WASHINGTON, DC- The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the nation’s leading small business association, has named U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren (IL-14) a Guardian of Small Business for his outstanding voting record on behalf of America’s small-business owners in the 112^th Congress.

NFIB President and CEO Dan Danner praised Rep. Hultgren for “standing for small business.” In presenting the group’s coveted award, Danner said, “Small-business owners pay close attention to how their lawmakers vote on the issues affecting their businesses and employees and stand by those who stand for them.”

“The record shows that Rep. Hultgren is a true champion of small business, having stood strong on the key small-business votes in the 112^th Congress,” said Danner. “This award reflects our members’ appreciation for supporting the NFIB pro-growth agenda for small business.”

In all, NFIB presented Guardian awards to 245 representatives who voted favorably on key small business issues at least 70 percent of the time during the 112^th Congress. Hultgren was one of only five members of the Illinois delegation to receive a 100% on the latest NFIB Key Vote Report. Rep. Adam Kinzinger (IL-11), Rep. Don Manzullo (IL-16), Rep. Bobby Schilling (IL-17) and Rep. John Shimkus (IL-19) also received 100% scores.

According to the Small Business Administration, small firms generated 65 percent of net new jobs over the past 17 years.

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