Oregon Watchdog: House passes Small Business Bill of Rights

Oregon Legislature
House Majority

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 30, 2009
CONTACT: Michael Cox (503) 986-1904

House Recognizes Importance of Oregon Small Businesses
Democrat Chris Edwards carries Small Business Bill of Rights on House floor

SALEM ~n Democrat Chris Edwards (D-Eugene) today led the effort to pass HJR 43, the Small Business Bill of Rights, in the House. HJR 43 recognizes the importance of small businesses to the Oregon economy.

`iThe majority of Oregon employees come from small businesses that represent 98 percent of Oregon'is employers,^i said Edwards. `iIt is important to recognize the contribution of small businesses to the Oregon economy.^i

HJR 43 resolves to recognize Oregon small businesses as stakeholders and key contributors to economy with certain rights to be taken into account when considering and enacting legislation, including equal access to economic development tools, access to an economic culture that encourages and sustains the growth of small businesses, and equal treatment by state agencies that provide critical infrastructure services in the Oregon economy.

`iSmall businesses in Oregon will play a vital role in our state'is economic recovery,^i said Democratic House Majority Leader Mary Nolan. `iWe must ensure small businesses have adequate access to economic development tools and resources.^i

`iThe backbone of Oregon'is economy is small business,^i said House Speaker Dave Hunt. `iThat'is why this resolution garnered so much support from small business groups and representatives from both sides of the aisle.^i

HJR 43 now moves to the Senate.
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