Davis Fights to Protect Rural Small Businesses November 21 , 2003

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Rep. Lincoln Davis today announced that he is "joining hands" with Rep. Harold Rogers (KY-05) to support and fight for the HUBZone program, a resource used mainly by rural communities. There is legislation currently being considered in the House that would greatly diminish the ability of HUBZone companies to compete effectively in the federal contracting system and would restrict the number of businesses that could participate in the program. The program serves as a valuable tool in enhancing the infrastructure of low-income communities through the use of the federal contracting system.

"HUBZone certified small businesses provide critically needed jobs that bolster local economies," Davis said. "This program has a successful track record of providing jobs, and many small businesses in my district will be hurt without it."

Congressman Davis joined with other members in sending a letter to Chairman Don Manzullo and Ranking Member Nydia Velázquez of the House Small Business Committee asking them to preserve the current framework of the program.

"I will continue to monitor this issue very closely," Davis continued.

The HUBZone Empowerment Contracting program was enacted into law as part of the Small Business Reauthorization Act of 1997. Congress realized that the federal procurement system could help stimulate economies in low-income regions by directing federal contracting resources towards small businesses located in those regions. The program is administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration. Currently, there are more than 9,000 certified HUBZone companies. These firms have combined annual operating revenues of over $15 billion and employ more than 125,000 workers.

Businesses in the following 4th District counties participate in the HUBZone program: Campbell, Cumberland, Fentress, Grundy, Hickman, Lawrence, Lewis, Pickett, Scott, Van Buren, and Warren.