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WASHINGTON, D.C.-Congressman Allen Boyd (D-North Florida) today recognized the contributions of our nation's entrepreneurs during Small Business Week (April 9 - April 15) and called on the Administration to support policies and programs that aid small businesses. The Administration's FY 2007 budget request reduces funding or eliminates 75 out of the 100 government-wide small business programs.
"Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy," Congressman Boyd said. "Today the value of American independence and resourcefulness is embodied in the entrepreneurial spirit that lives in each and every small business owner. It is important for us to continue to foster this spirit through federal funding for programs that benefit the small business community, and it is unfortunate that the Administration's budget rejects this notion."
The Administration's budget does not fund the 7(a) Loan Program, a program that provided 4,978 loans to Florida businesses in 2005. The budget eliminates the Economic Development Initiative (EDI), which enhances small business loan guarantees and supports local community development initiatives, while also reducing Community Development Block Grants (CDBGs) by $1.1 billion.
Additionally, in direct contradiction to the President's State of the Union Address advocating innovation and competitiveness, the Administration's budget eliminates Florida's two Advanced Technology Program (ATP) awards designed to encourage the research and development of innovative business technologies.
"As a fifth generation farmer who continues to oversee the daily operations of my family's farm, I know the rewards and concerns that are unique to small business owners," Boyd stated. "We need to fight for this nation's small businesses, and I will continue to work in Congress to support federal programs that make the American Dream possible for everyone."
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