CONGRESSWOMAN SHEILA JACKSON LEE CONVENES IMPORTANT GOOGLE GETTING AMERICAN BUSINESS ONLINE (GABO) EVENT IN THE 18TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
Houston, TX – Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee released the following statement after participating in today’s District Google GABO (Getting American Business Online) Event:
“As the most senior elected official representing approximately 650,000 residents and thousands of companies living and conducting business from offices located in the 18th Congressional District, and being a member of the Committee on Homeland Security and the Committee on Judiciary, issues affecting jobs and the advancement of our economy are a priority to me. We are here today to discuss the largely important role that small businesses play in creating jobs and advancing economic stability for the American people, at a time when our nation needs every single job we can create.
“Today Google will be helping small business owners create their own websites, receive a customized domain name, free web hosting for one year, a local business listing on Google Maps, free tools, training and resources. Small businesses have long been the bedrock of our nation’s economy. Even with the advent of modern-day multi-national corporations most of our day-to-day purchases take place at ‘mom and pop’ small businesses. Small businesses need of access to loans and other lines of credit in order to build their businesses and create jobs. They are the life blood of our economy. These businesses, the ‘mom and pop’ shops across our nation are no longer being held hostage by my colleagues across the aisle at the expense of jobs.
“99 percent of all independent companies and businesses in the United States are considered small businesses. They are the engine of our economy, creating two-thirds of the new jobs over the last 15 years. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, these small businesses account for 52 percent of all U.S. workers. These small businesses also provide a continuing source of vitality for the American economy. Our nation has always relied on the proven innovation and flexibility that comes with a small business economy. Entrepreneurs can count on me as an unyielding advocate of their rights and needs, and can be certain that I will continue efforts to provide them with the tools needed to succeed.
“Small businesses have experienced difficulties in this challenging economy. More than half of the 763,000 jobs lost in the first half of 2008 were lost in small firms. Small firms continue to face a tough environment through 2009, with concerns in a wide range of areas including access to capital, the cost of providing health insurance, attracting a quality work force, and meeting the unique 21st century global competitive challenge.
“As our economy bounces back, small firms will play a leading role in revitalizing the nation’s workforce. Congress and the Administration have directed $15 billion in tax relief to small firms, generated $21 billion in small business lending and investment, and created more than $30 billion in contracting opportunities for entrepreneurs. Congress has acted to modernize and enhance SBA research and development programs, improve entrepreneurial development programs, create jobs in the coming green economy, and support veterans interested in entrepreneurship.
“I will continue to fight to ensure that small businesses get their fair share of federal contracts, gain access to the most innovative technologies, and are given the type of development assistance needed in today’s competitive global market. Small business growth means economic growth for the nation. But to keep this segment of our economy thriving, entrepreneurs need access to loans. Through loans, small business owners can expand their businesses, hire more workers and provide more goods and services.”
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