Summary: This bill requires the Small Business Administration to report on the costs and potential benefits of establishing a successor to the Office of Rural Affairs. (Cosponsors)
ANGIE CRAIG’S POSITION: Representative Craig co-sponsored the bill on 07/16/20.
STATUS: Introduced 5/09/19 by Rep. Cox, TJ [D-CA-21
INFORMATION RELATED TO THE BILL:
-
Today, Congressman TJ Cox (D-CA) introduced legislation that would study why the Office of Rural Affairs within the Small Business Administration (SBA) was dismantled. The bill would require the SBA to submit a report to Congress answering key questions explaining why the office no longer exists and the potential benefits in creating a successor to the office. Congressman Cox partnered with House Small Business Vice Ranking Member, Congresswoman Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen (R-AS) and Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (D-IA) to introduce the legislation.
“I’m proud to introduce legislation that aims to bring more access and opportunity for our Valley’s small businesses during Small Business Week. America’s rural small businesses deserve the same support and services provided to urban small businesses,” said Congressman TJ Cox. “It’s critical for our economy that we address and question the elimination of the Office of Rural Affairs, an office which has the potential of helping grow and strengthen rural America’s small businesses.”
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 60 million Americans live in rural America. Small businesses employ more individuals in rural areas than any other type of business. The Office of Rural Affairs was originally established to do the following:
- Assist small businesses in applying for financial assistance available through SBA;
- Keep track of annual statistics in rural areas, including population, poverty, job creation, and unemployment numbers;
- Provide information to industries, organizations, and state and local governments about assistance available to rural small businesses;
- Improve the economic opportunities of rural citizens through programs administered by private organizations, educational institutions, and federal, state, and local governments;
- Work with the U.S. Tourism and Travel Administration to assist small businesses in rural areas with tourism promotion and development.
(Source: Rep. TJ Cox Press Release, 05/09/19
ADDITIONAL DETAIL:
Link to the text of the bill.
Link to bill information (support and opposition) on Countable.
Link to bill information on GovTrack.