During remarks made today on the Senate floor, Daines highlighted the important role that Montana small businesses hold in supporting Montana’s economy and creating good-paying Montana jobs. Daines also outlined many of the challenges facing Montana’s small businesses, and called for reforms that reduce Washington’s regulatory overreach, simplify the nation’s tax code and repeals and replaces Obamacare and its job-killing mandates.
Below are key excerpts from Daines’ floor speech:
“During ‘National Small Business Week,’ we recognize all of the hardworking Montana men and women who took the risk to start a small business.
“According to the Small Business Administration, small businesses represent more than 97 percent of all Montana employers—in turn, employing more than 68 percent of Montana’s private-sector labor force.
“I’m excited to say that there are a lot of small business success stories in Montana.
“Look no further than Bozeman, where Advanced Electronic Designs is doing incredible things in innovation, helping to build up Montana’s high-tech sector. Their team is comprised of 15 Montana State University engineers and together, they have designed more than 70 percent of the LED signs in Times Square— from the NBC Today Show to the Disney Store.
“Unfortunately, the federal government’s out-of-touch policies and bureaucratic overreach continue to prevent Montana’s small businesses from reaching their full potential.
“Too many Montana businesses face regulatory burdens that hinder innovation and block opportunities for growth.
“When I drive around in Montana, I’ve yet to hear a small business owner ask for more regulations and higher taxes.
“It’s no secret that for many recent college graduates, finding a job in today’s economy is harder than ever.
“From Montana’s tribal colleges and vocational schools to the new Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship building at Montana State University, Montana’s educational institutions are leading the way in giving our students the head start they need to succeed outside of classrooms and help grow our state’s economy.
“When small businesses succeed, our economy thrives.
“During this National Small Business Week, I encourage all my fellow Montanans to shop small and join me in supporting Montana’s small businesses and thanking them for the important role they hold in our state – not just this week, but every week.”
###