list of "100 Most Influential People in Finance."

"It’s important to understand that a healthy business climate, helps all of us. By improving opportunities for businesses we also improve the lives of all Americans," said Rep. Cardin on receiving the Public Service Award Monday night.

The Towson Business Association was established in 1964 and its mission is to promote the business environment in Towson.

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