Washington, D.C.— On Friday, Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY), Chairwoman of the House Small Business Committee and Ranking Member Steve Chabot (R-OH) introduced a resolution celebrating the vital role that small businesses play in our country and encouraging citizens to patronize local businesses on November 28th.
“Right now, it is more important than ever that we support the over 30 million small businesses that contribute so much to our local communities and economies,” said Chairwoman Velázquez. “Times are tough, and the future is uncertain, but these businesses have had our back throughout this crisis, and they are counting on our support. So, on November 28th, I encourage Americans to shop small and shop local and thank our entrepreneurs for all that they do.”
“Across our nation, small businesses and entrepreneurs play a vital role in creating jobs, driving economic growth, and spurring innovation. This year, they have endured countless challenges and setbacks,” said Ranking Member Chabot. “On Small Business Saturday – November 28 – we must support the restaurants, shops, and other small businesses that have contributed so much to our country.”
The resolution also highlights the current plight of small businesses amidst the ongoing pandemic. The COVID crisis has presented unprecedented challenges for the small business sector. 34 percent of small businesses surveyed in the Census Bureau Small Business Pulse Survey reported being financially impacted by the pandemic. The crisis has had disparate effects on business owners, hurting minority entrepreneurs at higher rates. Black owners have experienced three times the decline of business activity compared to other groups. COVID-19 has also decimated the accommodation and food service industry, which is dominated by small businesses.
A bipartisan group of Committee members joined Chairwoman Velázquez and Ranking Member Chabot in cosponsoring the resolution. Other cosponsors included: Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-NY); Rep. Andy Kim (D-NJ) Chairman, Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Tax and Capital Access; Rep. Brad Schneider (D-IL); Rep. Kweisi Mfume (D-MD); Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA) Chairwoman, Subcommittee on Investigations, Oversight, and Regulations; Rep. Troy Balderson (R-OH) Ranking Member, Subcommittee on Innovation and Workforce Development; Rep. Dan Bishop (R-NC); Vice Ranking Member Rep. Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen (R-AS); Rep. Ross Spano (R-FL) Ranking Member, Subcommittee on Investigations, Oversight, and Regulations; Rep. Abby Finkenauer (D-IA) Chairwoman, Subcommittee on Rural Development, Agriculture, Trade, and Entrepreneurship; Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN); Rep. Antonio Delgado (D-NY); Vice Chair Rep. Dwight Evans (D-PA); Rep. Jason Crow (D-CO) Chairman, Subcommittee on Innovation and Workforce Development; Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA); Rep. Sharice Davids (D-KS); Rep. Jared Golden (D-ME) Chairman, Subcommittee on Contracting and Infrastructure; Rep. Jim Hagedorn (R-MN); Rep. John Joyce (R-PA) Ranking Member, Subcommittee on Rural Development, Agriculture, Trade, and Entrepreneurship.
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