[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 135 (Thursday, October 2, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1925]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                TRIBUTE TO THE SMALL BUSINESS COMMITTEE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. GLENN POSHARD

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 1, 1997

  Mr. POSHARD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the tremendous work 
of the Small Business Committee on the Small Business Programs 
Reauthorization and Amendments Acts of 1997. As a member of this 
committee I can attest to the effort that went into this bill. I am 
especially pleased at the reauthorization of the Small Business 
Technology Transfer Program [STTR]. In 1992 there was a great need for 
STTR and I took the lead in supplementing the already successful Small 
Business Innovative Research Program [SBIR] with this effort to tap 
into the vast resources of innovation that exist at our universities 
and nonprofit institutions. This program has stimulated much needed 
research in the science and technology sectors and has proven 
successful in developing the best ideas at our universities and 
federally-funded research centers and allowing then to be commercially 
viable. I thank Chairman Talent and Congressman LaFalce for their 
support.
  This legislation provides much needed funds for worthy programs, such 
as the Micro-loan program, that help give a jump start to small 
businesses. Other valuable programs worth mentioning are the Certified 
Development Companies [CDC's], listed in title II. With this language 
the CDC's will be able to expand their program to admit more qualified 
CDC's which would alleviate the load for SBA. Many small business 
owners will see less redtape and can expect to see a more efficient 
system that will help expedite their paperwork.
  In addition, the SBA reauthorization bill allocates funding to its 
microlending partners to provide added support for technical assistance 
for transportation and child care assistance. I applaud Congressmen 
Baldacci and Flake for their efforts and timeless energy dedicated to 
this provision in this legislation. The small business community was in 
great need of such a helpful program. In this day of two income 
families and single parents, child care assistance is a huge relief for 
parents who need to work and pay the bills.
  Another important provision in the Small Business programs 
Reauthorization and Amendments Act of 1997 is the Women's Business 
Enterprises. This legislation continues strong support for women's 
business efforts, including expanding the women's business center 
program, which provides seed funding for business training centers 
throughout this Nation and is one of the SBA's most successful 
programs.
  Mr. Speaker, in the past few years the people of southern Illinois 
have suffered a great deal due to high unemployment, yet are undaunted. 
The 19th Congressional District continues to search for new industries 
and opportunities. Small businesses are critical to this effort. The 
people of Illinois and the Nation want to move on an capitalize on the 
many opportunities that await them. It is essential that we continue to 
provide the SBA with the resources to effect positive economic changes 
in this country. I congratulate the bi-partisan effort involved in 
crafting this bill, and urge my colleagues to support it.

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