ACR 48, which designated May as “Start a Small Business Month” and highlights economic policies that encourage the success of small businesses in California was voted down by the Assembly Committee on Jobs, Economic Development and The Economy on a party line vote of 3-6, with all Republicans voting “Aye”.

As a small business owner, I can easily relate to the struggles and accomplishments that small businesses encounter in California. This Resolution was intended to encourage and commemorate the entrepreneurial spirit and promote promising new businesses in our state.

ACR 48 highlighted policies that small businesses need, such as low taxes, reduced regulations, and a stable business climate to encourage investment in job creating companies. It also outlined policies that burden small businesses, such as the high threat of litigation under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the need for further workers’ compensation reform as evidenced by the bill package signed by the Governor in 2012, and California’s high tax burden on businesses.

California is home to the most innovative and competitive firms in the world, placing the state consistently among the top-10 global economies. There are approximately 3.5 million small businesses in California, which account for 99 percent of the state’s employers and employ 52 percent of the workforce. However, according to a 2012 report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics California had 855,200 fewer private-sector jobs than the previous year.

It is extremely important to encourage the entrepreneurial pursuit and job creators in California. The sound economic principles contained in ACR 48 promote small business entrepreneurs, who are the backbone of our economy. We should honor the hard working men and women in California and work together to better the business climate in our state.