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Small Business Ranking Member Velázquez on State of the Union

Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY), the Ranking Member of the House Committee on Small Business, released the following statement in response to the President’s State of the Union address:  

“The President spoke tonight about renewing the promise of American opportunity.  As has always been the case, a key component of that vision must include a commitment to supporting America’s entrepreneurs.  In that regard, I was pleased to hear the President reaffirm his commitment to our nation’s small businesses.  

“I was happy to hear the President make job training and education cornerstones of his economic strategy going forward.   In our Committee, we have heard time again from small firms who have difficulty locating and recruiting workers with specific skill sets.   Establishment new Manufacturing Institutes, fostering partnerships between businesses and community colleges and modernizing our school system will all help bring our workforce in line with modern needs.  Not only will these steps ensure businesses have the employees they need, but will also create opportunity for working families and strengthen our nation’s middle class.  

“In addition to investing in our workforce, the President also talked about improving our nation’s infrastructure and modernizing our energy supply.  Entrepreneurs have a key role to play here.  Whether it is upgrading ports, bridges and roads or producing renewable energy, small businesses dominate these sectors.  These investments will create opportunities for small firms in the short term, while building a more business friendly environment for future generations. 

“Entrepreneurs have also been among some of the biggest advocates for reform of our immigration laws.  The current, broken system creates a maze of problems for small companies who hire immigrants.  Further, with immigrants often creating new businesses – and jobs – fixing our outdated immigration laws will only serve to strengthen our nation’s small business sector.

“President Obama demonstrated again tonight he understands that when America’s small businesses succeed, our economy as a whole moves forward.  The priorities he outlined tonight are a good starting point for tackling many of the challenges our entrepreneurs face.  It is my hope that my colleagues in Congress will step forward to see these policies enacted.” 

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