Business has played an integral role in my personal life and professional career. As a graduate of the Wharton School of Finance, a small business owner, and a member of the House Financial Services Committee, I understand the vital role small businesses play in our economy. Small businesses elevate entire communities through job creation, personal consumer connections, and local reinvestment opportunities. 

Small business is especially important to Georgia’s economy.  According to the U.S. Small Business Association (SBA), small businesses employ 1.6 million people in the state.  Additionally, the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) has ranked Georgia as the #1 state in the country for small business climate.  These numbers reflect the critical role small business plays in The Peach State’s economy, and they highlight the importance of supporting entrepreneurs and job creators through every possible opportunity.  As a representative for Metro Atlanta, I have seen economic development spurred by the vitality of small businesses help the city gain greater national significance. That is why as a Member of the House Financial Services Committee, I've also advocated for continued federal support for community banks and credit unions to ensure that small businesses are available to access loans in order to grow.

It is crucial that federal leaders appreciate the major impact that their decisions can have on small businesses and the communities they serve.  Therefore, Congress must strongly consider the interests of small business when debating topics ranging from health care, the tax code, retirement security, and regulatory measures.  I have always kept these interests in mind during my time in Washington and I am proud to have supported national legislation to maximize the potential of all small businesses.  Recent efforts have included my decision to cosponsor H.R. 2142, which made it easier for small businesses to navigate federal agencies by centralizing small business regulations.  Additionally, I was also a proud cosponsor of H.R. 4267, the Small Business Credit Availability Act and H.R. 2911, the Small Business Healthcare Relief Act.  These bills sought to strengthen small businesses by cutting unnecessary costs and giving small business owners the tools they need to operate their companies as efficiently and successfully as possible. 

America's economic growth and international competitiveness depend on our ability to innovate. Going forward, I will continue to advocate for improving access to capital for small business owners, providing affordable health care coverage to small businesses, and creating educational opportunities for students interested in business.  I remain committed to supporting commerce at the local level and I will always champion the position of small business as a cornerstone of economic success both in Georgia and in the nation.