Straight Talk: Six years of Standing Up for Small Businesses

Statement

Dear Friends,

I became the Ranking Republican on the Committee on Small Business in 2009, and since 2011, I've served as Chairman. It's been an extraordinary privilege. The members of this Committee understand the need to listen to entrepreneurs and make small businesses a priority in Washington policy debates. It's been a pleasure to work side by side with experienced, dedicated colleagues to grow the economy and give small businesses a voice in the Capitol.

Small businesses created 63 percent of net new jobs over the past 20 years, and a vibrant economy is only possible when our nation's 28.2 million small businesses are healthy and optimistic. This week, the NFIB released a survey showing that we've made some important gains for small businesses, even while there's work to be done to encourage innovation and job creation. Small business optimism is recovering, but employers are still cautious about new hires or capital investment.

In 2015, I'll serve on other Committees, but I will still fight for small business. I am confident that Chairman-Elect Steve Chabot (R-OH) will continue to elevate the concerns of small businesses when he takes the helm of the Small Business Committee next year. Congress benefits greatly from Members with real-world small business experience and insight, and I encourage you to remain engaged so we can work together to support our nation's entrepreneurs and preserve the American Dream for future generations.

Have a happy holiday season, and a great new year.

Sincerely,

Source