Rep. Meeks Statement on Small Business Week
It is time that America’s small businesses and families get what they deserve—A Better Deal
Queens, N.Y. - Today, Rep. Gregory W. Meeks released the following statement and information in observation of National Small Business Week.
"This year the nation celebrated National Small Business Week from April 29th to May 5th. From the mom-and-pop shops to cutting edge startups, small businesses exemplify America's longstanding commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship. Over half of Americans own or work for a small business, and small businesses are credited with creating two out of every three new jobs in the United States.
"However, President Trump's Fiscal Year 2019 budget proposed deep cuts to entrepreneurial development programs, including a $15 million cut to Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs). SBDCs make up the largest network of assistance centers for aspiring entrepreneurs and include nearly 1,000 centers across the country. In my district alone, 2,282 jobs have either been created or saved as a direct result of SBDCs like York College and the assistance they provide. Overall, 194,053 jobs have been saved or created in New York since SBDC's inception.
"Throughout this week, we have taken the opportunity to pay tribute to small businesses and entrepreneurs that fuel American prosperity and serve as the lifeblood of our nation's economy. To mark the occasion, I have joined my fellow Democrats in Congress to advocate for A Better Deal to:
- Increase workforce development programs by doubling federal support for registered apprenticeship programs. As of 2017, in the United States overall, middle-skill jobs account for 53 percent of the labor market, but only 43 percent of the country's workers are trained at this level.
- Secure a historic $1 trillion in federal investment to rebuild America's infrastructure while creating over 16 million well-paying jobs.
- Connect every American small business to high-speed internet, while engaging small firms to help build the necessary infrastructure.
"From SBDC intervention to pro-business programs created by the New York City's Department of Small Business Services, New York has led the way as a national leader in its efforts to help and sustain jobs created by small businesses. It is time that the GOP learn from the lessons of New York to create economic opportunity for ALL Americans and invest in the backbone of the American economy-small businesses. It is time that America's small businesses and families get what they deserve—A Better Deal."
Rep. Gregory W. Meeks voted in opposition to the GOP tax bill.