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News from Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin
For Immediate Release
Contact: Chip Weiskotten, 202-226-8553

HERSETH SANDLIN SUPPORTS KEY LEGISLATION FOR
SOUTH DAKOTA SMALL BUSINESSES

June 20, 2007, Washington, D.C. – The U.S. House of Representatives has passed four important bills to assist and encourage small business owners in South Dakota and across the country. Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin supported each of the measures, which passed with bipartisan support. They contain specific provisions to aid entrepreneurs, including Native Americans, women and others who own or are starting small businesses, through the Small Business Administration (SBA). The legislative package includes:

• HR 2359, SBA Entrepreneurial Development Programs Act – expands the role of Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), targeting the most pressing economic challenges facing entrepreneurs today, from the rising costs of healthcare and energy, to coping with regulatory burdens. South Dakota has a lead SBDC, located at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, as well as six regional offices throughout the state.
• HR 2366, SBA Veterans' Programs Act – creates additional Veterans Business Outreach Centers and offers business development services targeted to veterans.
• HR 2284, to enhance assistance provided by SBDCs to Native Americans – creates a customized program to provide outreach and technical assistance to Native American entrepreneurs.
• HR 2397, SBA Women's Business Programs Act – expands the Women Business Centers’ reach across the U.S., and increases services in underserved communities. The legislation dedicates resources to strengthen centers and ensure stability in the program.

Rep. Herseth Sandlin said, “Small businesses are the economic engine that drives rural America. The jobs that come as a result of entrepreneurship and small businesses are vital to many of our smaller and medium-sized communities. In addition, I welcome the opportunity to expand small business opportunities for groups like women and Native Americans as we continue to grow our economy in South Dakota.”

HR 2359, the SBA Entrepreneurial Development Programs Act, has won the strong support of the National Federation of Independent Business.

# # #

Congresswoman Stephanie Herseth Sandlin serves South Dakota in the U.S. House of Representatives. She is a member of the Blue Dog Coalition, a group of moderate Democrats committed to fiscal discipline and strong national security, and is co-chair of the Rural Working Group, which is dedicated to raising the profile of issues important to rural America. She also serves on three committees vital to South Dakota’s interests: Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs and Natural Resources. In the 110th Congress, Rep. Herseth Sandlin was appointed to serve on the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming.