House Passes Three Polis Provisions in Bill to Boost Small Business and Job Creation

Press Release

Continuing his fight to use American entrepreneurship and innovation to stimulate the nation's economy, Congressman Jared Polis (D-CO) today urged his colleagues to support H.R. 2352, the Job Creation Through Entrepreneurship Act, which would modernize the Small Business Administration and create programs to encourage veterans, minorities, and women to become small business owners. The bill, which passed the House today by a vote of 406 to 15, includes three amendments added by Polis to increase job opportunities for women and low-income workers.

"Entrepreneurs are the pioneers of the American economy," said Polis. "This bill represents a giant step toward ensuring a bright future for American entrepreneurs who bravely seek to build businesses of their own in these tough economic times. It will bring hope to our returning veterans and to millions of Americans who are struggling to access capital and other necessary tools to start a business."

To promote gender equity in the workforce, Polis' first amendment would help women gain access to nontraditional jobs by requiring women's business centers to describe their job placement strategies for these workers in their annual plans.

"Unfortunately, too many jobs in high-pay, high-growth sectors are just out of reach for working women in today's economy," said Polis. "Promoting gender equity is critical to the success of our recovery efforts and we must take steps to ensure that every American worker, regardless of gender, stands to benefit from job creation spurred by this legislation and future policies."

Polis' second amendment would require the new Green Entrepreneurs Training Program to help disadvantaged workers start their own business in the fields of energy efficiency and green technology.

"The green economy represents another historic opportunity and a major pathway out of poverty for troubled American families," said Polis. "My amendment will help ensure that rather than being left behind, low-income and dislocated workers can participate in the green revolution that is under way throughout our nation, thanks to the leadership of the President and this Congress."

Polis' third amendment would include information about energy-saving techniques and incentive programs offered by communities and utility companies for energy conservation as part of the Women's Business Center Program training courses' curriculum.

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