House Small Business Committee Advances Rep. Mann’s Small Business Resources Legislation

Click here to watch Rep. Mann's remarks in the House Small Business Committee Mark Up.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the National SBDC Advisory Board Improvement Act led by U.S. Representatives Tracey Mann (KS-01) and Jared Golden (ME-02) passed unanimously in the House Small Business Committee. The legislation would require the National Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Advisory Board to provide an annual report to Congress recommending improvements to SBDCs’ outreach, technical assistance, and training for small businesses. SBDCs offer beneficial resources to small businesses, support entrepreneurship, and drive economic development.

"Between rampant inflation and high-interest rates, a disrupted supply chain, and burdensome federal regulations, our small businesses are struggling," said Rep. Mann. "SBDCs often offer the tools and resources that America’s small business owners need to get their business off the ground and keep it running. The National SBDC Advisory Board should be a part of the solution to offer recommendations on how to keep those services and resources current and high-quality. I am pleased that the House Small Business Committee passed my legislation today, and I look forward to its swift passage in the House of Representatives.”

“SBDCs have a proven track record of getting small businesses off the ground and keeping them running — particularly in Maine, where small businesses represent 99% of all businesses,” said Rep. Golden. “The professionals operating them have valuable insights to offer Congress, and giving them a means to communicate this feedback is just common sense.”

The National SBDC Advisory Board advises the Small Business Administration’s Associate Administrator for Small Business Development Centers. It consists of nine members serving in a representative capacity, and all members must be either a small business owner, from academia, or familiar with small business challenges and opportunities.

Click hereto view the full text of the legislation.

H.R.7129, the Put America on Commission Act, which would incentivize the public to come forward with credible tips on pandemic loan fraud evidence, and which Rep. Mann also cosponsors, also passed unanimously.

Rep. Mann represents the First Congressional District of Kansas. The Big First District is home to more than 200,000 small businesses, and more than 80% of employees in the district are employed by small businesses. There are five SBDCs in the Big First District – Liberal, Dodge City, Hays, Manhattan, and Lawrence, each in partnership with a college or university.

Click here to view Rep. Mann’s Commitment to the Big First.

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