Fighting for small businesses

My first job was in my mom’s small business. A critical part of our economy, small businesses provide jobs and foster innovation in our communities.

I have spoken with many small business owners about their struggles and challenges. I voted for immediate assistance and grants through pandemic relief packages, but there is more that we can and must do to support small businesses and their employees as our economy continues to recover and pandemic aid ends. We must focus on bipartisan solutions to improve the Paycheck Protection Program, forgive emergency loans, and remove unnecessary restrictions that prevent community banks and credit unions from serving their small business customers.

Throughout my career, I have been a champion of improving access to capital for small businesses and enhancing opportunities for entrepreneurs who are often left behind - women and veteran business owners, rural businesses, and entrepreneurs of color. I have led legislation to expand access to federal contracting opportunities for traditionally underserved business owners and to bridge the funding gap for businesses owned by members of Black, Indigenous, and other communities of color.

When I visit and speak with the workers and owners of family farms, artisan shops, manufacturers, theaters, wineries, craft breweries, and other diverse small businesses in NW Oregon, I am inspired by their creativity and resilience. I will continue to stand with and be a voice for small businesses.