Opportunities for Small Businesses
A Note from Congressman Carson
Dear Friend,
Next week, I'll join Ann P. Kalayil, Regional Administrator for the Government Services Administration (GSA), for a workshop in Indianapolis to discuss opportunities for local small businesses to work with the federal government. More than 100 people have signed up to attend, and I'm looking forward to a great conversation.
I don't have to tell you how important small businesses are to our economy and our community. You see the hard work of small business owners and employees each day across our city.
The American entrepreneurial spirit drives millions of hard-working and innovative individuals to start small businesses each year. There are 23 million small businesses in America that employ approximately 55 percent of workers and account for 54 percent of all U.S. sales. Tens of thousands of Indianapolis residents own or work for businesses with fewer than 20 employees.
As Ranking Member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management, I am working to ensure that small businesses have equal access to government contracting opportunities. That's why I'm hosting the event next week with GSA, and I'll be drafting legislation in the coming months to provide even more opportunities for small businesses.
My district office is here to help Hoosier entrepreneurs looking to start or grow their businesses. These jobs are vital to our economy and our community, and we want to make sure you have the tools you need to succeed.
Regards,
André
Inside Scoop
EQUAL PAY FOR EQUAL WORK
On April 8, the nation commemorated Equal Pay Day. Unfortunately, despite the passage of the Equal Pay act in 1963, women today are paid on average only 77 percent of what men are paid. For women of color, that gap is much wider: African-American women on average earn only 64 cents, and Latinas on average earn only 55 cents for every dollar earned by non-Hispanic white males.
The Paycheck Fairness Act is a central pillar of the House Democrats' When Women Succeed, America Succeeds: An Economic Agenda for Women and Families. The bill strengthens and closes loopholes in the 1963 Equal Pay Act. It provides effective remedies to women who are not being paid equal pay for equal work. We must make good on the promises made to female workers back in 1963 by closing the wage gap today.
A BUDGET THAT LEAVES BEHIND THE MIDDLE CLASS
This week, House Republicans voted to pass a budget that would cause the loss of three million American jobs in 2016 and raise taxes on middle class families with children by more than $2,000. For a fourth consecutive year, the GOP plan would end the Medicare guarantee and raise health care costs for seniors, and it would increase college costs while cutting funding for K-12 education and nutrition benefits for children. Meanwhile, Democrats continue to fight to expand opportunity for all Americans, with initiatives to grow the economy, create more jobs, and strengthen the middle class.
AN EVENING WITH GENERAL POWELL
On April 11, I attended a Steward Speaker Series event featuring four-star Gen. Colin Powell (ret.) in Downtown Indianapolis. It was a pleasure to speak at the event and to hear from Gen. Powell.
VOTING: OUR PRIVILEGE AND RESPONSIBILITY
One of the greatest privileges of being an American citizen is the opportunity to voice your opinion through the electoral process. The 2014 primary election is next month, and you might be wondering where and when you can vote.
Below are important dates for Indiana voters:
Today through 12 pm on May 5, 2014 – Early Voting at Marion County Clerk's Office
May 6, 2014 – Primary Election Day
May 20, 2014 – Voter Registration Begins
October 6, 2014 – Voter Registration Ends
November 4, 2014 – General Election Day