Morning Mix: Obama Pushes Small Business Package, Arguing over Tax Cuts

Obama pushes for small business aid: President Barack Obama says he wants action soon on a package that includes money for small banks to lend to small businesses, and tax breaks for small businesses that hire. (Politico)

Are Google apps a smart small business solution?: The government has put its stamp of approval on Google apps security. So does that mean they’re a good solution to small business computing needs? (PC World)

The pros and cons of tax cuts: With the Senate set to take up small business stimulus, Republicans and business groups are arguing that keeping the Bush tax cuts in place is key to strengthening business. But there’s a wide gulf between liberals, who say the tax cuts should expire, and conservatives, who want them extended. Here are some of the arguments, pro and con. (Forbes, Washington Post)

BP squad plans wide investigation: A team of criminal investigators known as the BP squad plans a wide criminal investigation of oil firms, their relationship with regulators, and which firms might be criminally liable for the Gulf of Mexico disaster. (Washington Post)

More business intelligence from Portfolio.com

Road warriors get literal: If your next project is 500 miles away, consider hitting the open road and avoid dealing with all the hassles associated with air travel.

Amazon of utilities: Duke Energy's CEO Jim Rogers thinks Amazon's doing business the right way, and he wants his company to follow the business model: Use a smart-grid system to offer customers discounts for energy-efficient appliances.

The empire takes over: Filmmaker George Lucas is planning a big addition to his Lucasfilm campus at Skywalker Ranch near San Francisco. But he has to do battle with local conservationists who are worried about his massive-scale plans.