In The News

Small businesses are the engine of economic growth here in Southwest Michigan. As a third-generation small business owner myself, I understand the challenges local job creators are facing in today’s economy. Last week, the House passed several bills to strengthen small businesses and improve economic opportunity in Berrien and Van Buren Counties as well as communities around the country.

As the son of a disabled WWII veteran, I understand the importance of treating our veterans with dignity and respect. When our soldiers return home, we need to make sure we have the opportunities and support systems in place to help our men and women in uniform successfully return to civilian life. The Service-Disabled Veteran Opportunities in Small Business Act requires the Small Business Administration (SBA) to issue guidance on increasing federal contract awards to small businesses owned by service-disabled veterans. This legislation will help connect disabled veterans with the resources and information to start a small business so they can continue to serve their communities. 

Michigan’s Fourth Congressional District is home to a robust agricultural community that plays a key role in both the production as well as the processing of the food we eat. Another important bipartisan measure that passed the House last week was the SBA Rural Performance Report Act. This measure requires the SBA to issue a report on their Office of Rural Affairs (ORA). The report will increase transparency on how SBA is working with the Department of Agriculture to help small businesses in rural areas as well as provide clarity to small businesses about what programs are available.

The health of our small business economy is critical to making Southwest Michigan the best place to live, work, and raise a family. As your voice in Congress, I will continue working to ensure that small businesses remain a cornerstone in our community and are not driven out of business by bureaucratic red tape or forgotten by policymakers in Washington.

If you need assistance navigating a federal agency, please contact my office in Holland at (616) 251-6741 or in Portage at (269) 569-8595.