Leader Atkins and Senator Rubio Author Resolution Proclaiming May as Small Business Month
SACRAMENTO – California Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) and Senator Susan Rubio (D-Baldwin Park) authored a resolution taken up today on the Senate Floor declaring May as Small Business Month.
“Small businesses are critical to the economic well-being of this state,” Senate Leader Atkins said. “These small businesses represent an overwhelming share of California’s workforce, employing more than 7 million people and generating billions of dollars for California’s economy. They also help define the unique character of our diverse communities.”
“Small businesses are the economic engine in our local communities. They generate about half of all jobs in California, allowing entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds to earn a living and contribute to our Golden State,” Senator Rubio said. “Small businesses are an integral part of our state and local economies, and we need to help them thrive, which is why I’m proud to be a joint-author with Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins on SCR 47.”
California is home to the most innovative and competitive firms in the world, which have contributed significantly to California’s ranking as the fifth largest economy in the world. Small businesses embody the entrepreneurial spirit that has driven the economy of our state, where more than half of our private-sector workforce is employed by small businesses. In 2018, there were more than 3.9 million small businesses in this state, and those that exported goods generated 43 percent of the state’s $152 billion in total exports.
Further, a growing number of small business are being started and owned by women, people of color, and immigrants. In 2018, it was estimated that 1.6 million small businesses were minority-owned.
“I join Governor Gavin Newsom in reaffirming our commitment to California’s small businesses to help them thrive and prosper,” Leader Atkins continued.
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Senator Rubio introducing Senate Concurrent Resolution 47 on the Senate Floor
Leader Atkins offers support for Senate Concurrent Resolution 47