Non-discrimination

On March 11, Public Policy Director Awesta Sarkash sent a letter of support to the Tennessee Senate Committee on Commerce and Labor in support of HB 1859, legislation which would remove barriers to licensed occupations for those with prior criminal records. This is a critical proposal that will help support aspiring entrepreneurs and workers with criminal records to access the licenses they need to be successful in the workforce or launch their own businesses.

Today, Small Business Majority Colorado Director Lindsey Vigoda testified before the Colorado House Business Affairs and Labor Committee in support of House Bill 24-1004, legislation concerning justice-impacted individuals’ ability to receive authorization to work in state-regulated occupations. This is a significant proposal that will help support aspiring entrepreneurs and workers with previous criminal records, as they start and work at small businesses, increasing their economic opportunities and independence. 

Today, Public Policy Director, Awesta Sarkash, submitted a letter of support to Pennsylvania's House Judiciary Committee for HB 689, legislation that would expand Pennsylvania’s Clean Slate laws and ensure people who have served their time get at second chance. With small businesses facing an acute labor shortage and 1 in 3 American adults having some form of criminal or arrest record, there are major opportunities to change barriers to employment that would benefit the small business ecosystem. 

On February 22, Small Business Majority's Georgia Director Rachel Shanklin submitted a letter to the House Committee on Judiciary Non-Civil Committee in support of HB 334, legislation that will expand record clearing, which will in turn increase workforce opportunities for Georgia small businesses.

On February 22, Small Business Majority's Georgia Director Rachel Shanklin submitted a letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee in support of of SB 157, legislation that will give Georgians a fair chance and help expand our state’s skilled workforce by making it easier for entrepreneurs and jobseekers to obtain occupational licenses.

Today, Tierra Henderson submitted written testimony to the House Committee on Labor and Commerce in support of HB 2332, which would establish a reinsurance program in Virginia. For Tierra, and other self-employed individuals, reinsurance programs help stabilize costs in the individual marketplace. HB 2332 is an important step forward for small businesses. 

Today, Small Business Majority submitted a letter regarding the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's proposals under consideration for the implementation of Dodd Frank Section 1071. Successful implementation of Section 2071 would ameliorate the systemic barriers that women business owners and entrepreneurs of color face when attempting to access capital to start, grow and sustain their enterprises.