Small businesses make up a significant sector of our economy.  The estimated 25 million small businesses in this nation bring new and innovative services and products to the marketplace and provide business ownership opportunities to diverse and traditionally underrepresented groups.  According to the Small Business Administration, small firms create two out of every three new jobs in America.  In fact, small businesses employ 54 percent of the national work force, and the men and women who own small businesses represent over 99 percent of all employers.  

Many cutting-edge technologies which have become a part of our daily lives are the product of small business innovation.  From the zipper and quick-frozen food, to the personal computer and high-resolution x-ray microscopes, small businesses have been a major force in shaping the last half century.  In fact, it is estimated that small firms produce twice as many innovations per employee as large firms.  Although small businesses receive a low percentage of federal research and development funds, they are responsible for a larger percentage of patents than big companies.  

I urge my colleagues to join me and the 35 original bipartisan cosponsors of this resolution in honoring the real engine of our nation’s economy by supporting the issuance of a postage stamp in commemoration of America’s small businesses.  

Thank you.