For Immediate Release                                                   Contact: Amanda Molk, 202-225-5256
April 15, 2003

Napolitano Addresses Montebello Businesspeople

On April 14, 2003, Congresswoman Grace F. Napolitano (D-CA38) addressed the local business community at the 2003 Legislative Business luncheon hosted by the Montebello Chamber of Commerce and the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.  Napolitano spoke on issues of importance to local businesspeople, including water, energy, taxes and small business.  Also serving on the panel was Assemblyman Ron Calderon.  “Keeping an open dialogue with the businesspeople in my communities is critical to me.  I need to tell them about the policies coming out of Washington that will impact them, and I need to get their feedback so that I can effectively represent them and advocate for their interests,” stated the Congresswoman.

Napolitano spoke about the important role small businesses play in our local and national economy, and the need for the federal government to meet small businesses’ needs.  “Small businesses have always been the backbone of our economy and the engine of economic recovery.  But the federal government must make sure that small businesses have access to lucrative federal contracts and lending opportunities in order to thrive.  I am extremely disappointed and worried that the President’s budget proposal severely underfunds the Small Business Administration,” commented Napolitano.  “As a Member of the House Small Business Committee, I will continue to fight to see that this funding is restored,” she continued.

The Congresswoman also stressed the importance of water for economic prosperity.  “Businesses need a clean, stable and secure water supply in order to thrive.  I am working to secure federal funding to expand the San Gabriel Basin groundwater cleanup project.  As the new Ranking Member on the House Water and Power Subcommittee, I am also pressing for greater investment in water recycling and desalination — two key components of helping our area become less dependent on water from the Colorado River,” explained Napolitano.

Napolitano also appreciated the opportunity to talk with representatives from the Latin Business Association who were in attendance at the luncheon.  “President Bush has proposed cuts to key SBA programs geared toward helping minority small business owners.  We must fight these cuts, and I look forward to working more closely with the Association as we pursue our common goal of helping Hispanic entrepreneurs prosper,” the Congresswoman concluded.

Representative Grace F. Napolitano, 38th District of California
1609 Longworth Building          Washington, DC 20515          Phone 202-225-5256          Fax 202-225-0027		11627 East Telegraph Road, #100       Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670       Phone 562-801-2134       Fax 562-949-9144
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