Velazquez Praises President's Agenda Helping Small Businesses

WASHINGTON, Jan. 27 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Rep. Nydia M. Velazquez (D-NY), the Chairwoman of the House Committee on Small Business, commented on President Obama's State of the Union address before a Joint Session of Congress:

"Tonight, the President made clear that he recognizes the central role small businesses play in our economy.  His address outlined a broad-based strategy for putting our nation on a path back toward prosperity.  The tax initiatives the President discussed would spark job growth by helping firms reinvest in their facilities, expand operations and purchase new equipment.  Importantly, the President's proposed investments in infrastructure and energy efficiency programs will put more Americans back to work in sectors dominated by small businesses. 

"Ultimately, access to capital remains the single biggest obstacle to small business job growth, so I was particularly pleased to hear President Obama focus on ways to get credit flowing to entrepreneurs. The House has already passed legislation that would support $44 billion in small business lending and investment.  In coming weeks, I look forward to working with the President as we seek ways to improve the flow of capital to small businesses.

"As the President made clear tonight, we will not rest until America's entrepreneurs have the resources necessary to lead our economy forward.  After all, small businesses are critical -- not just for immediate job growth, but for rebuilding our economy in the long term."   

SOURCE Chairman Nydia Velazquez, House Committee on Small Business