Small businesses play a vital role in America’s economy. Every year since 1963, the United States has dedicated a week to the contributions of these independent companies and the workers who make them a key part of both national and local economies. May 12 -16, 2014 marks the 51st annual National Small Business Week.
Today, there an estimated 27 million small businesses in the United States employing almost 60 million people. This week, House Republicans are celebrating the employees, innovators, and creators who made that growth possible.
America’s small businesses are the engines of job creation, creating 60% – 80% of net jobs. In the past 17 years, small businesses have generated 67% of all new jobs.
Between 1997 and 2013, the number of women-owned firms increased by 59%, exceeding the national average of all business growth by 18% . As of 2013, there are an estimated 8.6 million women-owned businesses in the United States, accounting for 46% of all U.S. companies.
Small businesses are innovators, producing 16.5 more patents per employee than large firms. These creative ideas are what set America apart with with new products and services that are changing the world and growing our economy at home.
Yet unfortunately, an overwhelming majority of small companies have suffered significantly due to health care costs. Under Obamacare, 91% of small businesses reported increases in their health insurance - over 11 million small business employees will see their premiums increase.
This week, House Republicans celebrate the millions of small business workers and founders who have channeled their passions into businesses that stimulate and strengthen the American economy. We are committed to helping small business owners and employees succeed in an America that works with less government red tape, a simpler tax code, and affordable health care.
Reps. Renee Ellmers (R-NC), Martha Roby (R-AL), Cheri Bustos (D-IL), Niki Tsongas (D-MA), and Susan Davis (D-CA) visit with soldiers of the International Security Assistance Force Northern Regional Command at Camp Marmel in Mazar-e-Sharif, Afghanistan.
Members of the Bi-Partisan Women’s Mother’s Day CODEL visit with Afghan female students at the Women’s Resource Center at Marmal Airfield near Mazar-e-Sharif, Afghanistan. “The world has a significant interest in preserving the human rights gains made by Afghan women,” said Rep. Roby.
Congresswomen Niki Tsongas (D-MA), Renee Ellmers (R-NC), and Martha Roby (R-AL) outside the International Security Assistance Force in Kabul, Afghanistan. “We must continue to remain focused on our mission there,” Rep. Ellmers said. “Our sacrifices on behalf of our freedom and national security have not been in vain.”
On Mother’s Day, Rep. Roby stands with other mothers, after delivering cards. “This annual Mother’s Day CODEL has become a really special trip,” Rep. Roby said. “I appreciate my colleagues for taking time away from their families to be with our troops, a small sacrifice that means so much to our military members.”
Rep. Renee Ellmers enjoys lunch with soldiers at a Mother’s Day luncheon at Camp Marmel. “What made this journey so heartwarming was the chance to spend Mother’s Day with our troops and share some quality time with so many women who are making painful sacrifices in order to protect the freedom of others,” said Rep. Ellmers.
Rep. Martha Roby dines with soldiers at a Mother’s Day luncheon at Camp Marmel. “It’s an honor to be able to travel to Afghanistan and spend time with our brave military men and women on the ground there,” Rep. Roby said while en route back to the United States.
Officer Josh Cooper and Police Officers from the Dallas Police Department stand in front of the Capitol in Washington, D.C. They joined hundreds of Americans in celebrating the lives and service of Law Enforcement Officials on the Washington Mall, March 15th, 2014.