Transcript Highlights:

• relief funds for<00:14:07.080><c> small</c><00:14:07.400><c> business</c><00:14:07.880><c> owners.
• </c> for small business owners. for small business owners.
• Small businesses and community organizations need relief to recover and stand back up.
• Small businesses and community organizations need relief to recover and stand back up.
• Uh, the grants are between $5,000 and $25,000 in relief to small businesses.

Bills: HF4477

Keywords: Minnesota business recovery loan program, small business loan, zero-interest loan, forgivable loan, business recovery, economic development, small business emergency loan account, Minnesota Initiative Foundations, nonprofit lenders, greater Minnesota, Twin Cities metro, seven-county metropolitan area, immigration enforcement, business interruption, revenue loss, job preservation, business stabilization, state appropriation, forward fund, loan forgiveness

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• true small businesses.
• Exempt the first $25,000 of small business profit from federal income tax to deliver immediate relief
• We as small business, truly small businesses, don't have the negotiating power that a large business
• Business Administration which which helps the federal relief efforts for our small businesses hit with
• I have a my wife is a small business owner but she's like most small business owners 81 percent a small

Keywords: joint hearing, small business, Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, economic recovery, tax relief, job creation

Summary: In this joint hearing of the House Committee on Small Business and the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, the primary focus was on the importance of making the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA) permanent. The chair emphasized that small businesses are crucial for the nation's economic recovery, especially in the wake of current federal policies perceived as detrimental. Witnesses shared their experiences and highlighted how the tax cuts facilitated job creation and business expansion, stressing the need for continued support through ongoing tax relief measures. The meeting included discussions about the economic implications of the TCJA's potential expiration, with members voicing their concerns regarding how this could impact small businesses and the broader economy.

Bills: SB138, SB166, SB117

Keywords: franchise, franchisor, franchisee, religious freedom, religious accommodation, sincerely held belief, Sunday closing, Sabbath, day of worship, contract law, commercial contracts, renewal, amendment, brand standards, small business, business hours, civil penalties, injunctive relief, attorney fees, Alabama

Transcript Highlights:

• We represent over 20,000 small business owners here in Texas.
• I have many of these small business owners who are impacted by natural disasters.
• Small businesses need an injection of capital to get them through.
• This bill will help small businesses have access to capital so they can cover crucial expenses.
• On behalf of our small businesses, I would ask for your favorable consideration.

Bills: SB1361, SB2105, SB2690, SB2713, SCR38, SB2637, SB2881

Keywords: SB 1361, Texas disaster recovery loan, small business loan, micro-business loan, community development financial institution, CDFI, economic disaster assistance, post-disaster financing, business recovery fund, Texas Economic Development Bank, zero-interest loan, working capital, payroll support, health benefits, job retention, declared disaster, small business relief, microenterprise, franchise exclusion, private equity-backed business

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• the chair recognized the Gent business the chair recognized the Gent business the chair recognized the
• her masters of Business earned her masters of Business earned her masters of Business Administration
• business received the Jesse Lewis small business received the Jesse Lewis small business advocate of
• small percentage of a very small small percentage of a very small small percentage of additional available
• we need to show we mean business we need to show we mean business we need to show we mean business and

Bills: HB 9, HB 22, HB 908, HB 1392

Keywords: property tax, ad valorem tax, tangible personal property, income-producing property, business personal property, tax exemption, local government finance, appraisal district, chief appraiser, rendition statement, property tax relief, small business, commercial property, leased property, related business entity, unified business enterprise, tax situs, Texas Tax Code, local taxing unit, constitutional amendment

Transcript Highlights:

• their families, their health, their homes, and lives that they may be unburdened to do the people's business
• failsafe that your bill contains that the electronic transmittal of that notice would be within business
• I understand the balancing acts of having landlords and business people be protected but also making
• The bill itself, which is bigger than the small amendment, provides a requirement that anybody out there
• Not the small business owners in Ocala who rallied behind the tax relief amendments.

Bills: HB 9, HB 22, HB 908, HB 1392

Keywords: property tax, ad valorem tax, tangible personal property, income-producing property, business personal property, tax exemption, local government finance, appraisal district, chief appraiser, rendition statement, property tax relief, small business, commercial property, leased property, related business entity, unified business enterprise, tax situs, Texas Tax Code, local taxing unit, constitutional amendment

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• Because of important business in the district on motion of mr.
• Garen moves to defer the reading and referral of bills until the end of today's business.
• Small businesses, vibrant communities, and deep connections to the community.
• Whether it's students excelling in our public schools, families opening new small businesses, or neighbors
• definition. of a historically underutilized business for purposes of state contracting.

Bills: HB9, HB22, HB908, HB1392

Keywords: property tax, ad valorem tax, tangible personal property, income-producing property, business personal property, tax exemption, local government finance, appraisal district, chief appraiser, rendition statement, property tax relief, small business, commercial property, leased property, related business entity, unified business enterprise, tax situs, Texas Tax Code, local taxing unit, constitutional amendment

Transcript Highlights:

• I call the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship to order.
• The Senate created this committee to help all small businesses compete with larger firms.
• business owners and homeowners who have utilized SBA programs. of small business owners and homeowners
• all small businesses, not just a select few.
• What I do know is that a significant percent of businesses in Nevada are small businesses, and they have

Bills: SB298, SB300, SB371

Keywords: employee relocation, headquarters, Small Business Administration, Washington metropolitan area, telework, cost reduction, rural markets, geographic diversity, disaster loans, accountability, reporting, loan forgiveness, federal funding, SBA reforms, small business, disaster assistance, transparency, report publication, government accountability

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• where small and medium-sized businesses cannot do that.
• But ultimately, this is a small business engagement tour.
• So the small business priorities are a little bit different than, say, big business.
• small business, it's more service-oriented.
• We talk to business leaders. We talk to small business leaders. We're talking to them continuously.

Bills: HB2754

Keywords: Arizona Commerce Authority, business development, economic growth, small business support, job creation, Board of Directors, e-verify, grant administration, 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Like I, I do business in some villages and towns and municipalities that are smaller, and they meet once
• Is there any further business for the committee to address?

Bills: HB164

Keywords: HB 164, HB164, Texas Flood Recovery, Reimbursement, and Reconstruction Program, Texas Division of Emergency Management, TDEM, Hill Country floods, July 2025 floods, flood recovery, disaster relief, flood reimbursement, reconstruction grants, resiliency standards, floodplain, base flood elevation, FEMA, Federal Emergency Management Agency, insurance denial, property damage, tenant assistance, rental property

Transcript Highlights:

• relief to 20,000 additional small businesses.
• as many as 20,000 new small businesses.
• So if you're a small business, we're a small business.
• This is a good, important cost-of-doing-business cut for our small businesses on Main Streets.
• For many small businesses, it’s...

Bills: H5386

Keywords: economic development, innovation, investment, housing, small business, global trade, infrastructure, 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Small Business Administration is intended to support small businesses by providing capital, contracts
• Mulligan also owns two small businesses. Dr.
• Two of my sisters currently run a small business today, and I have owned and operated two small businesses
• Mulligan, letters from the National Small Business Association, Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council
• Start a small business ecosystem.

Keywords: SBA, small business, nominations, Bill Briggs, Casey Mulligan, regulations, capital access, public support

Summary: The Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship convened to consider the nominations of Bill Briggs for Deputy Administrator of the SBA and Dr. Casey Mulligan for Chief Counsel for Advocacy. The discussions highlighted the critical role of the SBA in promoting small businesses, with emphasis on overcoming challenges posed by excessive regulations and the need for improved access to capital. Several committee members expressed their concerns over recent layoffs within the SBA and the closure of district offices, which they believe undermine support for small businesses across the nation. The committee meeting saw extensive dialogue about the implications of regulations on small business operations and how the nominees plan to address these issues if confirmed. Public support for the nominees was acknowledged through letters from various stakeholders who advocate for small business interests.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:01:09.040><c> The</c> representing Minnesota business. The representing Minnesota business.
• That's the end of the business for today.
• That's the end of the business for today.
• </c><00:07:42.000><c> for</c> that's the end of the business for that's the end of the business for today
• ><00:08:03.360><c> this</c> being no further business, this being no further business, this committee

Bills: SF1832

Keywords: economic development, small business, workforce training, grants, entrepreneurship, equity, community support, 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We need to grow those and take advantage of small businesses as well.
• Within the Small Business Office, within the Industrial-Based Policy Office, there's a program called
• As I formally founded and ran and sold multiple small business businesses, I know the pain of difficulty
• I want to move on to small business defense production because Mr.
• Policies, priorities, and a focus on small business.

Keywords: defense industrial base, small business, workforce development, acquisition processes, national security, cybersecurity, critical minerals

Summary: The meeting of the committee revolved around critical discussions on enhancing the defense industrial base, focusing on small business engagement and the importance of streamlined processes in defense contracting. There was a significant emphasis on the need for more investment in the defense manufacturing sector, particularly in the face of competition from countries like China. Some members expressed frustration over the treatment of small businesses, citing barriers that prevent these innovative companies from effectively participating in defense contracts. The need for a workforce capable of meeting the common challenges posed by evolving technologies and geopolitical threats was also highlighted throughout the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• For decades, the Small Business Innovation Research Program, or SBIR, and the Small Business Technology
• and small business owners.
• in Nevada are small businesses.
• The Small Business Technology Council.
• Rothside, every day I hear from small businesses in North Carolina, particularly small businesses with

Keywords: SBIR, STTR, Innovate Act, small business, innovation, legislative reforms, economic growth, funding, technology transfer

Summary: The meeting focused on the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Programs (SBIR-STTR), emphasizing the critical reforms necessary to enhance their effectiveness. Chair Ernst introduced the Innovate Act to streamline processes, ensuring funding is awarded based on merit and addressing existing abuses within the system. The discussion was robust, with numerous members expressing concerns about phase transitions and the need for targeted funding to support impactful technological innovations. The conversation also highlighted the program's importance in fostering economic growth, particularly for small businesses in rural areas, and the urgency for legislative changes as the program's authorization approaches expiration.

Transcript Highlights:

• across the state, especially many small businesses within each of our districts.
• of our small business owners desperately need.
• Oh, for small businesses, to say?
• And this bill helps... those small businesses, ensure that they can continue to operate those small businesses
• . to our small business owners and families in our communities.

Bills: HJR1, HJR2, HB9, HB22, HB908, HB1392, HB195, HB 13, HB143, HB135, HJR1, HJR2, HB9, HB22, HB908, HB1392

Keywords: constitutional amendment, property tax, ad valorem tax, tax exemption, tangible personal property, income-producing property, business personal property, equipment exemption, machinery, local government finance, school district revenue, county taxes, Texas Constitution, Article VIII, tax relief, commercial property, death tax, inheritance tax, estate tax, property transfer

Transcript Highlights:

• . small business owners.
• The program makes small-dollar loans with a focus on reaching undisturbed small business owners.
• Bank to assist businesses across Arkansas with 7A and other small business loans.
• Business Outreach Centers, Small Business Development Centers, business centers and the like.
• I got an extraordinary note from a small business owner.

Keywords: SBA, 7A loan program, underwriting standards, loan defaults, Community Advantage Program, small business funding, testimony

Summary: The committee meeting focused on discussions regarding the SBA's 7A loan program and its implementation challenges. Members raised significant concerns about recent changes to the underwriting standards, which have been criticized for leading to an increase in loan defaults. Ranking members expressed a desire for a return to stronger guidelines to protect taxpayers and ensure the program remains a viable source for small businesses struggling to secure funding. Testimonies from community lenders highlighted their efforts to support underserved communities and stressed the importance of the Community Advantage Program.

Transcript Highlights:

• worked very closely together and collaboratively in many ways, but found there were just a couple small
• </c><00:03:02.000><c> just</c><00:03:02.159><c> a</c><00:03:02.319><c> couple</c><00:03:02.480><c> small
• </c><00:03:02.640><c> issues</c> there were just a couple small issues there were just a couple small
• And again, there's other business mandates that have need to be worked on and maybe in other areas, not
• And again, there's other business mandates that have need to be worked on and maybe in other areas, not

Bills: SF1832, HF2440

Keywords: economic development, small business, workforce training, grants, entrepreneurship, equity, community support, labor market, employment, funding, data analysis, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:13:35.760><c> and</c> support for our local businesses and support for our local businesses and
• ,</c> Industries, Department of Business, Industries, Department of Business, Economic<00:15:20.880><
• </c> disclaimer could be in the business disclaimer could be in the business registration<00:20:44.400
• </c><00:30:39.679><c> um</c> being paid out are relatively small um being paid out are relatively small
• </c> hopefully make it easier for the relief hopefully make it easier for the relief to<00:48:13.680>

Bills: HB2410, HB2235, HB1904, HB2201, HB2349, HB1972, HB2007, HB2385, HB2444, HB2391, HB2575

Keywords: Hawaii Technology Development Corporation, economic diversification, small business, innovation, manufacturing assistance, grants, technology programs, advanced manufacturing, military, community relations, economic development, defense-related programs, workforce development, local business readiness, in-state manufacturing, federal investment, space operations, orbital sustainability, aerospace, space traffic management

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures, beginning with HB 2410 relating to the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation. Testifiers from HTDC and the Hawaii Food Industry Association stood on written testimony, and members discussed the funding request, which was described as $1 million each for three programs, for a total of $3 million. The measure appeared to have broad support, with no opposition noted. The committee then took up HB 2235 HD1 on the military and community relations office, where Lori Moore of MACC asked for additional funding to support local businesses and education-to-career initiatives statewide. Members asked about the amount, and the request was identified as $1.3 million total. HB 904 on space operations followed, with three supporters and one opponent, though no substantive testimony was captured beyond the vote counts. HB 2201 on state enterprise zones drew testimony from Georgia Skinner of DBEDT’s Creative Industries division, who said the measure would build on a well-run enterprise zone program and help make Hawaii’s film industry more competitive. Tom Yamashita of the Tax Foundation also provided comments. The committee then considered HB 2349 relating to DCCA and DBEDT coordination; DCCA explained it already provides links and information to DBEDT programs, while DBEDT argued that direct data sharing would allow more proactive outreach. Members raised privacy and cost concerns, and DBEDT said it would consider opt-in collection and acknowledged system changes and possible funding needs. The committee also heard two tax credit bills. HB 1972 HD1, on a caregiver tax credit, received strong support from AARP, the Hawaii Public Health Institute, the Hawaii Children’s Action Network, and others, who described caregivers as an “invisible workforce” and argued the credit would help families keep loved ones at home and reduce financial strain. The Tax Foundation suggested a grant or subsidy program might be more efficient than a tax credit and raised concerns about debarment provisions. HB 20007 HD1, on the household and dependent care services tax credit, also drew strong support from public health and family advocacy groups, who said Hawaii families face some of the nation’s highest child care costs and that the bill would better reflect current expenses; the Tax Foundation again raised technical concerns about complexity and debarment. Members asked about fiscal impacts, and testimony indicated the current credit costs about $6 million, with the bill expected to increase that amount. The committee then moved on to HB 2385 HD1 on housing, where the Deputy Attorney General began presenting written comments on whether the bill limits county authority.

Bills: HB2583, HB1591, HB1749, HB2423

Keywords: HB2583, Hawaii Micro-Lending Credit Enhancement Program, DBEDT, Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, micro-loan, microloan, small business lending, small business financing, loan loss reserve, first-loss reserve, credit enhancement, partial guarantee, risk-sharing, community development financial institution, CDFI, working capital, inventory financing, equipment financing, leasehold improvements, startup loans

Summary: The joint Ways and Means and Consumer Protection meeting was a decision-making session on a series of House bills, with no oral testimony taken. The committees first acted on HB 2583, recommending passage on amended, and HB 1591, recommending passage with amendments related to health care. They also recommended passage on amended for HB 1749 on cesspools and HB 2423 on biodiesel, with each recommendation adopted by the members present. The committees then considered a second agenda block that included HB 2080, HB 1520, HB 1576, HB 1711, HB 1785, HB 1802, HB 1838, HB 1842, HB 1853, HB 1976, HB 2104, HB 2218, HB 2246, HB 2270, HB 2289, HB 2361, HB 2551, and HB 2606. Most were recommended for passage unamended and adopted without objection. HB 1520 was deferred because the Senate bill had already crossed over. HB 1711 was amended to replace the option period established by the corporation with a period of up to 10 years. HB 2289 was amended to remove repeal of a ceiling and set a $1 million expenditure ceiling for the automated victim information and notification system special fund. Several members noted reservations on HB 1842, which involved transfer of the Westridge parcel near a rail station; concerns were raised about the property’s value, the long-term lease status, and whether the city would actually accept or pursue the transfer. HB 1853 was passed unamended, with the committee noting the Lions Association had suggestions that could be addressed later in conference. HB 2218 was passed unamended while adopting DLNR testimony to clarify collaboration with community groups in stewarding public lands and recreational areas. In each case, the stated recommendations were adopted, often with members voting no with reservation rather than in opposition.