FREDERICKSBURG, VA -- Virginia House of Delegates Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford) released the following statement Tuesday marking Small Business Week: "More than half of Americans own or work in a small business and small businesses create two out of every three new jobs in the United States. All across the Commonwealth, thousands of small business owners work hard to grow our economy and strengthen our communities each day. This week, we say thank you.
"Republicans in the Virginia House of Delegates know and appreciate the impact of small business owners. We are committed to helping, encouraging and growing small business all across the state. We have worked to keep taxes low, reduce unnecessary regulations and strengthen Virginia's workforce in a way that helps businesses grow and thrive.
"This year, we passed a number of pieces of legislation that will help improve Virginia's business climate. We worked to reform our legal system to reduce unnecessary lawsuits and lower the cost of doing business in Virginia. We established the Small Business Investment Grant Fund to help new businesses get on their feet and create jobs. We passed legislation to encourage investment in entrepreneurs and small business startups. We have fought to strengthen Virginia's pro-worker, pro-jobs labor laws in order to protect businesses from union bosses. These are just a few of the many steps we have taken to promote small business in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
"Thank you to all of the hard-working small business owners, their families and their employees for what they do to make the Commonwealth stronger. We appreciate you, believe in you and stand with you."
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