Small businesses drive economic growth in our country.  They comprise 99.7 percent of all employers in our Nation. America's 26 million small businesses employ more than 50 percent of the private work force and generate more than half of the nation's gross domestic product. Small businesses are the principal source of new jobs in the U.S. economy generating between 60 and 80 percent of net new jobs annually.

 

As a former small business owner, I recognize the importance of a climate that fosters business growth rather than inhibits it.  I continually support legislation that enhances businesses through tax relief, regulatory modifications, and health care reforms.  Every extra dollar small-business owners are forced to spend complying with government mandates is a dollar that is not going toward business modernization, research and development, and employee expansion. 

 

In the 110^th Congress, I have introduced two bills, H.R. 32, the Health Care Incentive Act, and H.R. 33, the Minimum Wage Fairness Act of 2007.  These bills would address employee health care and wages.  As a member of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, we have examined the government contracting process to better guide small businesses through the complex process.

 

I will continue to support small businesses, fight to stimulate the local economy in our District, and attract businesses to Southern California.