[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 79 (Thursday, May 21, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1225]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           JOB CREATION THROUGH ENTREPRENEURSHIP ACT OF 2009

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                               speech of

                             HON. RON KLEIN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 20, 2009

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration of the bill (H.R. 2352) to 
     amend the Small Business Act, and for other purposes:

  Mr. KLEIN of Florida. Mr. Chair, I rise in strong support of H.R. 
2352, the Job Creation through Entrepreneurship Act of 2009. This 
legislation comes at a critical time, as small businesses across the 
country are struggling to access credit and make payroll.
  This legislation will create new small business development programs 
to increase access to credit, provide training on contract procurement 
and green entrepreneurship and offer additional guidance to veteran-
owned small businesses veterans looking to start their own businesses 
upon returning home from service. This legislation will play a critical 
role in putting Americans back to work and helping established small 
businesses grow during these tough economic times.
  I represent South Florida, which has 1.1 million small businesses--
one of the highest concentrations of small businesses in the country. 
Unfortunately, in 2008, SBA loans in South Florida fell approximately 
40 percent--10 percent higher the national average. I've met with 
countless small business owners in my district who, despite strong 
credit and responsible lending histories cannot access credit at a 
reasonable rate. These new and enhanced entrepreneurial development 
programs will serve as a lifeline for small business owners in my home 
state of Florida, and throughout the country. By providing one-on-one 
counseling, continued guidance and support for potential entrepreneurs 
and struggling small business owners, we can help our small business 
community weather these tough economic times, increase sales and get 
our economy back on track.
  I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation,

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