[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 50 (Tuesday, April 13, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E623]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           WOMEN AND BUSINESS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CAROLYN McCARTHY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 13, 1999

  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
enormous contribution women have made to the economy. As a Member of 
the Small Business Committee and life-long Long Islander, the issue of 
small business is an important one to me.
  As we approach the new millennium, an increasing number of women are 
starting their own businesses. According to the National Foundation of 
Women's Business Owners, as of 1997 there were 8.5 million women-owned 
businesses in the United States employing over 23 million people and 
generating close to 3.1 trillion in sales as of 1997. Between 1987 and 
1997, the number of women-owned firms increased by 89% nationwide, and 
as of 1996 women-owned businesses accounted for 36% of all firms in the 
United States.
  Knowing how important small businesses are to our economy, I hope we 
will continue supporting the collection of data on women owned 
businesses as a regular part of the economic census of business. The 
knowledge such data provides is truly priceless, and I want to ensure 
it remains fully funded every year. Thousands of remarkable women have 
made significant advances for our economy, and they deserve nothing 
less than our full support.

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