Rest in peace?

This article discusses the U.S. government's plan to abolish the Small Business Administration (SBA). The SBA, which was created in 1953 to aid and assist small companies, does more than simply lend money. Supporters say its most effective component may be the Office of Advocacy, charged with lobbying for small business within the government. The office also helps small companies get government contracts. But critics snipe at many other SBA activities. The agency's disaster relief function could easily be administered elsewhere. Also, the SBA already lets a few so-called preferred banks hand out government loan guarantees, eliminating a function handled largely by the agency's own lending officers.