Congresswoman Jean Schmidt recently received the Guardian of Small Business award from the National Federation of Independent Business, which cited her outstanding voting record on behalf of America’s small-business owners.

“The record shows that Representative Schmidt is a true champion of small business, having stood strong on the key small-business votes in the 112th Congress,” said Dan Danner, president and CEO of the federation.

“This award reflects our members’ appreciation for supporting the NFIB pro-growth agenda for small business,” Danner added. The owners of small businesses “pay close attention to how their lawmakers vote on the issues affecting their businesses and employees, and stand by those who stand for them.”

Congresswoman Schmidt said she was honored to receive the award, which was presented to her in Washington, D.C., earlier this month.

“I’ve helped manage a family business, so I recognize the challenges that small-business owners face and the important role they play in providing jobs in Ohio’s Second Congressional District,” Congresswoman Schmidt said.

Congresswoman Schmidt recently co-sponsored bills designed to reduce federal regulations on businesses, including the Entrepreneur Access to Capital Act, which makes it easier for small businesses to borrow money and create jobs. She also hosted the Start-Up Summit in Clermont County last fall, which brought together more than 200 people interested in learning how to launch and expand a small business.