Congressman Joe Pitts said the Bush-era tax cuts should be kept in place to help businesses in Berks County.

They're set to expire January 1.

Pitts had lunch with members of the Greater Reading Chamber of Commerce and Industry at Reading Area Community College.

He talked about health care, the deficit, and creating an atmosphere for job growth.

"There are a lot of employers sitting on cash, who, because of the uncertainty are not willing, at this point, to grow their business," said Pitts. "They don't know what the tax policy will be in the future, the on again off again tax cuts, tax increases."

Pitts is running for re-election against Democrat Lois Herr. They also faced off in 2004 and 2006.